HELLO BEAUTIFUL

Song: “What you’re made of.”
Singers: Lucy Silvas & Antonio Orozco (duet version)
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SECRETS
Chapter 12

“Ok, tell me again, because I sure as hell don’t get it.” Vin said while grabbing a handful of popcorn from a big box and shoving it inside of his mouth. “I don’t know why you are still writing those fan fics based on my characters and yourself.” Luna rolled her eyes, groaning.

“I already told you. Those fan fics are funny and it’s not as if I’m hurting somebody, now am I? I’m not making money off them. It’s just a hobby.” She replied, glancing at the rearview mirror. “Where are we going?” She asked, frowning deeply.

“Next exit out. Then first on your left.” He replied, ignoring her question, looking outside the window. “I thought your hobby was watching porn with me and aside from that what’s the point to write them if you’re not getting paid? In my opinion it’s a waste of time and energy.” Vin teased, grinning like a loony. Luna laughed softly.

“Listen, Vin. Not all in this life is a question of money. There are more important things like…” she cut herself off, glancing at him from the corner of her eye, biting her lower lip to prevent herself from talking.

Vin knit a brow, waiting for her to elaborate. He suspected that she was going to say something more. Luna frowned deeply, thinking about what to say that wouldn’t embarrass her.

“There are a lot of Vin Diesel’s fans out there waiting to read those stories about you and apart from that,” she grinned evilly, “I love to make you look like a crying pussy even if it’s only in my imagination.” She said, laughing softly. “Call it bringing a balance to the universe.” Luna added, winking as she tried to grab a bunch of popcorn from inside of the box.

Vin narrowed his eyes as he nodded ‘no’ and gave her hand a love tap, moving the box out of her reach.

“Hey!”

“No way, sweetheart. Keep your eyes on the road, babe.” He ordered, smiling broadly as he picked popcorn up. “I don’t wanna crash my car.” Luna frowned deeply, but oblige. Vin grinned wickedly as an idea crossed his mind. He then cleared his throat and pressing popcorn against her lips, he spoke. “Open up for me, Luna.” His voice a low sexy rumble.

Luna’s eyes were wide open as an uncontrolled shiver crossed her spine. She knew he was playing dirty, but nobody said she couldn’t play too.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Diesel.” She purred softly as her lips grabbed the popcorn along with the tip of his fingers.

Vin held his breath for a second, feeling his dick twitching inside of his cargos when her wet hot tongue sucked and licked his fingers clean.

The goddess of blowjobs, he found himself thinking silently.

“I’m not a chick in her twenties.” Vin heard her saying as it was far away.

“I already know that you’re a woman,” he replied in a husky voice, licking his lips, trying to keep his mind focused on reality, “…and I love danger.” He added, fixing his gaze on her mouth before he realized that he had spoken.

“You’re not gonna get into my pants, dork. So drop the act and let me grab my popcorn.” He knit a brow, locking eyes with her. Luna giggled, waiting. After a moment, Vin blinked, snapping to the present moment as he placed the box between the two seats, flashing a wicked grin. Luna smiled broadly and in response he growled softly. “That’s more like it, Diesel.” She said, grabbing a mouthful and shoved it inside of her mouth. Vin cleared his throat.

“So is it true?” He asked, frowning. Luna looked at him puzzled. “I mean the ring. The black star. That story, you wrote that it was unique and all.” Vin said, grabbing a new mouthful of popcorn.

He was interested about how much of ‘Luna’ lived inside of Luna. Vin knew that the sex part was there, no doubt about it; he’d experienced it, but the rest was still a mystery to him. It wasn’t that he really needed to know it, but he couldn’t help it, he was slightly intrigued.

“I’m asking you because if that’s true, I could really use one, you know? To help me find my path and all that shit.”

“Well. It’s not as if the ring has powers or something like that, Vin. But it helped me to know what I wanted to do with my life.” Luna explained shyly without looking at him. “And there’s only one in the world, so…”

It was uncomfortable talking with him about the matter when she knew what he had said about it once. Vin seemed to read what she was thinking at that very moment and stiffened slightly on his seat.

“Bringing a balance to the universe.” He said softly. In response, Luna nodded ‘yes’ but kept silent. Vin frowned deeply, trying to figure out what was the meaning of those words. “So, basically you’re telling me that because you think I’m an asshole in real life, you’re trying to compensate, showing me as the perfect sweet guy and…” Luna cut him off.

“I know you don’t like those stories, so you don’t have to pretend that you’re interested in them, Vin. I’m not that…” This time it was Vin who didn’t let her finish.

