Stardust (The Starlight Trilogy #3) Page 4

  Mr. Mertz chuckled. “Oh, dear girl. Do you really think it’s that easy?”

  Beth sniffled. “What are you talking about? Of course it is. If I’m no longer your employee—”

  “What will your beloved Aidan do?”

  Beth brushed away her tears. “This has nothing to do with Aidan. He’s not under contract.”

  Mr. Mertz smirked. “I have friends in high places, Miss Sutton. If you don’t cooperate with me, I will drive Mr. Evans out of Hollywood and ensure he doesn’t get any work in New York. You said you’d sacrifice your career for his, but if you break your contract, you’ll be destroying him as well as yourself.”

  Beth’s heart stopped. Acting was an important part of Aidan’s salvation. It was his outlet for pain, his guilt. He needed it. She couldn’t take that away from him. “What do you mean by cooperate? What do you want me to do?”

  Mr. Mertz stood next to her again, bearing down on her with his beady eyes and hulking build. She trembled. Oh, why did she think she could handle him on her own?

  “Let’s just say I have a way for you to keep your contract, continue to see Aidan in secret—with the option of revealing your relationship to the public if the test items I plant in the papers after Golden Gloves’ release are received positively—and become an even bigger star than you are now.”

  Beth squared her shoulders in an effort to reestablish her assertiveness. “I don’t want to be a bigger star.” Her shaky voice betrayed her. “I’m interested in quality parts.”

  Mr. Mertz adjusted his tie. “Then you will find my proposition quite attractive. I have an epic film lined up for you after Golden Gloves is finished—an even grander affair than Gone With The Wind. Kenneth Locke will direct it. The starring role is perfect for you, and the storyline is rich in substance, as you desire. What do you say? Do you think you and I can work something out?”

  During Beth’s screen test, Mr. Locke was rude and uninspiring—the opposite of Kazan. However, if working with him meant Aidan’s career would remain safe, she would do it. But first…

  “What’s in it for you?”

  Mr. Mertz grinned. Malice shadowed his features, warning her to remain on guard. “Much will be in it for me, Miss Sutton. If you agree to my specific terms.”

  Beth frowned. Something still didn’t add up. “Under contract, I’m obligated to act in any film you assign to me, regardless of my opinion. Why would you agree to leave Aidan and me alone in exchange for my compliance with this particular project?”

  Mr. Mertz tapped his fingers on the desk. “That’s not the only stipulation if you want to save Aidan’s career.”

  Beth gulped. “I love Aidan, so I’ll do whatever it takes to help him. I’ll act in any film, conduct all the press interviews you want. Anything.”

  “Anything?” Mr. Mertz’s grin widened, transforming him into a villain straight out of a horror picture. “Now, that’s what I like to hear, Miss Sutton. Kenneth will be glad to hear it, too. I’ve made a special arrangement for him, since he is one of my top directors. He finds you very…delightful.” He dragged his fingers down her arm.

  Beth lurched away from him. How could she have been so stupid? “Is that why you agreed to allow me and Aidan to see each other in secret—so you could blackmail me?” Tears filled her eyes again. “Well, you’re mistaken. I won’t do something so immoral, so disgusting. I won’t!”

  Mr. Mertz grabbed her wrist and pinned her against the desk, blocking any chance of escape. “I need to let Kenneth know how cooperative you are firsthand before I sign you to the film officially.”

  Beth squeezed her eyes shut. “No! Don’t touch me!” She struggled to break free, but he was too strong, too unrelenting in his quest.

  His stale breath skimmed across her cheek. She gagged.

  “Don’t fight it, Miss Sutton. It’s just one kiss…”

  Beth’s eyes popped open. Method acting was about drawing inspiration from one’s true self to give an authentic performance, but there was also a symbiotic component to the relationship between performers and their characters. While Beth had channeled much of herself into Mary, Mary had taught her a lot, too—about strength, determination, and sticking up for the man she loved, even in the most harrowing circumstances.

  “I said don’t touch me!” Beth made a fist with her free hand and punched Mr. Mertz in the gut with all of her might, as Aidan had instructed her on the day she found out they would costar in Golden Gloves.

