Forever in Starlight

Prologue

Suicide, madness, attempted murder, rape, spousal abuse, a psychopathic stalker, vigilantism, hit men, blackmail, abusive ex-spouses, and long-lost children. All together these disturbing words formed an unusual picture of an extraordinary man’s life.

Sitting in his London office, PR agent Alec Ransom sighed heavily as he chewed the end of his well-worn pen. Writing a short introduction for a leading magazine about his friend and client, actor Bennett Saville, was a challenge.

Alec’s face twisted in a wry grin as he shook his head in amusement. What the hell are the odds of so many things happening to one person? Alec lamented. Christ, Bennett, I hate writing PR releases about you.

Trying to gloss over all the events in Bennett’s life in the past few years was akin to trying to contain a bale of straw in a hurricane; there were stray pieces hurtled out into the public arena at a ferocious speed. Trying to shield his friend from the blowback had taken all of Alec’s considerable abilities to contain the damage.

Chewing his pen top, he frowned when he tasted ink, laid the pen down and rubbed his mouth, re-reading what he’d written.

"Bennett Saville has featured in the newspapers over recent years with a number of family tragedies and events affecting close friends. Should anyone wish to read about them, they know where to look. This article focuses on Bennett and his acting career, his rise to fame from the parts he played as a young actor in television series like Westbrook General, to his hit series, Gabriel and an expected Oscar® nomination for Best Actor in Lost Horizon."

Alec nodded to himself. It would have to do. God help him if Bennett got into any more trouble. Alec would need a full-page spread for the man’s bio.

Chapter 1

Bennett sighed wearily as he followed his fiancée into their London apartment. He plonked his suitcase into the entrance, shook his head, and groaned.

Shit, I’m glad to be home.

I’ll unpack tomorrow, Cass. I can’t face it right now.

Cassie smiled as she set down her own suitcase. Glad to be home then, champ? This little sojourn took it out of you, didn’t it?

He shook his head. Don’t. What on earth possessed me to think I could go on a week’s holiday with a six-year-old to Disneyland, for God’s sake? Especially in one of their busiest times? Next time, please shoot me. Oh no, hang on. There won’t be a next time.

He wandered tiredly into the kitchen and switched on the coffee machine. I need caffeine. Lots of it.

Cassie snorted. The great Bennett Saville has found something he can’t cope with. Entertaining his six-year-old nephew for a week.

He scowled at her as he ladled espresso grounds into the machine. She walked over and poked him in the chest with each phrase she spoke.

You can manage Dylan’s histrionics, and deal with American gangsters poking a gun in your face. You can outwit loan sharks. You can even ensnare a Spanish terrorist. But you can’t deal with a hyperactive six-year-old boy.

Bennett’s psychotic Spanish stalker, managing his late brother’s debt with the people he owed money to, and a rather unpleasant business incident involving a gangster and a gun meant that Bennett had faced some tough challenges. Yes, that was British understatement. He grimaced. Having to manage his best friend Dylan’s meltdown in the theatre when he thought he’d seen the ghost of his dead boyfriend had been the icing on a horror cake.

I’m surrounded by crazy people. I’m glad you’re having such fun, he remarked silkily. He reached out and pulled her closer, pinning her arms by her side as he nuzzled her neck. You realise I’ve made love to you only twice since we’ve been away because we were sharing a room with said six-year-old? he murmured. The opportunities to amuse myself were few. But now we’re home I intend making up for the lack of sex. Even if I am knackered.

His tongue found the inside of her ear and she shivered. With no warning, he picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. She thumped his back as he marched into the bedroom.

Bennett, what the hell is wrong with you? Put me down.

I intend to. He grinned as he offloaded her onto the bed. She sat up and looked at him in exasperation as he sat down next to her.

You can’t dump me on the bed and expect me to— Her voice trailed off as he kissed her, a week of pent-up desire encompassed in one movement of his mouth on hers.

I might be tired but I’m not fucking dead.

His hands slid under her loose tunic and caressed the soft skin he found there. Her moan of appreciation spurred him on as he released her mouth and gazed down. He loved the sight of Cassie splayed on their bed, all curves and desire. She smiled as he reached down and unbuttoned her jeans. The deep pink lace that peeked out from beneath was provoking in its sexiness.

Cassie wriggled her hips, allowing him to pull the jeans down past her thighs as she unbuttoned the fly of his pants. She grinned. No underwear again? Makes for easy access to this. Her light strokes around his cock had him groaning in pleasure. But honestly, one of these days you’ll be caught short.

Nothing short about me, he murmured as his hands slid inside her panties and found that soft, wet centre he loved so much. She closed her eyes and arched her body against his. Now shut up and let me kiss you again.