“Listen, Luna. I’ve been reading those stories and mostly they are just basically porn. You can try and convince me otherwise, but they are just that,” he placed his hand over hers on the steering wheel, squeezing gently. Luna swallowed hard and focused her attention on the road. “Don’t get me wrong, babe. They are fun, but you shouldn’t be spending your talent on them.” He said in a gentle voice, noticing how tense Luna was while they were talking about it. Vin suspected that he had gone too far with his opinion, so he cleared his throat and continued talking. “You’re a great writer, Luna and I’m sure that you’re gonna burn up Hollywood with your stories.” He added, smiling broadly. Luna looked at him, mimicking his smile.

He had been right with his suspicions, so Vin decided to feed her ego a little.

“Just may I ask you a favor?” Luna nodded ‘yes’. “Next time, don’t make Riddick look like a pussy, woman.” Vin teased, winking at her.

“I’m not making him look like a …wait! You read ‘Soul Mates’?” Vin nodded ‘yes’ and Luna grinned.

She didn’t know it, but Vin had asked for a summary of that story. He wasn’t going to read it, but somehow, he felt that he owed her at least to know how many stories she had written and made someone else leave anonymous encourage reviews after what happened.

This shit about guilt and regrets was starting to get on his nerves, but he couldn’t help it. Besides, he wasn’t the one spending his time reading them.

“You might be the one who knows Riddick better, but I have to disagree with you here, Vin.” Her words pulled him out of his thoughts. “He’s just a man and he has to have feelings and emotions like the rest of us, even if he’s a murderer.” Luna explained, smiling. “Only that in his current situation, he needs the right woman to show them.” Vin rolled his eyes, chuckling.

Luna’s concept of Riddick’s character had nothing to do with his, but he liked the way she showed the killer in her story. Only thing was that Vin wasn’t going to tell her that aloud. He might be able to feed her ego, but not that much.

“Whatever… I received a phone call from the Studio today.” Vin said, changing the subject completely. Luna looked up at him, a questioning look on her face. In response, Vin nodded ‘yes’ as he looked down, releasing her hand. “Yeah, they said that the fucking budget is ok now, but they are not sure about the cast.” He added, frowning deeply. Luna arched a brow, puzzled.

“What’s the problem with the cast?” She asked, her voice tinted with concern. Vin closed his hands into fists, tightening his jaw.

“I’m the problem.” He muttered, raising his head. “They are not sure if I’m going to be able to act and direct the movie at the same time.” Vin added, sighing hard as he fixed his gaze on a spot only he could see. “Those fuckers say that ‘Multifacial’ and ‘Strays’ aren’t exactly super productions, nor that they made millions. And, ‘Hannibal’ requires someone with experience with big epic movies behind the fucking camera. Someone like Ridley Scott, Cameron, Peter Jackson or even Gibson.”

His tone of voice sounded hoarse. Luna lifted a hand and placed it on his forearm, stroking gently.

“And you want to know something funny?” He added, looking up at her. Luna nodded ‘yes’ as she continued stroking his arm absently. “I’m starting to suspect that those cocksuckers think I’m too stupid to make it. I bet they’re sure that I’m just a brainless ex-bouncer full of muscles with more balls than intelligence.” Vin added, chuckling sadly, placing his hand on Luna’s, squeezing softly.

Luna, more than anyone else, knew how important “Hannibal” was for him and how much he wished to shoot that movie. “Hannibal” was his ultimate dream and he had spent endless hours working on the pre-production, trying his best to not let any detail get out. Luna bit her lower lip lost in thought for a long moment until she spoke.

“Then, wait.” She said. Vin looked at her as if she had gone nuts, arching his brows.

“What the fuck for?!” he asked, raising his voice.

“Until “Find Me Guilty” is out or you’re done with “Seth”.” Vin rolled his eyes, exasperated. Luna ignored him and continued talking. “Those characters are serious shit. “Fat Jack” is a great role and the director is Lumet. Come on, we’re talking about the Berlin Film Festival.”

Vin knit a brow completely puzzled for a second. He had no idea where she was heading. Luna rolled her eyes.

“European critics aren’t like the US ones. They are always complaining about action movies. What they really love is dramas with almost non-existent special effects, full of conflicted characters and with weird titles like ‘the bottle, the camel and the girl with sad eyes’,” Luna explained to him.

Vin chuckled at her words, but then frowned deeply thinking about it as she continued talking.

“If the Studio says that you aren’t worth it anymore, then you can make ‘Hannibal’ through One Race alone. It’ll take much more time and money and you will probably have to find a European producer, I know that. But it’ll be an option if things get too rough for you here. Oliver Stone did that with ‘Alexander’. Why should you be less than he?” Luna grinned broadly. “Besides, I’m sure that you’ve got more balls that Stone,” she teased. “You can even create a videogame with Hannibal’s battles through Tigon to support the investment. Or, maybe shoot an action movie in between, asking millions for your performance. That way you will have enough money to shoot wherever the fuck you want. And you could even shoot ‘Seth’. We’re on time for the next edition of the Oscars.”