  Mr. Mertz toppled forward, sputtering profanities, trapping her against the desk more forcefully.

  She released an earsplitting scream. “Somebody help me!”

  The double doors blasted open. Mr. Mertz jumped back, providing a suitable gap between them. Nathan stood in the doorway, still and solemn.

  Beth ran toward him, sobbing all the way, her hand throbbing but intact. “Oh, thank goodness!” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Help me, please!”

  “There’s nothing to see here, boy.” Mr. Mertz straightened his suit jacket, still huffing from her attack. “Miss Sutton was just on her way back to the set.”

  “You bastard.” Nathan’s voice cracked. “How could you?”

  Beth pulled him into the reception room. “Please. Let’s go.”

  “Don’t do anything foolish, boy,” Mr. Mertz called after them.

  Nathan winced but didn’t stop walking. They bypassed Ethel, who stood behind her desk, openmouthed and pale.

  Nathan took the lead as they headed to the elevators. Beth wept on their walk to his Cadillac and throughout the drive to wherever he was taking her. She didn’t care, as long as it was far, far away from Starlight Studios.

  They ended up at her house. When Nathan parked in the driveway, Beth peered at him tentatively through her tears. Surely he would question her. Perhaps scold her. Without a word, he helped her out of the car and ushered her inside.

  Olivia met them in the foyer. Her welcoming smile vanished. “Oh, my gosh! What happened?”

  “Mr. Mertz made a pass at me and said if I didn’t obey him, Aidan’s career would be over.” Beth covered her face and cried harder. “He wanted to hand me over to Kenneth Locke and…Oh, it was awful! I tried to get away, but he was too strong. I punched him. Then Nathan arrived and—” Her legs gave out.

  Nathan picked her up and carried her into her bedroom, accompanied by Olivia. After placing her on the bed, he sat next to her. “Has Luther done anything like this to you before, Beth?”

  “I…I don’t know.” Her hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, no! You must tell Mr. Kazan where I am! He was expecting me back—”

  “Forget about Kazan.” Nathan’s jaw clenched. “Come on, Beth. Think.”

  Beth brushed away her tears. It took her a moment to calm herself well enough to answer him. “During the last meeting I had with Mr. Mertz, he placed his hand on my knee. It made me feel uncomfortable, but I figured I read too much into it, so I never mentioned it to anyone. I never thought he would—” Hysteria took hold again. “Oh, Nathan. Please don’t tell Aidan. Please! He’ll be on set at lunchtime. I must be there to greet him so he doesn’t worry.”

  “You’ve had a difficult morning. You need your rest.” Nathan’s eyes clouded with …sorrow? Yes. But something else, too. Something far more tragic. “Everything will be fine. I’ll handle it.”

  “But Aidan—”

  “Just relax.” He stroked her hair. “You’re safe now.”

  Beth settled under the covers. She wanted to move. She really did. But her eyelids grew heavy…wilted…and it wasn’t long before exhaustion dragged her into a deep sleep.

  Chapter Five

  Beth’s eyelids fluttered open. There was a rumbling noise in the distance, growing louder and louder—a powerful, familiar roar—but she couldn’t place it before it silenced abruptly. She blinked a few times against the sunlight that poured into her bedroom and caught the time displayed on the nightstand clock. Her eyebrows furrowed. Why was she at home at eleven thir
ty in the morning? She should’ve been at the studio—

  “Oh, no.” She clamped her hand over her mouth as her stomach churned with the reminder of what happened with Mr. Mertz. She felt like crying, but her reserve of tears seemed to be depleted. The studio. She needed to get back to the studio before lunch and act as if nothing happened.

  “I can’t believe you, Nathan. How could you?”

  Beth’s gaze locked on her closed bedroom door. She slipped out of bed and left her room to check what was going on.

  Nathan and Olivia stood in the corridor, glaring at each other. When they noticed her, they froze, as though they’d been caught committing a heinous crime.

  “What’s going on? I—” Beth’s eyes shot toward the front door as it flew open with such force the doorknob smashed through the drywall.

  Aidan appeared in the foyer, a grim figure with ravaged hair and wild eyes. She blanched.