There was always something magic about making love to Cassie. Whether it was a simple case of getting each other off, like now, or the act that ended up with him inside her, all of it was mutual desire and the intimacy of knowing each other’s bodies so well.

He gasped as her strokes grew stronger, her fingers sliding over the tip of him, causing his balls to contract. As he spilt over her hand, his limbs filled with warmth and he collapsed on top of her with a satisfied groan.

Wow, that was quick. She sounded amused.

In my defence, it’s been a while. He heard her snicker as he rolled over onto the bed. Now, it’s my turn."

He motioned to spread her legs, and the hitch in her breath as she opened for him told him all he needed to know. Cassie loved it when he went down on her, which worked out well since the taste of her was a special delight. When he pushed the panties down her legs and lowered his mouth to that oh-so-intimate part of her, her hands gripped his head as he did his lover’s bidding.

An hour later, after freshening up, they sat in the kitchen eating Chinese takeaway and reviewed the past week.

I swear, Bennett said between mouthfuls of special fried rice and Kung Pao chicken, I don’t know how parents do it full time. He tucked into his food with gusto. I have a new appreciation for them.

Sean is hard work, Cassie agreed. I don’t think I could have withstood another fall in that Haunted Hotel lift or that log ride that ends up dropping about a hundred feet. She shovelled a large portion of rice and chili beef onto her fork. The queues were ridiculous. We were lucky some of them recognised you and let you get ahead.

Neither of them had any qualms about using Bennett’s fame and star status for queue jumping and other odd perks. They took advantage of the culture of fame and made a trade-off: He made sure to please his fans, posing with them for pictures and scribbling autographs.

Bennett burped as he leant back. "Sean enjoyed himself and that was the point. It’ll get hectic now for me what with the US tour for the film promos for Lost Horizon around mid-November and then filming season four of Gabriel kicking off in December."

He had the lead of Robert Conroy in the full-length remake of the famous classic and while it was a major coup, the filming schedule had been frenetic.

Cassie frowned. US tour? How long will that be for then?

Bennett shrugged. I’m not sure. There’s an email from John on my Blackberry saying he’ll let me know dates. I’d imagine a couple of weeks. John Lammington was the director and producer for the film. He was a perfectionist, spurring Bennett on to near exhaustion while filming.

Bennett picked up another container of food.

Your father seemed happy to have Sean back at home, she mused.

Edward, Bennett’s father, had been standing at the front door with the little boy’s pet spaniel, Toby, in his arms when they arrived. The little puppy had been beside himself with happiness at the return of his young master.

Bennett nodded. He said the house was empty without him. I take my hat off to Dad having Sean there all the time even though Mary’s there with him. I didn’t think the old boy had it in him. He grinned. He’s got more stamina than I have.

Bennett’s family housekeeper, Mary, who had been a second mother to him, was now in a relationship with his father after Bennett’s mother’s death some time ago. Sean had found a home with the couple after the death of Bennett’s brother, Eric.

See, his life was strewn with messiness.

I doubt that, Cassie muttered.

Bennett chuckled. Are you complaining?

She stroked his hand. I wanted a younger man, I got one. I hope I can keep up with him the way he carries on. She caressed his cheek. Why do you think I spend so much time at the gym swimming?

He frowned. Come on, Cass. You’re perfect the way you are, you know you don’t have to do anything on my account. Do it only if it’s for you.

He saw her shrug and sighed. God, she could be a minx sometimes. So insecure. How could he get across there was no one but her for him?

He leaned in and rubbed his fingers over her hand. I’m not going anywhere. You’re stuck with me.

He stood up to pack the dishwasher, glancing at his watch.

Cassie rolled her eyes at him. Bennett, I know you’re dying to check your email. Go. I’ll tidy this lot up and then I’m going to bed.

His quick smile thanked her as he wandered into his study and shut the door.

***

Seated behind his wide desk, he powered on his laptop and for the next hour replied to emails and scheduled his diary. There was an email from John asking him to make time for the promotion of Lost Horizon in November starting in New York and going on to list stops in different US states. It sounded like a long and intense promotional tour, but Bennett had expected no less.

He sat back in his chair, staring at the computer screen, and thought, I’ll be happy to do the promo tour since it’s great for my career. But I’ll miss Cass. We’ll have to stock up on the phone sex content.

Diary sorted and emails answered, he shut down his laptop, stood up, and stretched. It was close to eleven pm. Bennett went around the apartment, turning off lights and locking the door, then treading quietly into the bedroom.

