Chapter 10

 The Lies Between Us

Eduard Carter – Cha Eunwoo

10 – Don't Be Sorry

Tait only let go of her hand when they reached his car. Her body guard sat in front with Yul.

He was out of it earlier. He didn't know what came over him and he reacted the way he did. It was kind of embarrassing but instead of pushing his feelings away, he owned up to it even admitting to Lis that he wanted to hold her hand. While there was tension in the air, he couldn't help himself to speak.

"What's parties like this one like?" He heard her ask. He was reminded again she's new to these things. Maybe parties she attended before were just parties with her model friends like Irene Kim.

"Well, for one there's a lot of old people." He started.

"Not some *doms preying for new actresses, I hope." She joked.

"There's a lot of those indeed. But you have m--....you have us. We got your back." He awkwardly patted her upper back. "The director usually meets with his actors first to see where our head's at. Since it's only been the first week of filming, I think everyone's in good shape." He added.

"Okay," she smiled relaxing her back on her seat.

Another wave of silence came through. He looked at the rear mirror and found Yul's suggestive eyes. Then his friend cleared his throat.

Tait knew it was a signal that he should keep the conversation going.

"Where do you think they're flying us off to?" He insisted on a new topic, "there's a high chance we'll do London but I'm counting on Perth."

"I could go either places, but I do have my hopes in London." She perks up.

"Why?"

She shrugs pouting a little. He noticed she does this a lot especially if she's excited.

"I know a place there in Elizabeth street. If you're into perfumes and instagrammable places that is..." He trailed off. He was on her instagram page before so he take it that she likes to go to aesthetic places.

"Elizabeth street?"

"Yeah, familiar?"

"I know that street from social media. I actually have been to London but never walked passed that street."

"Well I can take you there...I mean, I know a friend who owns a shop at Elizabeth street." He suggested, his hands going at the back of his neck.

"Oh, you don't have to. I mean, I know you'd be busy..." She pursed her lips.

"No, I insist. I'd be happy to tour you around."

Tait smiled when she avoided eye contact.

"Okay, but what about you? What makes you want to go to Perth?" She asks glancing on her window.

"Feels like New Zealand. There's more nature in Perth."

Her laughter followed. "Sorry, but it's still hard for me to believe that you survived the countryside."

Tait smiled at her comment. He thought he'll never stay that long in New Zealand too. He was never a fan of the simple life. He was used to the noise of the city. He thought it was impossible for him to even love nature but he was wrong and he underestimated himself.

"Hey, don't judge me. People change."

"Right."

Her short responses makes him want to talk more.

"So, back to you, how did you get into acting when you're obviously slaying in your own world?" Tait knew his question was way too personal. So he didn't really expect she'd laid it to him but...

"A model's career has an expiry date. The older we get, the less offers and go-sees we can book. It was actually my best friend who convinced me to enter this industry. She said I could do it and unlike my modeling career, if I get into acting I can still act even when I'm 80." Lisie explained.

"Props to your best friend for convincing you then." Tait said.

"Yeah, thanks to her." Her response held so much that Tait thought there were more people involved to make her want to do this.

When they arrived at the party, Tait accompanied Lisie at the actors' meeting held in closed doors. The director asked about Jim so Tait explained that his best friend's flight will be later than theirs because of personal matters.

After the meeting, everyone joined the party by the poolside. Tait didn't get to tail behind Lisie since a woman singled her out the moment she's out his reach. He didn't feel like it was going to be a problem since that guy was sticking alongside with her.

"Saint huh? Nothing's saintly about that guy anyway." He huffed to himself making Yul chuckle.

"You don't have to worry about that guy boss, Saint's kind of nice." Yul vied.

Tait scoffed at him getting a shot from one of the waiter's tray. He made a face when he tasted the bitter kick of tequila.

"Woah, easy there..." Another actor took notice of that and saw this as an opportunity to make friends with the King.