  “I’m sorry, Beth.” Nathan bowed his head. “I had to tell him.”

  Aidan stalked down the hallway. Hostility radiated from every muscle, every bone in his body. Nathan and Olivia tensed. Beth could only tremble, wide-eyed and numb.

  Aidan stopped in front of her, towered over her. Instead of releasing the wrath that tightened his shoulders and gait, tears moistened his eyes, diluting his anger to sorrow. “Nate told me Mertz touched your knee during the meeting where he forced you to confess our relationship. Why didn’t you tell me?”

  Beth opened her mouth to speak, but no reply followed. She preferred him to yell at her. This devastation and self-loathing of his she was witness to—it was worse than the most hateful words or tone. She was afraid of what it meant for his recovery.

  “Damn it, Beth.” Aidan curled his hands into fists at his sides, though his gaze remained soft. “Answer me.”

  Pain drilled into her chest, spilling the life out of her. Her trembling grew violent. “I’m…I’m sorry. I didn’t think it meant anything. I had no idea it would lead to this. But don’t worry. I hit Mr. Mertz before anything could happen today. I promise. Then Nathan arrived and got me out of there.”

  The tears that had eluded her when she first woke up now poured down her face. “Even if Nathan hadn’t rescued me, I wouldn’t have allowed it to go any further. I would never, ever do such vile things with Mr. Mertz. I would’ve kept hitting him, kicked him, screamed until my voice was gone—anything to get away!”

  The sadness seeped out of Aidan’s poise, renewing the volatile stance he held when he first entered the house. “What did Mertz blackmail you with? He must’ve threatened you with something if he thought he could get away with what he attempted today.”

  “He threatened your career. Your lifeline!” Beth sputtered her reply through her sobs. “I said I would do anything to protect you, but when I realized exactly what he had in mind, I told him I wouldn’t cooperate. He persisted. I swear I had no idea he would do something like this. Or I never would’ve—”

  “This was all because of me?” Aidan’s eyes bulged. “Whether Mertz’s proposition was dirty or not, I wouldn’t want you to make any sort of deal with him, especially on my account. That’s a deal with the devil, baby. No good could ever come of that, no matter what.”

  “But if it had been something as simple as working on a film with a nasty director like Kenneth Locke, I would’ve done it.” Beth gestured to him wildly. “I told you. Mr. Mertz threatened your lifeline!”

  Aidan swayed, as though he was on the verge of collapse. “What are you talking about? Don’t you know by now? You’re my lifeline. You!”

  Beth latched on to him, crying so hysterically she struggled to catch her breath. The tears, they wouldn’t quit. They hindered her ease of speech, her stability, but she was determined to appeal to his tender side. “Please, Aidan. Let’s get out of Hollywood. We’ll leave everything behind and—”

  “I destroy everyone I love.” He gritted his teeth. And then the shaking started.

  Dread knocked the air from Beth’s lungs. She twisted his T-shirt in her hands, dug her nails into his shoulders, her love and desperation giving her a grip that was rougher than anything she’d ever used on him before. “No, that’s not true! I made the mistake, not you. I trusted Mr. Mertz, even though you warned me not to. It’s my fault. Mine.”

  “Mertz is gonna pay.” Aidan pried her off him and inched backward, his chest heaving, his jaw on lockdown.

  “No! Please let it go. We can run away together. Just you and me!” Beth’s gaze roamed all over Aidan’s face, searching for the gentle man who had carried her to bed, made love to her, and held her all night. It was in vain. His rage was too thick, impenetrable. He was a man consumed with the need for revenge, standing on the brink of eruption.

  She stumbled forward and reached for him, but it was too late. He took off down the corridor so fast she didn’t register he was gone until Olivia shrieked.

  “Nathan, you must do something!”

  Nathan stared ahead, reacting to nothing.

  Olivia shook him. “Nathan, please!”

  Still nothing.

  Panic willed Beth to take action. She charged out of the house in her bare feet. By the time she reached the driveway, Aidan was already behind the wheel of his Porsche with the engine engaged. She launched herself against the driver’s door, pawing frantically at the closed window separating them.

  “Stay with me. Please don’t go! Don’t do this!”

