One Wild Night (Hollywood Chronicles #1)(26)

“Holy shit,” she mumbles, brushing her hair out of her face. “Kenneth was right. They're just as bad here as back home.”

“Fucking animals,” I bark as the car is surrounded by flashing lights and people banging on the windows.

“Sir?” the driver says loudly, getting our attention. “Buckle up. We're going to be making a fast exit once we get our final passenger loaded.”

Poor Kenneth is loading luggage into the back of the SUV as Kendall sits quietly in the front seat, face pressed to the window, ignoring Kaylee and I in the backseat. Kaylee shoots me a look of concern, and I brush it off with a shake of my head. Kendall can be a complete bitch when things don't go exactly her way. She's pouting, and I refuse to play her games.

With the slam of a door, Kenneth slides in next to Kaylee, sandwiching her between us.

“Go!” he hollers, and the driver makes the exit he warned us about, fast and abrupt. We're not even out of the airport when Kenneth pulls his phone out and begins dolling out orders.

“Pax,” he begins. “Thursday night is the premiere. But tomorrow you have an appearance on the Graham Norton show and interviews with the BBC and a whole shitload of radio interviews. Radio will be done from your suite bright and early. Kendall will take the lead on the radio. I'll be by with a car to take you to Graham Norton immediately following.”

“Got it.” I nod.

“That leaves some downtime for you and Ms. Kaylee to explore London. I can make arrangements for dinners or shows should you wish. Just ask, and I’ll make it happen.” I can’t think of anything other than getting Kaylee naked and underneath me.

“Kaylee.” He smiles at her and rests his phone on his leg. “A stylist has been busy shopping and has an entire rack of dresses for you to try on in the suite for the premiere. Hair and make-up will be there for you as well. Everything is taken care of.”

Her eyes widen as Kenneth runs down the amenities that will be at her service. “Anything that's not there that you need, you ask me.” He side-eyes Kendall to see if she has any reservations, but she still hasn't moved, her forehead still pressed to the window in the front seat.

“I can make almost anything happen, but time is of the essence. If you need something for tonight, you need to tell me soon.” He looks at me when he says this. I’m sure he’s thinking I’m going to ask him to get me at a table at an exclusive restaurant or one of the hot nightclubs. Fuck that. Tonight, it’s all about me devouring Kaylee.

Kaylee takes a sharp breath and nods at him. “Thank you, Kenneth.” She looks genuinely relieved that she doesn’t have to worry about a damn thing.

“Pax.” Kenneth turns his attention back to me. “For the interviews, both radio and television, I think it's best to stick strictly to questions regarding the movie. Everyone has been warned to avoid personal questions, but you and I both know those arse holes never stick to script. Avoid answering personal questions at all costs. Keep this about the movie. Kaylee's been through a lot—”

“Or just answer the fucking questions, Pax. It's what you'll do anyway. I'm not sure why you bother having publicists when you don't listen to a goddamn word we say,” Kendall snaps from the front seat. Her voice is laced with venom and bitterness.

“There she is!” I blurt out, and Kaylee squeezes my hand, a silent warning to be kind. “Now that you're back with us, do you have any additional requests that Kenneth hasn't covered?”

She cocks her head and narrows her eyes, “Nope. It's all been covered.”

“Excellent. Then let's all enjoy London.” I sit back in my seat, and Kaylee visibly relaxes as the tension begins to ease in the car.

Our driver winds through the city before pulling up to The Ritz Carlton hotel where another crew of paparazzi are already camped out and waiting for us.

As we exit the vehicle, Kenneth pulls Kaylee aside to brief her on this whirlwind of a trip. I hear him telling her where she should stand during interviews, how to keep her focus and not let the flashes from cameras blind her, and most importantly how to smile at all times. Even when she's scared or worried…smile. I appreciate Kenneth providing her guidance as my mind is all over the place and Kaylee takes her crash course in publicity like a champ.

As I'm lost in my own thoughts, Kendall approaches, her lips pursed and fire in her eyes.

“There are no words to accurately describe how pissed off I am,” she seethes, keeping her voice low so as Kaylee doesn't hear. “I'm doing everything in my power to keep—”

“Just stop, Kendall!” I muster, getting in her face. She takes a step backward to move away from me. It’s rare I get aggressive with anyone, let alone Kendall, but she is fucking pissing me off. “Believe it or not, Kaylee is a good girl. She's here for the right reasons—”

“I don't care why she's here. I don't like it, and I want her gone.”

“Kendall—” my voice warns. “Don't make me choose.”

“Choose what?” she snaps.

“Between you and her…because you're not going to like who I pick.” I raise my eyebrows in warning, and her eyes narrow into thin slits. “Kendall, please don't make this difficult for me. I like Kaylee. A lot. I asked her to come with me. In fact, I begged her to come with me. She's different than the other girls.”