Cassie was fast asleep, her blonde hair spread across her pillow, a long strand across her eyes and her forehead as she slept. She lay on her back, with nothing on that he could see, arms outstretched above her head, her favourite position, out of the covers.

She hated being contained, unlike him, who liked to snuggle in under the blanket. He undressed and tried not to wake her as he slipped naked into bed beside her. He switched off his bedside light and turned over on his side, his back to her. The mattress moved as her warm arm encircled his waist.

I thought you were never coming to bed, she murmured. You’ve been ages. I had plans for you, but you can forget it now, buster.

He smiled, feeling her breath on his back as she went back to sleep. Within minutes he’d joined her.

***

The following morning, he got up later than expected, leaving Cassie slumbering in bed. He was making coffee in the kitchen when she encircled his waist from behind and her distinctive fragrance flooded his nostrils. He leaned back into her embrace as she kissed his cheek.

Morning, handsome. Shouldn’t you be getting down to the theatre soon? You have a show in a few hours.

Bennett sighed. I know. I need a quick cup of coffee to recharge the battery and then I’ll be going.

For the past few months, in between filming projects, Bennett had taken the lead in his best friend Dylan Donahue’s theatre production of Lonely Dove. They co-owned the Valedictorian theatre in Soho, affectionately called The Val. Dylan had scheduled a hiatus in the play for the week past, enabling Bennett to take his well-deserved break. If you can call going to Disneyland with a six-year-old a break.

He loved performing in his theatre, but the current production seemed to have been plagued by supernatural disturbances. The constant stress of working around some of the strange events had taken its toll on him and his leading lady, Julia Rosenthal.

He finished his drink, put his cup down in the sink, and planted a quick kiss on Cassie’s lips. Right, I need to get off or Dylan will have a coronary. He’ll be sending out the Bennett search police if I don’t show up.

He picked up his favourite brown bomber jacket and made his way to the lift. As he crossed the lobby toward the basement, heading for the secret paparazzi-free exit behind the building, George, the elderly concierge, hailed him.

Mr. Saville, sir. Might I have a word?

Bennett smiled at the man who ran the building like a sergeant in the SAS. Morning, George. What’s up? You look a little frazzled.

I didn’t get a chance to tell you last night when you got in. I have bad news, he answered.

Bennett looked at him. That sounds ominous.

George nodded. We’ve been rumbled, sir. The entrance at the back of the building is no longer a secret. That idiot on the fourth floor, James Woolwich, flapped his lips the other night when you and Ms. Wallace were on holiday. He got drunk and into a fracas with some of the reporters. He told them all to go screw themselves, that they were a bunch of idiots and everyone had been getting away with using the secret entrance right in front of their noses. After that, there was no going back.

Bennett shook his head in annoyance. Jesus, that man’s a complete arsehole. Always has been. For some of the celebrity personalities in the building, that entrance had been their only respite in moving around without having cameras flung in their faces every minute.

He scowled. I hope they evict the idiot. There’ll be no peace from the photographers now.

George smiled ruefully. Sorry, sir, but I thought you should know. You may as well use the front entrance now that the back one’s been compromised. They’re all camping round there now.

Bennett shrugged in resignation. Occupational hazard, I suppose. Oh well, it worked while it lasted. Thanks for the warning. If you see Cassie, will you let her know?

The concierge nodded. I’ll do that. You have a good day, Mr. Saville.

Outside, the day was bright and warm for mid-September. Bennett sighed as the ever-present paparazzi assailed him on his way out. The milling photographers he knew were circumspect, bearing in mind Bennett’s fiery temper and his short fuse when it came to his privacy being invaded.

He smiled and waved at the few who surged forward as he walked to the theatre, the photographers popping off shots here and there but keeping their distance. When he reached The Val, he smiled at the two full-time security men who kept the reporters at bay.

He nodded a greeting at them. Morning, Greg, Mike. I imagine things were a little quieter around here with me being away?

Greg smiled. He was a huge specimen of a man, about six foot five and wide to match. Mike had much the same build. Bennett had hardly ever heard the man speak more than a few words at a time.

They’ve been conspicuous in their absence. Greg’s flat Northern voice was dry. It’s good to have you back. It’s been quiet without you around.

Mike nodded his agreement. Has that.

Bennett clapped Greg on the shoulder, nodded his head at Mike, and then entered the theatre. Dylan stood up and embraced him. He was Bennett’s height, five years older, (something Bennett never tired of teasing him about) with dark blond hair streaked with strands of grey, and deep blue eyes that now searched Bennett’s face.

Glad you got back in one piece. How was Disneyland?

Bennett was sure his face told his friend how it had been. He sighed. Let’s say it was educational. Sean enjoyed himself and that was what mattered.