  Aidan changed gears. The car shot forward with a ghastly squeal of the tires and peeled off down the street. Beth scrambled after him, waving her arms in the air.

  “Aidan! Aidan!” She yelled until her voice was hoarse, refusing to accept defeat as long as he could still see her in his rearview mirror. Last spring, she had run after him as he drove away from Romanoff’s on his motorcycle, unaware of her pursuit. She was tethered to him so strongly then, and they didn’t even know each other. Now she couldn’t live without him.

  “Aidan, please!” She gasped and dropped to her knees as he turned the corner.

  Grief strangled her heart, making every breath, every cry nearly impossible. This was not how it was supposed to be. Somehow, she had to reach him before something horrible happened. But her car was parked at the studio because Nathan had driven her home…

  Nathan.

  She sprung to her feet.

  “Beth!” Olivia caught up with her. “Are you all right?”

  “We need to get to the studio right away.” Beth took Olivia’s hand and dragged her back to the house.

  Inside, Nathan stood in the exact same spot as before. Even his stoic expression remained unchanged. Beth gaped at him. She couldn’t understand it. Why would Nathan allow Aidan to leave, knowing he was going after Mr. Mertz?

  She tugged on his arm. “Come on. We must stop him!”

  Nathan hung his head and didn’t respond.

  Beth yanked on his tie and pulled him close, forcing him to look her in the eye. “Drive me or give me your keys. Either way, I’m using your Cadillac to get to the studio.”

  Nathan swallowed hard. “Fine. I’ll drive you.”

  Instead of heading for the front door, he entered the living room.

  Beth raced after him. “What are you doing?”

  He picked up the telephone receiver and spoke to the operator.

  “Nathan, we have to leave now! There’s no time for this!”

  Nathan fixed his gaze on hers. Beth shut her mouth; there was no way she’d dare say anything more. She’d always found comfort in his blue eyes. They reminded her of the ocean sprinkled by the rising sun, or the sky on the clearest summer morning. Now he looked as icy as—

  She shuddered.

  As icy as Mr. Mertz.

  “Beth, if you want to stop Aidan, we’re going to need help.” He focused on his telephone call. “Matthew, it’s Nathan. You need to get to Luther Mertz’s office immediately. It’s an emergency.”

  Chapter Six

  Aidan pulled up to the studio’s
main gates and honked his horn repeatedly. He was going to destroy Mr. Mertz—destroy the savage who hurt his beautiful little dove, who made someone so innocent, so kind, and so precious feel such fear and pain.

  “Starlight Studios security. How may I help you?”

  Aidan leaned toward the speaker box. “Open up!”

  “Who is this?”

  “It’s Aidan Evans. Now open the gates!” Aidan shifted gears as his demand was met. He slammed his foot on the gas pedal and gunned the engine, blasting through the security arm as the guard yelled after him.

  Aidan took a shortcut to Mr. Mertz’s office, using pathways forbidden to cars, honking and swearing at anyone who got in his way. He parked his Porsche at the back of the building and entered through the rear door. Lacking patience to wait for the elevator, he snuck past security and headed straight for the stairs.

  When he burst onto the sixth floor reception room, Ethel and Caroline screamed and hid behind their desks. He shoved open the double doors to Mr. Mertz’s office.

  The studio boss sat at his desk with a smug grin plastered on his face. “So you were stupid enough to come here, after all.”

  Aidan broke into a run.

  Mr. Mertz’s eyes widened. “What are you doing?”

  With a strangled cry, Aidan flew over the desk and latched on to him, sending both of them to the floor. When Aidan scrambled to his feet, he gripped Mr. Mertz’s suit jacket and hauled him up, too.

  “Unhand me, you animal!” Mr. Mertz writhed in his grasp. “Or I’ll have you and your no-talent floozy run out of Hollywood!”

  “You goddamn bastard!” Aidan shoved Mr. Mertz backward. He collided with the vast window overlooking the studio lot. “How dare you touch her!”

  “Stay away from me!” Mr. Mertz gasped in between agonizing groans.

  Aidan grabbed him again and dragged him away from the window, this time slamming him against a filing cabinet. “I’m not gonna leave until you get what you deserve.” He waved his fist in the air.