The wheels on my skateboard scraped against the concrete floor of the movie set as I made my way toward the room where the table read was commencing. The movie being filmed for the next few months is called To Light My Fire.

I slid in a few minutes early to speck out some of the cast members.

They sat around a big table with ivory name cards in front of them. Noticing that they hadn't started yet I went to the refreshments bar to get a blueberry muffin. With my skateboard tucked in my side, I made my way over to the couches that surrounded the wide table. There were other assistants whom accompanied me on the couches also.

Whilst stuffing my face, I took the time to examine the celebrities that sat before me. I was in awe when I saw an array of familiar faces.

Claire Evans was sat in front of a card the read 'Lucy'. Kiana Washington was playing 'Eve' which was the main character. I also spotted Henry Grant who was supposed to be 'James Collins'.

The only chair that was vacant was the card printed in bold font that read 'Ryder'. Even with the tiny letters under the huge printing I could clearly see the name inscribed. 

Vincent Carter Passaretti.

As if on cue, a tall man in a gray suit, which appeared expensive, strolled into the room confidently. No exaggeration but you could feel the power radiating off him as he strolled to his sit.

My throat tightened in unsteadiness when my eyes first landed on his. The green irises were dull and bricks were getting in the way of showcasing any type of emotion.

I hated him so.

Judging by his straight posture I could tell that he meant business. He probably didn't like jokes by the way his massive shoulders were in a perfect straight line and seemed like they never shook in charisma.

"Glad you decided to show up," Claire rumbled, clearly agitated.

"Now can we get started? I flew in early and I've been awake since 4 a.m.! For Christ's sake can someone get me a bloody coffee?"

It was more of a demand than a question.

The girl sitting next to me scrambled to her feet to cater to the screeching celebrity's needs. I guess she was already told who she would be assisting for the entirety of the film.

Claire Evans. 22 years old. Ex-girlfriend to Vincent. Relationship seems...hostile.

Vincent flipped through the script in front of him without uttering an apology for him tardiness.

"Hello everyone. I see that some of us may have had a better morning than others, however, I have a movie to direct and my job would be much easier if we kept the bickering to a minimum," Ray Washington, the director of the film, turned his attention toward a bickering Claire and a staid Vincent.

"Are we here to fuss at each other like children, or are we here to create a movie that people will love?" He pointed his attention toward everyone in the room now.

"Alright, Ray. I think we're all here for the same thing. To inspire the dreamers," Kiana spoke up softly as she looked over her lines as well.

Kiana Washington. 21 years old. Worked with Vincent in previous films. Relationship seems unknown for now.

"And make money," Henry chipped in as Ray sat down.

Henry Grant. 23 years old. Good friend of Vincent's. Unclear about his blood relation to Vincent. He seems like a joker.

"Anyways, we start actual filming in three days. For now, read over your lines, practice your lines, and breathe your lines. The name of your assistant was emailed to you earlier this morning, and I can see Claire already figured that out." He glanced at Claire who was adding sugar to the cup that the frantic girl gave her.

"Today, we will read over the first couple of scenes and if there are any questions or concerns don't hesitate but keep them to yourselves."

I leaned into the couch and got comfortable realizing that we'd be here for a while. In addition, I took every second to analyze the monster that sat just a few feet away.

* * * *

"Great meeting you guys. Remember, read over your lines, practice your lines, breathe your lines. We're all professionals here, let's try to keep it that way," Ray stood and exited the room while sliding on his dark tinted sunglasses.

I still hadn't figured out who I was assisting yet, but it had to be Vincent. It would make my work even more impossible if I had to strategize how I was going to take his life if I worked under someone else.

Vincent stood flaunting his gray suit and gold Rolex and was now flipping through his phone. I don't believe that he's looked up this entire time.

Claire scuffs when she passes him and proceeded to exit the room with her poor assistant at her heels. Saoirse was next to leave the room and an assistant was already at her side.

Same thing happened with Kiana after she offered her assistant a chip from her bag.

All whom were left were Henry and Vincent.

They both rose out of their seats at the same time. Vincent's face was still glued to his phone so I still couldn't get a good look at his smug face.

Henry slipped on his green hoodie and looked between me and the girl sitting to my right.

God, I normally don't talk to you, but please don't let him pick me.

"Which one of you is the great Amari Taylor?" His blue eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Great.

In attempt to hide my snarl, I rose my hand like I was in grade school to acknowledge that I was his assistant.

Vincent finally looked up.

Vincent Carter Passaretti. 22 years old. He's won a few Oscars for his past films.

His dark blonde hair was gelled back and he squinted pale green eyes. The tan skin he had was the color of smooth coconuts. Seeing him up close made me realize hoe young he was to be the son of a drug lord. He must've noticed my reaction.

"I'm Amari Taylor. Nice to meet you." I held my hand out to Henry and ignored Vincent's stare.

"Hey, sweetheart. I'm Henry," his teeth had to be as bright as the moon and I failed to hide the blood rushing to my cheeks.

"I want you to know that this can be a friendly relationship along with being a professional one. Not only am I going to be your boss, but I can also be your closest friend here. You can talk to me about anything," Henry said sincerely with a warm smile.

I was distracted by Vince calling over his assistant and watching them walk out.

"I'm sure that won't be necessary. I do agree that this should be a professional relationship." I tried my best to keep my attention on Henry but Vincent was getting away.

"If that's what you want then that's what we'll do."

I was already getting annoyed by how close he walked next to me as we made our way out to the parking lot.

"Tonight you'll receive a couple of bucks for the next two months. I like my coffee black."

My endurance was running out as I gave him the best smile I could when he got into his car.

Vincent was nowhere in sight and I huffed in irritation while throwing down my skateboard.

"See you in the morning." I slid on my yellow beanie, and whisked off.

"Is that really your ride?" He yelled since I was halfway across the lot already.

"It's the vehicle of the future!" The effect of me trying to be funny and not paying attention to the road caused a black car backing out to hit me. I was knocked off my board and the crunching of my shoulder on the concrete made me squeeze my eyes so tight that I could see stars.

Henry was calling my name and I soon heard his feet run toward me. However, I was met with pale green eyes.

"You should watch where you're going, sweetheart," I was so delirious that I almost missed Vincent's mocking tone.

I tried to get up myself but he pushed me back down.

"Don't move." He lifted me from the concrete and all I could do was groan in pain.

"Amari, are you alright?" Henry worriedly asked.

Vincent jogged me over to the passenger side of his car, gently sat me down, and fastened me in.

I needed to get out of this car.

He took long strides back over to the drivers side and started up the car. Not before picking something up off the ground and placing it in the back seat. I might've also saw him stuff something in his suit jacket.

"Text me when you're feeling better, alright?" Henry stood by my window with furrowed brows. I managed to swiftly nod my head in response.

My heart began to pound painfully as Vincent drove us off.

We went over a bump and my injured shoulder hit my door causing me to cry out.

"Do you mind?" I exclaimed as I noticed that he seemed to be hitting every bump in the road.

"I didn't hit you that hard. I made sure of it." His eyes remained on the road as I slowly turned toward him with a heated glare.

"You ran me over on purpose?" I yelled enraged which made him let out a laugh that made my stomach turn like when I would run after eating.

I ran my hands over my face in frustration from his vague answers and noticed my fingers. Nova's gonna hate this story, and the chipped nail.