Julian looks at me with a serious expression… He blinks a few times, trying to understand my words, seems like hallucinating…. “Say again?”
“I want you to f-” Julian pulls me by the arm into the apartment, preventing the word fuck from fully escaping through my lips again.
He closes the door with one hand, keeping his fingers firmly around my arm… His firm touch makes me even more sensitive.
“Are you high?” Julian asks seriously, and in the face of my rolling eyes, as I disengage myself from his grip, he completes, “You're definitely high.”
“Why are you looking at me like I'm insane?” I cross my arms, making my breasts bounce in my cleavage. And I can swear that this draw Julian's eyes for an instant, even if he quickly turns away.
Hum…
“Because you seem to be high.” He sighs, running his hand through the blond hair, “Are you listening to yourself?”
“Yes. I want you to take my virginity.” I say firmly, and he grunts, “Listen, it makes sense! You're handsome, women are always at your feet, and you're great at having one-night stands!”
“You're not serious.”
“Yes, I am. Besides, you're my friend…”
“And your father's best friend.” He stresses, “Need I mention that I'm ten years older than you?”
“That means more experience…. And that's all a virgin need!”
Julian gives a dry laugh, crossing his arms as well, “Let's consider that none of that matter. Still, I don't do with virgins.”
“Why?” I ask, disappointed, shrugging my shoulders.
He sighs, gritting his teeth…. “Angelee, you shouldn't act like this just because it didn't work out with an asshole. You're still young, surely, you'll meet someone who will be worth the wait…”
“No, I'm not doing this to get back at him.” I turn away, walking around the apartment, feeling my nerves flare. “You don't understand… It's not like I wanted to wait this long.”
Julian frowns, as I sit down on the stool, “What do you mean?”
“Because he wanted to marry a virgin, I had to refrain for four years! But while I was holding back, he was sleeping around! I was frustrated for four years, Julian!” I throw my body back, leaning against the kitchen island, and add with a grunt, “He had the nerve to say I'm like the favorite food he leaves to eat last! Really, I can't believe I wasted so much time over a bastard like him!”
He approaches in silence, as if his mind is full of thoughts… and stops in front of me.
I look at him again with a conflicted expression.
“He hasn't even touched me properly this whole time… You know what I mean? I don't want to lose my virginity because I'm angry at Eric. I'm just tired of having to satisfy myself alone. Hah, I feel like an idiot.”
Julian swallows dryly — I watch his Adam's apple move slowly, drawing my eyes.
“You know… maybe the problem is me.” I mutter, lowering my head and averting my eyes from him, staring at the pale skin of my thighs.
“You're not the problem, Angel.” Julian says in a low, slightly husky tone.
When I raise my eyes shyly and meet his, he swallows dry again.
“No, I'm sure… I can't make a man horny…” My voice fails me the next moment, when Julian's hands are spreading my knees, making room for his body to fit between my open legs.
Resting his hands on the kitchen island, as if cornering me, Julian presses his hips against mine, rubbing his hard-on directly between the middle of my legs.
Oh my Gosh.
I hold my breath and seal my lips, trying to keep any sound from coming out between them, and I see a discreet smile rise on Julian's lips.
“See? You're not the problem…” He says, taking one of his hands off the counter, sliding down my arm until it reaches my hip.
I think I'm dreaming-
My thoughts are interrupted as Julian pulls my hip towards his and pushes himself harder against the most sensitive part of me — and this time, I can't hold back the low moan that escapes loudly.
I stare at Julian lips as he says slowly, “If there's anything wrong, it's certainly with that asshole… Especially when you're in that underwear…”
A silly smile appears on my lips as I blink slowly, leaning in slightly, “Did you like it?”
“If I like it?” He leans in as well, bringing our faces even closer together, sliding his hand into my bare thighs, up my skirt, threatening to reach my crotch. “I've been having a hard time to forget… as you can tell.”
Giggling, I cross my legs around his hips.
I simply love how Julian looks surprised and how he holds his breath, closing his eyes, trying to change his thoughts.
Huh, I can feel his warmth invading my body, mingling with mine, and can even smell the scent of his cologne sinking deliciously into my skin.
“We shouldn't be doing this…” He mumbles, still with his eyes closed, as if reason is winning the battle inside his mind…
“And why is that?” I murmur back, brushing my lips against his chin, threatening to rise.
“You are… My best friend's daughter…”
I slide my hands down his shirt slowly, exploring the fabric that tickles my fingers, until finally reach the waistband of his pants. I bite my lips, and I know he can feel it because my teeth rub against his chin as well.
His heat is rising up in my head.
I know I'm losing my mind.
I know shouldn't be running my hand down his pants, almost touching the erection that, unfortunately, is no longer touching my panties.
And he knows that as well — because his hand holds mine firmly, preventing me from continuing.
“Angel…” My nickname escapes so subtly through his lips that it makes my skin shiver.
“No one needs to know, Julian.” I whisper, moving my lips up to meet his, subtly brushing our mouths together as I add in the same low tone, “Just once.”
“I don't want to hurt you.” He says, almost in a whisper, against my mouth. His eyes are intense, and I can find hunger shining in them.
Lowering my eyes, I finally understanding why he doesn't do with virgins. In fact, just by feeling him rub against me, I know he's huge. And this should probably scare me, since I have never dared to thrust my own fingers, but… Gosh, I'm so horny.
I want him.
“I don't care.” Disengaging the hand he holds, I finally move down to the erection that, even inside his pants, I'm unable to hold properly. I try to squeeze it and hear a hoarse moan escaping from deep in Julian's throat.
My body is so hot… it's like I'm a volcano with years of delayed eruption.
“Julian…” This is the thread of sanity that's missing for his conviction to break.
