The Jaguar Star (Tales of the Were: Jaguar Island Book 4) by Bianca D'Arc (the first e reader .TXT) 📕

Katrina had heard stories about big-budget Hollywood films where directors called for multiple takes of the same scene from various angles, but that didn’t seem to be Sonia’s style. Unfortunately, this director seemed more inclined to get things right the first time and then only do multiple retakes of different camera angles were required. Of course, this production was being done on a shoestring budget, from all Katrina had heard, but it was nice to daydream about having to spend the whole day kissing Ren, if only the director had been a little less motivated to get things done fast and on-budget.

Shaking herself, Katrina finally moved, following the props people as they changed things on the set for a different scene. Katrina had a few moments to catch her breath while they filmed Ren’s solo arrival into the chamber, through the high stone arch that had held a modern window until Sonia’s carpenters had taken it out for this scene.

Katrina held her breath as Ren jumped from the window ledge that had to be at least eight feet in the air. He landed as gracefully as a cat and launched right into his scripted actions, looking around the chamber like the thief and burglar he was playing. Robin Hood had just broken into Maid Marian’s room. The rogue.

Chapter Thirteen

Franny came over to Katrina and asked her to step into the foyer of the building where she’d set up her rolling makeup cart for touch ups. Katrina had another scene after Ren finished jumping through windows, and she wanted to go through her lines just once more while Franny took the shine off her nose.

In any other setting, Katrina wouldn’t have dared be so rude, but they had to be as silent as possible so close to the working set. Franny had encouraged Katrina to do her own thing at such moments starting the first day they’d been filming, and the situation was old hat by now, several days into the lightning-fast shoot.

In fact, they were due to finish this part of the location shots tomorrow. It seemed almost impossible how much work they’d crammed into so few days, but the castle interior shots were almost done. They’d have a few days off, then regroup in England for the rest of the filming, which would cover several locations, including an authentic castle for exterior shots and even a ring of standing stones.

Franny straightened, and then Katrina heard the noise from just inside the building. Whatever they’d been doing was finished. That meant Katrina would likely be up next, unless there was some sudden change to the schedule.

Ren appeared in the doorway, meeting Katrina’s gaze. He leaned against the stone doorframe, his pose deceptively casual.

“We’re ready for you,” he said, that purr in his deep voice the most seductive sound she’d ever heard in person.

“Not so fast, Ren,” Franny said, stopping him before he could leave. “You need a touch up.”

Ren sighed dramatically and moved closer to sit in the folding chair next to Katrina’s.

“If you must,” he griped, but submitted to Franny’s ministrations. He didn’t need much. Just a dab of powder to dull the shine on his skin from working under the hot lights.

Katrina stood while Franny worked and checked the gown for wrinkles. There would be someone from wardrobe on the set to check her over, but she wanted something to do while waiting for Ren. She should probably just go in, but she found herself wanting to walk back with him, even for the short distance from here to the set. She just liked being in his presence.

She was halfway in love with the man already, but she knew her time with him was extremely limited. She wouldn’t allow herself to fall completely in love. That would just be a waste of time and energy. But a little harmless fantasy wouldn’t hurt. In fact, she had convinced herself, it could only help with her portrayal of Marian, who was deeply under Robin’s spell.

Sure. That’s why she was letting herself be charmed by the handsome devil. Right. She’d just keep telling herself it was for the benefit of the movie and possible advancement of her career.

Somewhere deep inside, though, she knew that wasn’t really the truth. She just couldn’t help herself. Ren was…magnetic. He drew her like no other man she’d ever met, but she knew that way lay danger. He wasn’t for her. He was a fantasy. A pipe dream. Someone she could know and even kiss—for the cameras—but could never hold.

She stifled a sigh as he got up from the chair with his characteristic energy. They walked back into the main room of the building and were immediately beset by various crew members who needed to check things over with them. She tried not to look at Ren as he was led away by the stunt coordinator, even as the wardrobe assistant had her do a quick twirl so she could check out the fall of her gown.

They worked hard the rest of the day on the scene where Robin invades Marian’s rooms and charms her with his wicked smile. It was the getting-to-know-you part of their relationship, and Katrina enjoyed the banter written into the script. Acting opposite Ren was a true pleasure. He made her almost forget that they were acting a scene. He was just that good.

In between takes, he stuck near her while the crew made their adjustments. They made small talk, but nothing too distracting, except for one conversational foray that took her by surprise.

“Have you given any thought to my invitation?” he asked in that low, sexy voice that made her insides clench. For a moment, she drew a blank, having no idea what he was talking about. “The island?” he prompted when she said nothing. “The plane will be here tomorrow afternoon to pick us up. It’ll be a full flight. Half the cast and crew are going.”

“I’m very tempted,” she said,