Rafi Reyes figures going along with a fake-dating stunt is only fair after Julian Gault saves his life. The young actor is famously cold and snotty, and Rafi's rock band is falling apart in the wake of betrayal. A shiny new romance might be just what both their reputations need. It's too bad they don't actually like each other, but they'll both benefit -- a softer public image for Julian, revenge against his ex for Rafi.<br><br>But as they navigate public events, attend red-carpet premieres, and play cat-and-mouse with paparazzi together, Rafi gets to know a different Julian than he expected -- one who defends horses, takes care of his troubled cousin, and has Rafi's back against his dysfunctional family. Rafi starts to hope he and Julian have something real together.<br><br>But Julian has secrets more painful than Rafi can imagine. With Julian's powerful and controlling uncle scheming to turn them against each other, their relationship must become something much deeper if it -- and possibly either of them -- are to survive.

Star Bright

“I want to speak with Aaron alone,” Julian said. “I think he might prefer that too.”


Another hesitant nod from Aaron. Looking pained, Tasha kissed his forehead, then reluctantly disentangled from him and stepped into the next room to use the phone.


Rafi moved toward the door, only for Julian’s voice to stop him.


“I’d prefer for Rafael to stay, if you don’t mind.”


“Sure,” Aaron said dully. “It doesn’t matter.”


No surprise that Aaron didn't care what Rafi knew, as opposed to Tasha, but—Julian wanted him to stay? He’d pulled up a chair to the side of the bed, and sat as regal there as ever, tank top and all. Yet his eyes, when he looked up at Rafi, did not match that body language. Julian was shaken, and didn’t want to be left alone with this frightened boy.


Rafi pulled up a second chair, sitting close enough to Julian for their knees to touch. Julian let them.


“All right, Aaron,” Julian said. “You wanted to talk to me. Why?”


Chapter 83