"Not a fan of tequila I presume," The B-list actor noted.

Tait knew the guy rose to fame because like Lisie, he was also a model. But unlike her, he's not always acting like himself. He acts too perfectly it's so unsettling. Like he's afraid he's going to lose his fans once he's seen hanging out with bad boys like him.

"Hey," Tait acknowledged him by nodding his head.

"Sorry, didn't get to introduce myself formally earlier. Eduard Carter." Ed held a hand.

"Tait Kingston," Tait reached for his hand. He saw him reached out for a shot glass and straight up drank on it afterwards. His face didn't even flinch from the taste.

"I honestly didn't expect you'd go for this role. I thought you're the "predictable type" and not franchise material." Ed said jabbing on his ego. A photographer came towards them and took a photo.

So the nice Eduard Carter isn't so perfect after all.

Tait smirked to himself almost forgetting there are people like Ed he attracts that only gets close to him for clout.

"And I thought you're famous enough to get this role but I guess you're still not since you're sticking your nosy ass with me," Tait grinned mischievously breaking Ed's facade.

"See you around, Kingston" Ed muttered walking passed him.

"Likewise, asshole." He whispered in a hush voice.

After that, five girls from the wardrobe department approached him for a photo op. He looked at Yul for help but the guy already left him for food at the banquet.

"Ahhh, you're sooo handsome!"

"Oh my god, we're close to him hihi"

"Can we please take a selfie with you..."

"Um, sure babes...." He looked at Yul again but the guy was still busy.

30 minutes passed and he still couldn't get through Lisie and her bodyguard with the amount of people hoarding them. He saw them near the barbecue just seconds ago but now, his eyes couldn't even find a sign where the two went off two...

Could it be?

No way.

Lisie Moore won't get chum with her own bodyguard. But the dude's face could pass as Star Actor.

"Why the hell am I thinking like this?" He said to himself.

"It's because you're really just in denial." Yul answered for him making him jump in place.

"Geesh man, you almost gave me a heart attack."

"Oh don't be an actor now."

"Where'd you come from?"

"I was following you. Bodyguard, remember."

Tait made a face because he knew Yul was nowhere near him a few minutes ago.

"Hey Kingston," a feminine voice called catching both his and Yul's attention. They were on the second floor of the clubhouse now and it was that time they only realized, most girls are on the second floor.

"Is this why you followed me here?" Tait murmured to Yul.

"Nash specifically said, avoid chics so..."

"You weren't there when those chics groufied with me..."

"Well, they seem pretty harmless."

"You have really poor judgment." Tait shook his head.

"You boys enjoying the party?" It was Jessi Ho from the CGI department who was making her way towards them.

The guys did her a one over then smiled politely. She was dressed so provocatively that Tait was stifling his laughter through clearing his throat. He couldn't take her outfit seriously.

"Yeah, we're good."

"I'm not gonna pretend I didn't come over without agenda but let me be blunt, I have a friend over there and she's waiting for an opportunity like this with you Tait Kingston..."

"Which friend?" It was Yul who spoke for Tait.

Jessi snobbed him and continued to speak to Tait. "So do you want to meet her?"

"What he said." He tilted his head towards Yul not liking the way she's treating him.

Jessie rolled her eyes, then she clocked her head to a certain direction. "Elvira Shanks."

Tait knew the woman. She was one of Princetown's second unit producers. He's also not oblivious about her popular taste for younger men.

He saw the older lady wave gracefully at him so he waved back. "Sorry, but it's a hard pass."

Yul chuckled.

"Don't get offended Miss, but I'm sure you'll respect why I did so." He said, his tone diplomatic.

"You know you might get fired for that," she playfully laughs as she touches his arm.

Tait saw Yul about to drag the woman off of him but he stopped him.

"I got this Yul, no need to do that." Tait followed through and faced her. "Can't take no for an answer?"

Jessi's eyes widened. "She's going to hate you for this. Your career's over for sure. She'll ruin you."

