I smiled like it was no big deal, like I didn’t need the validation anymore, but the truth was, I’d been nervous like it was my first film knowing she was in that room watching it.

“Thanks. I promise to give you more romance and fewer explosions with my next movie.”

She almost smiled.

I was in fucking knots around this woman. This month needed to go quickly for the sake of my sanity.

Asha stopped at the table and leaned in close to us. “There’s a reporter here from every major entertainment outlet and most of the blogs. Could you two give me a little PDA instead of sitting like you can’t stand each other? Thanks!”

When she darted away, I hesitated, wondering how to bridge the gap between us.

Elena purred, “Scared, Mr. Chase? I would say I don’t bite, but we’d both know I’d be lying.”

I scooted my chair closer, fighting a groan when she snaked an arm around my back, lazily dragging her fingernails up and down.

When I reached over and tried to take her hand, she guided me to her knee instead. It was fascinating that she always acted like holding hands was more intimate than any other kind of contact.

I stroked my thumb across her invitingly soft skin. “Happy one week anniversary, by the way.”

“24 days to go,” she said, glancing up as Max approached our table.

“Max, this is Elena. Elena, this is Maximilian Gates, the directorial genius who's taking the helm of Crown of Swords.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Elena.”

She pulled away from me to shake his hand and nodded with a neutral smile.

“Looking forward to working with you again,” I said to him genuinely. He could be demanding, but he brought out the best in his actors.

“And you’re a dominatrix, Elena? How fascinating!” He was speaking to her like she was a child and it was weird.

“Thanks,” Elena said without engaging further. It could have been paranoia, but something about their interaction felt off.

I said, “I was actually going to mention that to you, Max. Would you be open to her sitting in on our table read later in the week? She and I were running lines and she had some concerns about the script from a BDSM standpoint. Elena is willing to help, but I wanted to check with you before running it by the producers.”

Max said, “Of course. Input from someone so…experienced would be great.”

“Perfect, thanks.” Elena smiled politely. She'd seemed far more excited about the idea when we’d talked about it when we were working through the script at the Chateau Marmont.

Max gave us a huge smile and said, “I’m going to grab a quick drink then sneak out of here. I’ll see you both soon. Elena, it was a pleasure to meet you!”

As soon as he was out of earshot, I quietly asked, “Do you two know each other?”

“No.”

“Is he your client or something?”