Vin went silent, recalling all the ideas that Luna’s words caused to spring inside his mind. He had been so immersed in his obsession with the Studio in Hollywood that he had forgotten about Europe and all of its possibilities.

He could seriously think about moving backwards with “Hannibal”, shooting “Seth” instead. That movie didn’t need a hell of a budget and it would be able to be shot in three months. With the additional time for pre-production and post-production, it’ll be just five months in total. “Seth” was indeed a serious character with all the elements to be nominated for the Oscars.

Vin chuckled silently. He had no other choice but give Luna credit. That woman knew what she was talking about. She might have no idea about how business worked in Hollywood, but sure as hell, she had a brain there. Vin grinned, looking at her.

“I’m the rich celebrity and you’re the unknown broke scriptwriter and you’re giving me great advice. How’s that, huh?” Vin teased her, narrowing his eyes. Luna rolled her eyes, grinning.

“Ha, ha. Very funny, dork. I’m an unknown scriptwriter and sure as hell I’m broke. But, I’m also a woman, Diesel.” Was her answer as she fixed her gaze on the road. They were heading to the airport? Vin knit a brow, fixing her with a questioning look. “Where are we going?” Luna asked for the second time, narrowing her eyes.

Vin, once again, ignored her question. He had a surprise for her to celebrate her signing her new contract with HBO.

“So, you are a woman. And what the fuck does that mean?” he asked, chuckling.

“I’ve got a brain and you have….not. I think with my head and you think…well, you think with your dick.” Luna mocked, grinning like a loony. “Now answer my question. Where the hell are we going, Vin?”

“You mean my big thick cock, right?” Vin retorted, mimicking her grin. “The one all of you pervs are always playing with in those fan fics, huh?” Luna rolled her eyes, shaking her head. Vin nodded ‘yes’, grinning. “Yeah, woman. What is it they call it? Ah, yes! The salami.” He chuckled.

“Whatever, Diesel.” She replied, sticking her tongue out. Vin knit a brow, staring at her lips.

“Is that an invitation?” He teased, grinning like a loony. Luna giggled as she grabbed a bunch of popcorn and threw it at his face.

“Asshole.” Vin growled softly, narrowing his eyes.

“Bitch.”

Luna laughed softly and then she narrowed her eyes as soon as she read the sign, showing that they actually were on their way to the airport.

“Ok, big guy. I’ll ask you one last time. Where are we going, Diesel?” She asked, biting her lower lip, feeling nervous all of sudden.

Vin had said that they were going to drive along the coast to a place he loved.

“I’ve got a surprise for you.” Luna looked up at him, her brow went up. “Renee told me that you signed a contract with HBO New York to write a new soap opera.” Vin explained absently while selecting a new song from the CD player. Luna tensed slightly but tried her best to hide it from him.

She hadn’t said anything to him about it. Luna considered that he wouldn’t be interested in that, and now she was feeling like shit. It seemed as if she had been hiding from him, when that wasn’t the truth.

“I….I didn’t tell you because I thought you were too busy with other things, Vin. I don’t want you thinking that I’m hiding things from you. It’s just that…” Vin cut her off.

“It’s ok, Luna. You’re right. I’m really happy for you, babe. You deserve to have success.” He replied as he grabbed a new bunch of popcorn and shoved it inside of his mouth. “I’m not disappointed or mad at you, N.” Vin added as he locked eyes with her, chewing. Luna narrowed her eyes in suspicion, but kept silent.

She wasn’t sure but Vin was acting as if he wasn’t really disappointed and Luna was sure that if it was the other way, she would be.

“Where are we going?” She asked, frowning completely puzzled.

“Ok, turn here on the right. The jet is waiting for us.” Vin said as he made himself comfortable again.

“What?!” Luna gasped shocked. “Where are we going to have breakfast, Diesel?!” She asked, her mind racing. Vin burst out laughing, shaking his head.

“Not gonna tell you, babe. That’s part of the surprise, but you’re going to love it.” He explained as he bent his head, kissing her cheek. “We’re flying in half an hour.” Luna had no idea but they were going to spend the weekend in Miami.

“But, Vin. Take a look at me! I’m in jeans and a t-shirt. You should tell me before we…” Vin didn’t let her finish.

“Don’t worry about that, N.” Was all he said as Luna entered the security area of the airport, driving his Mercedes, cursing herself silently.

It seemed to her that things were starting to get out of hand faster than she liked, and that sensation was making her feel uneasy and scared.

Just like I predicted, We’re at the point of no return
We can go backwards, and no corners have been turned.
I can’t control it, if I sink or if I swim
’cause I chose the water that I’m in.