Dylan laughed. You did your uncle duty, my good man. How’s our beautiful Cassie?

She’s great, thanks. He smiled as his co-star and leading lady, Julia Rosenthal, wandered over to him with a slight grin on her face. She was already in costume and partly made up.

Hello, darling. Glad you made it. Dylan here was worried you’d be late for the show.

Bennett faked a surprised look. "He seems to think I make a habit of it. I can’t imagine

why."

Dylan scowled. It’s because normally you’re either getting laid or in some kind of trouble. And don’t defend that because you know it’s true.

Bennett feigned dismay. Honestly, you always think the worst, old friend. I suppose I’d better get off and get dressed then. He waved a hand at them both as he disappeared toward the dressing room.

He was being fitted into his costume by Erica Fielding, the resident costume designer for The Val and a close friend, when Dylan walked in.

I’m going to have to let these shoulder seams out soon. Bennett’s been gyming and he’s packing muscle. She slapped his back, causing him to smile.

It’s all that heavy lifting he’s been doing, Dylan said slyly.

Erica looked at them.

Ignore him, Erica, Bennett muttered, flustered. He’s talking crap as usual. He regretted his indiscretion when, well in his cups, he’d told Dylan about some of his and Cassie’s sexploits. Cassie would kill him if she knew he’d said anything about their acrobatic sex life.

Erica finished dressing Bennett and stood back, scrutinising him.

All done. You look as incredible as always. I think you were born for this period with your looks. You have this whole Romantic thing going on, what with that hair and those great cheekbones.

Bennett bowed, sweeping his hat to Erica. Thank you, madam.

He left and made his way to the dressing room. Julia was there already, making final touches to her makeup, and in quick order they were ready for the curtain to rise.

Bennett looked at his co-star. Do you think we’ll be left alone tonight?

Julia considered his question. I think whatever was there before has dulled, but I still sometimes feel as if someone or something is on stage with me. I’m used to it now. I’d miss it if it wasn’t there I think.

Bennett grimaced. I’d be more than happy if it disappeared altogether.

The compère announced the imminent curtain rise. They did their customary good luck charm of kisses on both cheeks, then went out to greet their audience.

Chapter 2

A few days later, Bennett stood in the theatre watching Dylan put the final touches to his Out of Office reminder. In six hours’ time, Dylan and Alec would be winging their way to the beautiful city of Lucco in Tuscany for a month’s sabbatical.

Lonely Dove had now finished its run, and Bennett had been enjoying his short break in preparation for the craziness he knew he’d be facing in mid-November for his US promotional tour. He grinned as he watched his friend pottering about his desk. He knew full well that Dylan had an ulterior motive for choosing this time to go abroad. The annual Desco Food and Wine Festival was being held in Tuscany. Dylan was obsessive about good cuisine, and he’d wangled the use of a villa close to the event and a car from an old friend of his.

Bennett watched as Dylan closed his laptop with a flourish. I’d say that’s the final action of a happy man, he remarked, smiling at the look of bliss currently plastered across his friend’s face. I’m glad you and Alec are getting off somewhere together. What time is your flight?

Dylan grinned at his friend as he looked at his watch. I’m meeting Alec at the airport at six pm. The flight leaves about eight, I think. I’m all packed, only have to get there and get on the plane. He did a little jig around the desk.

Bennett shook his head in amusement. Does Alec know what he’s in for, going away with you? You’re like a damned squirrel on crack.

Dylan smirked. My man knows what he’s in for. I have plans to use all this energy up on him. His eyes narrowed. That’s if I can drag him away from his damn phone long enough to do anything. He’s never off it.

Bennett chuckled. "Alec is a damn workaholic. He has some demanding clients."

Born to work like someone else I know, boyo, his friend said knowingly with a smirk. "And you do realise you’re one of those demanding clients?"

Bennett looked down at his watch. Oh, damn, look at the time. You’d better be getting off before Alex tans your hide.

Dylan burst into laughter. Oh, so many entendres there, mate, I’m not even going to start on it.

Ten minutes later, having seen Dylan into his taxi, Bennett walked home to his flat. No sooner had he gotten inside, he was embraced by warm woman and the smell of vanilla.

Wow, he got out in between hungry kisses. Someone’s a little randy. Been watching something raunchy on television?

Cassie pulled away, blue eyes dark. I don’t need to watch other people making out to want to do it with you, sweetheart. She grinned. However, I was reading this sexy book earlier, and it did kind of get me going. I’ve been waiting for you to come home so I can practice my moves on you. Her fingers lingered on his waistband.

Bennett moved over to the wall panel and pressed the button to let