His entourage grabbed their fill, except for Kitty, who hung back. Johan ushered her in. He whispered in her ear, “You belong here.” She selected a flute of champagne and a short joint, which she tucked into her pocket. Johan took a glass, clinked it against Kitty’s, then snapped a selfie with her in front of the double staircase.

“You mind if I share?” he showed her the photo.

“Go ahead.”

He posted it to his socials and watched the likes escalate. “You’re famous already.” He clinked Kitty’s glass again. Paul Rudd stepped into the foyer behind them. Barrett’s assistant greeted him, took his photo.

“God, you’re so beautiful. I hate you!”

They walked through Barrett’s new home, full of jungle-like plants, shiny furniture, and Japanese art. The killer robot from Fall of Adam—Barrett’s sci-fi spectacular—stood sentinel in the living room, its lights flashing menacingly. There was live music outside, guests in the pool, a fire-breather on the lawn. Servers circled with rich platters balanced on their palms.

Liberty saw someone she knew and sashayed away. Thiago and Enzo were not far behind, leaving only Xander and Kitty. Her eyes shone.

“Okay,” she said, turning to Johan. “Color me impressed.”

He smiled. “You want a drink? I’m sick of champagne.”

“I want you to tell me why you brought me here.”

Johan started around the pool and toward the bar, a glittering setup of bottles, glasses, and chilled beers. Kitty and Xander followed. There were A-listers everywhere—actors, directors, musicians. Essie Elliot was onstage with the band. Jennifer Lawrence snapped photos of the fire-breather, standing close enough to shy from the heat.

“My business has expanded over the past twelve months,” Johan said, slowing so that Kitty could catch up to him. “I need good people, and people who look good. It’s rare—in my field—to find someone who’s both.”

“You don’t know me,” Kitty said. “You don’t know that I’m good.”

“I’m willing to take a chance.”

He ordered whiskeys for him and Xander, and a mojito for Kitty. They’d each taken only a sip when Barrett Lorne approached. He was jittery—high on the atmosphere. A dark V of sweat extended down the back of his shirt.

“Are we good?” he asked Johan. He didn’t so much as glance at Kitty and Xander.

“We’re good,” Johan said.

“Okay, let’s go.”

Barrett started toward the house and Johan followed, gesturing for Kitty and Xander to come with. They’d taken only half a dozen steps when Barrett stopped, shaking his head.

“No, fuck that.” His unsteady gaze passed over Kitty and Xander, then settled on Johan. “Just you.”

“They go where I go.” Johan stroked his braided beard and looked around. “Or we can do it right here, if you’d prefer.”