"I'd like to see her try." He retorted with confidence making the girl pissed at him. He just watch her report his words to her "friend."

His face was full of teasing when Elvirah hissed at him. She and Jessi walked out going the other direction maybe to save face.

"Are you not afraid of that threat?" Yul inquired a bit concerned about his career.

"Tch, the only woman who can get rid of me in this franchise is my own sister." That's true since she's producing this film under one of the Executive's name. He only found out the other day when they got into a rumor that they were dating. He dropped off at Nash's place early one morning only to discover that he and his sister were having a meeting with Anton Pavlov who he met at the screen test with Lis days before.

"Your sister?"

"Apparently, she has her sharp claws aimed at me all this time." He added clicking his tongue. Now that he's thought about it maybe he has to double his security whenever he goes out.

Another hour passed and it was starting to bother Tait a lot for not seeing his costar. He's already talked to all kinds of people and not a single sighting of Lisie was found.

He was chatting with a younger bunch of actors when one of their friends blurted something interesting.

"Hey, did you know about Ronie Park's scandal? I think her account being hack is just sad. I mean, if I'm bisexual I don't want people doing that to me. Like outing someone is such a low blow..."

Ronnie Park?

"Hey, isn't Ronnie Lisie's best friend?"

"I think they have a feud though."

"I think one of her unpublished tweets were about Lisie. But I just think it's so messed up like how can you love two people who are both your best friends?"

Tait knew that if Lis finds out about this, she'll probably get hurt, true or not. He fumbled through his keys and found his phone. He was dialing Jane hoping to get Lisie's number when he heard some people talk about her.

"Damn I guess Lisie took it bad. Did you see her puffy eyes?"

"I hope she'll be okay."

Tait caught with one of to them to ask about Lis. "Hey, you seen Lis?"

The staff from Art department blush recognizing him. "Er, she's at the patio. The one facing the garden."

"Oh, thank you." He smiled politely then rushed over to his right going to the garden's direction. He kept saying sorry for the people who wanted to take pictures along the way. Thankfully, Yul was there to set some boundaries. It's just, he could not be disturbed as of this moment.

When he reached the patio, he caught Lisie and Saint talking to an older man. Saint was being formal, trying to ask the man nicely to leave his boss alone.

"Sorry sir, but my lady is tired and would prefer some quiet." Tait heard her bodyguard talk his way out. His steps turned quicker as the man kept insisting.

"I only wanted to speak with her alone. I promise you she's in good hands..."

"I'm really sorry sir, I...I can't today," she softly said. "Saint please escort him out..."

"Miss Moore, if you just hear me out you'll get so much benefits if you work under me. I could give you 10 movie deals in the next five years-" The guys was persistent, even got the audacity to grab her waist.

"Yo-" Saint was prepared to pull him when Tait came to the picture.

He felt something in him tick. Tait shoved the guy to the side before his filthy hands touch her making Saint feel thankful for doing his job. His arms were behind him shielding Lis from trouble.

"Hey, you're overstepping here. Who do you think you are? Get out." His words held a threat making the old man cower. He was a party crasher but his old money got him a free pass so he's using it as a chance to get new actresses like Lis to get under his company.

Yeah right. Company my ass.

"Mr. Kingston, we meet again. It's nice to see you so...well and able." The man was familiar to Tait, he was in his previous manager's circle.

"Get out now or I'm calling the cops on your ass. And also my lawyer."

"Ha, it's a shame Yang didn't finish you off." The man noted before taking his leave. When his figure was nowhere in sight, Tait finally relaxed.

"You were right about these people." He heard Lis behind his back. He faced her now noticing her eyes were really puffy.

"Did you think I was joking?"

"Kind of..."

He rolled his eyes. He stared down at her and bit his lip before turning to Saint. "Hey man, can you leave us alone for one sec?"

Tait gestured Yul to get Saint out the door.

