False Lines (Blurred Lines Volume 7) by Breena Wilde Read Free Book Online

move away toward the hallway. I glance back at Nigel. “You coming?”
    He shoots imaginary daggers, But stands and follows me. I make an extra effort to shake my ass since I know that’s where his eyes will be.
    I place my phone and briefcase on the table and turn on my computer. In one corner of what used to be Zane’s office I’ve had a coffee maker installed. It’s only used for my hot water. I flip it on and, while I’m waiting for the water, I sit. Nigel has taken a seat across the desk. I pick up the thick manuscript. “Which scene is she questioning?”
    “About damn time,” he grumbles.
    I ignore his comment, surprised by how much his demeanor has changed now that I’m his boss. When I was just the arm candy he seemed thrilled to have me around. Not any more.
    I sigh inwardly and wait while Nigel flips through the manuscript. Every page is highlighted in yellow and pink. Black ink fills up the margins. It’s obvious that, aside from the fact that it looks like the Easter Bunny barfed all over his pages, he takes this job seriously. Directing isn’t a game to him. It’s his passion. He’s talented, knows what he’s doing. He sees life through the lens of a camera. I wonder if that’s why he’s such an ass. In real life he can’t control what’s seen, how a word is spoken.
    When he gets to the page in question, he looks up. “Page eighty-six.”
    I turn to that page and browse through the dialogue. Cruze and Scarlett’s characters are speaking. They fall into bed. Then more speaking. This is a pivotal moment: it’s when Cruze’s character figures out how to defeat the evil paranormal client that’s opened a portal, allowing all supernatural creatures to wreak havoc on the world. I force down a snicker. It makes total sense. Fucking and a good woman are the keys to solving everything.
    “The dialogue seems fine. Which lines is she struggling with?”
    He rubs a hand over his nearly bald head. “Let me tell you a secret. There’s nothing wrong with the dialogue. It’s the actress. She’s insecure, a total bitch, and just wants someone else to do her job and give her all the credit.”
    I have a feeling he’s right. “So tell her that. She works for us. Make her say the lines and do it right.”
    He leans forward. “Don’t you think I’ve tried that? Trust me, I wouldn’t be here if I thought there was any other way.” He slams the manuscript shut.
    “Fine. Let’s go.” I pick up my phone and walk out of the room.
    “Where the fuck are we going?” He’s right behind me.
    I whip around, startling him. “You better start speaking to me with the respect my title demands or you’ll be the one fired.”
    He sputters. “Maybe I should quit.”
    My heart starts to race. I’ve no doubt Zane would be pissed if Nigel walked, but there’s no way I’m backing down on this prick. “Fine. If that’s what you want. Be a fucking quitter.”
    Blondes One and Two peek around the corner. I glare and they disappear.
    Nigel rolls up the script. His face is a shocking shade of purple. “Fuck it. I’ll stay. And when this film goes down in flames, I’ll be sure to say I told you so.”
    I smile, knowing I have him by the balls. “Excellent. And when it’s a raging success I’ll buy you a drink.”
    His face returns to its normal shade. Nigel barks out a harsh laugh. “Deal.”

 
     
     
     
     

     
     
    I listen to the way Cadence speaks to Nigel and can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. She’s a quick learner. I don’t know that I could’ve handled the situation any better. Of course, Nigel wouldn’t have come to me in the first place. He would’ve dealt with it himself. But I know he’s pissed at my giving Cadence my position in the company. He knows what her job title was previous to becoming my PFA. Most everyone does.
    Lincoln walks up behind me. “She’s doing well, sir.”
    “Yes, she is.” I take the drink he offers and sip.
    “We aren’t leaving L.A.,