It was dark—there was no doubt about that—but his next scenes were even more intense, in a way that was difficult to describe. For instance, a kiss in front of the train tracks, when Cate's arms wrapped around Billy's chest.
—So, my performance is acceptable; I think I can adjust it a bit, as long as I feel like I'm expressing myself the right way— Billy said, having just finished a somewhat comedic take. His lines were simple, not ornate, leaning toward a shallow supporting character. Because of that, Billy wanted to give his role more intensity, in some way. It was that mischievous side of his that pushed him to do it, and that same rebellious edge was what the production seemed to like—along with his personality.
—I think the work can stay as it is— Cate replied carefully. There was something about her that remained difficult to read; the way she carried herself. She always, somehow, kept going with minimal words, simply doing her job. She laughed with others, but it was hard to truly connect with her.
—Then I hope that's true— Billy murmured, setting aside the thoughts that seemed ready to surface. Now he hoped he could move on to other projects; this one, in particular, he hadn't enjoyed much. He was trying to do his best, but unlike others, this one felt complex in its own way.
Taking a breath, he noticed a young woman approaching him—the actress playing Polly Hart, Juno Temple. She had beautiful curly hair and pale skin; she was, without question, the kind of woman Billy found appealing. She was a young girl, two years younger than him.
—Hey, I'm a big fan of yours— June said.
Billy looked at her with a hint of doubt. Nervous people often defaulted to saying they were fans of his work, like an awkward icebreaker that left the rest of the conversation hanging in discomfort. But with attractive women, that didn't matter much—he could guide the conversation if needed, and when he did, it was always with intent.
—I hope that includes my acting— Billy replied with a touch of irony.
—Somewhat… I haven't seen much— Juno thought for a moment—what made you choose a role like this? It seems very bold for you—
The answer was clear.
—Because it's scandalous. I find it amusing to be at the center of controversy, even if the story isn't about me. It left a strong impression on me when I first skimmed the script. I knew that even if I only had a few scenes, I'd still be remembered— Billy replied, stepping closer to Juno, who now seemed slightly intimidated. She had been to two of Billy Carson's concerts, and she believed his talent was what made everyone want something from him.
Now, not wanting to appear like just another girl, she asked her questions while holding back everything her heart felt. It pounded, but she set that aside for later. It was better to talk about what she was truly curious about—the rhythms that made her move her neck, made her hair sway from side to side when she listened to his voice. That was when she realized she had options, like everyone else. For instance, some songs came from moments when he felt like a king, and only then did people gravitate toward him. The confidence to create something and bring it to life—that's what separates someone good from someone mediocre. Paired with the shaping of music itself, that's where rock truly thrives.
…
—You look like exactly what I need. I've been told you have a tiger tattoo covering your entire back— the producer said, observing Billy's posture: the student uniform, gray trousers, a dress shirt, and the slightly rebellious schoolboy hairstyle. He added a few bracelets, refining his look further, while every part of his face had been groomed. Usually, his beard grew along the sides and underneath, but now he had it waxed smooth—like a child's skin, even if it had hurt.
—No problem, I'll cover it. Besides, any scenes that require minimal clothing can be handled with makeup, and you can shoot all those takes in a single day— Billy replied, not wanting to push the matter further.
—You have two hours to cover that tattoo. We'll be shooting several back shots— the producer said. A team of three makeup artists was already waiting, each holding a brush, ready to work across his back. The tiger was large. Billy, especially, was tall—with lean muscles, he looked like the embodiment of temptation.
…
—Scene 44, Take 1—
Inside a small cabin, on a piece of furniture, Billy kissed Cate, who lay beneath him, bare. He could feel her chest pressed against his body. He kissed her slowly, imagining himself as a new lover, and everything that came with it.
The shot shifted when she moved on top of him. Though she wore a small piece of fabric, she began moving back and forth. His body reacted, and Cate noticed—but she leaned further into the moment. She lowered herself and kissed him. The script spoke of love and passion.
—Don't stop, please— she whispered into his ear. Her lips hovered close, her breath like a drop of water.
He gripped her hips and simply acted.
They looked into each other's eyes. There was a kind of calm, but it was impossible to ignore the warmth of a woman, so close, so present, settling over him—like a whisper that refused to be ignored. Insistent. The skin, the form.
—Almost there… just a little more—
He pretended his breath was slipping away, pressing his forehead against her collarbone. The warmth of her chest struck him.
A soft moan—and then the cut.
—Cut—
There is something about filming these scenes that awakens something primitive. He hadn't felt that with Scarlett—because with her, every take was pure passion. Through all those scenes, it was certain that thanks to her, he landed the role for "The Island"—without her, he would never have gotten it. Scarlett was what people call a true force in bed—her way of moving, her way of making Billy sigh. His best experience had been with Gwen, but Scarlett was easily second or third. And certainly, Kristin Kreuk stood at the same level.
...