"I don't trust you."

"Dude you had one job. You'll leave us while I'm still being nice to you." Tait scolded him. Lis should get another bodyguard. A female one who could kick ass would be nice.

"Hey hadn't you stepped in I would've handled the situation-"

Tait was prepared to jab him if not for Lis' pulling his arm away. "It's alright Saint, I'll talk to Tay."

Saint fixed his coat following orders. "I'll wait by the banquet."

Lisie nodded reassuring him that she'll be fine with Tait.

As soon as he's gone, Tait lead Lisie to have a seat on one of the hammocks. He held her shoulders and stare at her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah..." She answered him in a little voice but he was doubtful. He sat across her pulling a small rattan chair with him. He noticed that she kept on brushing her bare shoulders so he did what a gentleman was expected to do.

He pulled off his black letterman jacket to put it around her. He was wearing a thin black short sleeved muscle tee inside. Although it's not much to fight off the cold air, he's used to the temperature.

"Thanks."

He thought about bringing up the best friend subject but thought it shouldn't be him who should open it up.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"I..."

Tait didn't know how to react when tears streamed down her doll-like face.

"H-hey..."

Then she tried to laugh. "Oh god I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm this emotional..."

"Shh...no don't be sorry."

"Maybe you're just too happy about the food that you're crying." He joked.

"Tears of joy! Right." She cried/laughed.

As she wiped her own tears, Tait was satisfied with just looking at her. Crying or not, she's just too beautiful.

"Hey Tay..."

"Yeah?"

"Did you ever doubted Jim's loyalty to you?"

Her question didn't surprise him but it gave him hope that she'll talk about her problems with him tonight.

"No, I didn't think I ever doubted his loyalty. But I may have been a bad friend to him before." He spoke clearly moving a strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

"Did you regret it?" She asked again.

"Until now. It didn't feel right to not listen to him. I didn't think I was being unfair to him because all I could think of then was my feelings."

She nodded and a new set of tears fell.

"How long did it take for him to forgive you?"

The question was quite funny it made him chuckle.

"What?" She frowned making him worry.

"I think I haven't even asked him if he could forgive me." He answered caressing her face like he's memorizing every detail.

"But you're still friends and you're living under one roof..." She said leaning on his hand.

"I think we know that we'd always have each other's back no matter what happens. Our minds think alike so...but I think I should still ask for his forgiveness huh?"

Lisie nodded abruptly, placing her hand on top of his near her face. "You should do that."

"I will." He said then closed his eyes when he noticed she was looking at his lips.

"I have quite similar experience...but I'm scared that I may be too late and I've hurt her too much." She opened up.

"You can never hurt a person too much..." He tried catching her eyes and when he did, he told her something. "You're a genuine person. I know that because I've been with a lot of jerks my whole life. So please believe me when I say your friend will definitely forgive you..."

Maybe it was because of the moment; the warm light coming from the poolside, or the heady feeling that both of them were having.

Tait knew it was wrong of him to take advantage of her vulnerable situation. He didn't plan on kissing her but there was something about that night, the coldness of the air and her beautiful crying face that made him cross the line.

Her lips felt like warm candy against his cold ones. She tastes like honey and vanilla, sweet and addicting. He was slowly losing himself to that kiss and he knew he wasn't the only one. He could feel her hand pulling his hair tighter which turned him on a level higher. His hand on her face slid down her neck, taking control of her.

By that time, Tait was already throwing off all his rules. He didn't care if she's emotionally unavailable. He didn't care about anyone who's probably documenting this on their phone. He didn't care what his manager and his sister will think of him after this. He didn't care about the consequences he'll bring to the movie.

All he care about tonight is this girl.

To be continued...

A/N

Yes it's a double update!

To make reading this chapter a lot sexier, you can play the the media above (keshi's BYS)

at the last three pages of this chapter. (That is if you like Keshi's music. lol)

You're welcome~

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