Que da igual si tu o yo (And it makes no difference)
Si no lo entiendes o si no (who is right or wrong)
Yo merezco mucho mas (I deserve much more than this)
Solo quiero algo de ti (‘Cause there’s only one thing I want)

If it’s not what you’re made of
You’re not what I’m looking for
You where willing but unable to give me anymore
There’s no way, you’re changing, cause some things will just never be mine,
You’re not in love this time … but it’s all right.

Siempre te escucho (I heard you talking,)
Y resulta igual a nada (but your words don’t mean a thing)
Tengo mil dudas sobre tu sinceridad (I doubt you ever put your heart into anything)
Creo que es justo recibir lo que te he dado (It’s not much to ask for, to get back what I put in)
Porque yo misma decidí (But I chose the waters that I’m in)

And it makes no difference who is right or wrong
I deserve much more than this
‘Cause there’s only one thing I want
Si no estás para esto no eres lo que yo busqué (If it’s not what you’re made off, you’re not what I’m looking for)

El quererme no lo es todo, pudiste darme mas (You were willing but unable, to give me anymore)
no sigas, no cambies (There’s no way, you’re changing)
hay cosas que no me entregarás (‘cause some things just never be mine)
no es verdad sin más, pero está bien (you’re not in love this time, but it’s all right)

What’s your definition of the one?
What you really want him to become?
No matter what I sacrifice it’s still never enough
Como te dije (Just like I predicted)
me hundiré sin remisión (I will sink before I swim)
porque me encuentro donde yo quise elegir (‘cause these are the waters that I’m in)

When they boarded the jet, Valentino, Renee, Mike and Steve, the new bodyguard, were already waiting for them. Luna whispered to Renee that she had no clothes with her. They were supposed to drive along the coast, like many times before, not fly to another city.

Renee laughed hard and told her to not worry about it. Everything had been taken care of. They both were going shopping as soon as they landed in Miami Airport. Courtesy of Mr. Vin Diesel’s Amex as part of his gift to her.

Luna had been complaining for more than an hour. She didn’t want to use Vin’s money to buy clothes for herself. Vin had retorted that if he couldn’t waste his millions on his best friends, then with who he was supposed to do it. After a moment, Vin told her that if she wanted, she could sell them on e-bay, sending the money to any humanitarian organization when she was back in LA.

Luna couldn’t help it, but she was feeling as if she was taking advantage of his friendship. It was one thing to make jokes about him having to pay for their breakfast together, even though, she had to threaten him not to answer his calls if he didn’t let her pay at least from time to time. But this was a completely different thing.

Renee told her that Vin had lent his credit card to Rhiana Griffith after she had an audition for “TCOR” and because they didn’t want her, Vin told her to buy something nice for herself, no matter what the price. Maria Medeiros was another one who had used his credit card on a couple of occasions to buy clothes and shoes.

Luna never, not even once, had used the fact that she knew him for her own benefit and accepting his money was making her feeling like a cheap whore. And even though she knew full well that Vin was more than used to making those kinds of arrangements with others aside from herself, including Valentino and Renee, that fact wasn’t making her feel any better.

Luna was still oblivious to the fact that Vin’s money and connections had made it possible for her to have the new contract. If she would have known that, this little trip to Miami would have been an anecdote compared to that.

Renee frowned deeply and explained to her that she better start to get a grip, because now she was a part of Vin Diesel’s team and that those kinds of things were going to be common. It wasn’t that Renee or Val liked it either, but even they knew that there were things that Vin was going to do no matter what others could say or do. Renee even made jokes saying that at least they would be able to choose their own clothes. Renee loved Vin, but she didn’t trust his taste concerning fashion.

Vin ended the discussion saying that it was his fucking money and that he could do with it whatever the fuck he wanted to do, adding that he didn’t want to hear her complaining about the matter again. Then he said that she wasn’t going to die if for once she had to swallow her pride, letting others do things for her. All she had to do was shut her mouth and enjoy her special weekend. Period.

In response, Luna shut her mouth reluctantly and kept silent, but she still didn’t like the idea of Vin spending his money on things for her. What she really wanted from him had nothing to do with his position or his career, but she wasn’t going to say that aloud. What she wanted was out of her reach and that she knew it full well. What she wanted was his love.

———————–

Certainly, they enjoyed a great weekend in Miami, clubbing around the city and doing things that Luna had never thought about. While they were there, Valentino had talked with Vin about the possibility of making investments in the Dominican Republic and the two of them started to plan a trip that would take place a few weeks later, as soon as the official documents to travel to Santo Domingo were done.

What they didn’t know was that on that trip many things were going to happen and that the shit was going to hit the fan. Things between Vin and Luna were going to change and if that change was for the better or not, only time could tell. On the other hand, Valentino had a very special surprise for Renee.