He holds my nape abruptly and pulls me into a fervent kiss, tasting my lips first before forcing it to part, to put his tongue into my mouth, causing pleasurable shivers when it touches and intertwines with mine.
And he’s pressing me further against his hip, this time properly fitting his hard-on on the middle of my legs, rubbing against my clit, while pressing my breasts against his chest, making the kiss deeper and more passionate…
While one hand dictates the rhythm by holding my nape, I can feel the other hand lowering the strap of my top and bra, which may not be the same one he saw last night, but will certainly be scratched in his mind.
And when he unlinks his fingers from my hair, bringing both hands down to my hips, I expect him to lift me off that damn bench and carry me to bed… Indeed, Julian does seem to be about to do that… Except that the apartment bell rings, so low that we don't pay much attention.
But the second attempt is fast and frantic, which makes our mouths part slowly.
With his eyes closed tightly and his hard-on throbbing inside his pants, against my wet panties, he remains still, without moving a single muscle.
I pray to the heavens that the bell doesn't ring again, so I can continue to delight in his touch… But that's not what happens, of course.
Julian lowers his head and grunts, apparently annoyed and disappointed.
When he raises his green eyes and inspects my face, Julian brings his hand lovingly to my cheek, depositing a quick kiss on my lips.
“I'll be right back…” He says, stroking my cheek with his thumb before pulling away.
My heart is beating frantically… so fast it might rip through my chest.
What the hell am I doing?
I press my knees against each other, trying to get rid of the tickle that's taking over my belly….
“Cathy?” Julian's surprised voice brings me back to sudden reality.
Oh… Of course… My sudden visit probably spoiled his plans…
I feel a mixture of anxiety and sadness hammering in my chest, but I struggle to get up from the stool and pull my skirt down, while fixing my hair which has likely been messed up by the fervent kiss.
Kiss.
I kissed Julian Adams….
My father's best friend.
“No, I'm a little busy right now…” Julian says, with his arm blocking the way into the apartment. But when I approach and place my hand on his back, I feel him freeze immediately.
Don't worry, Julian… I won't ruin your evening.
“It's okay, I'll be right there. Thanks for the advice, I’m going to home.” I give a sweet smile and look at the tall girl, who is looking at me surprised and somewhat… angry?
Blonde, blue eyes, thin… Yes, this is exactly Julian Adams type….
My complete opposite.
Fearfully, Julian pulls back his arm and allows me to pass.
With my cheeks burning with embarrassment and perhaps other feelings I wouldn't want to admit even to myself, I retreat from the apartment. But before turning my back, I greeted this Cathy with a friendly smile.
My steps are quick, and soon I'm unlocking my door which, fortunately, is straight ahead, so I can disappear from the sight of both.
The thud of the door echoes too loudly. And as I’m leaning my back on it, I lower my eyes, listening to what is going on outside.
“… I guess you're free now?”
I stare into the mirror, noticing the deep dark circles under my eyes. I couldn't sleep well after leaving Julian's apartment… Now, I look awful.Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. Not even the shower and the hot coffee is preparing me to face this day. Because not only I have to meet Julian — who’s inevitably my boss — but also Laura, my best friend, who was screwing my boyfriend.It’s time for facing the reality.A new day, new life.Courage is leaking out of the pores of my skin, and I'm seriously considering making up some excuse. Maybe I could say that my head still hurts? Or who knows, some big unforeseen event has come up? Should I call Dad and whine for time off?A grunt escapes my lips and I grab my hair. No way, Julian won't leave me alone.I take another deep breath and pat my cheek twice, encouraging myself with a smile, fixing my hair and finally leaving the apartment, praying to heavens that my day will be peaceful…But of course not. The universe is constantly playi
Laura and I first met during our late years of High School, when I arrived in New York to chase my only family member left — my father… Someone I came to know existed when my mother was already fighting her final battle with cancer.She was my first friend in this great city…. Someone I could trust and who would jump into a burning building to save me if necessary… Or so I thought.And perhaps that's why, more than watching Eric sleep with someone else… it hurt to know that it was with Laura. Almost eight billion people in the world, and he chose to cheat on me with my best friend.Honestly, that's what has been taking away my sleep… who knows how long they're stabbing me in the back like that.But now that she's standing in front of me, looking at me with a cold expression… I can't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. She's with her arms crossed, looking down like she feels sorry for me. And her voice is also harsh as she says, “We need to talk.”Laura tucks a lock of her red ha
“Are you feeling better?” Julian's voice is soft and brings a cozy warmth to my chest, as does the mug between my hands.I lift my eyes, staring at his worried expression. He's standing by the door, holding the doorknob with his big hands that make it practically disappear.After he saw me crying, Julian brought me quickly into his office. The blinds were down, so no one could see how I was crying, even though the floor was really crowded.Honestly, I feel so embarrassed for crying at work… But I simply couldn't help it. Knowing that Laura is pregnant… that she said things so mean… It really hit hard…But I wipe my tears away and give him a comforting smile, clutching the cup in my hands… a delicious coffee that Julian picked up in an attempt to comfort me.He closes the door and approaches me slowly, but his steps are wide, so it only takes a few secs before he's sitting down beside me. His body is so big that it seems to take up the whole couch…. And I feel his arm brush against min
The week seems to pass slowly. I feel like an eternity has already unfolded before my eyes, but it's only been a few days since this hell began.My clumsy hands searched for the pack of cigarettes, and I remember of trying it for the first time when I entered high school, when my mother spent more time in the hospital than at home, before I even knew about my father's existence. From then on, I smoked in secret — one of the habits I gave up on for Eric, who said he hated the smell… Even though he didn't know that this tiny, seemingly insignificant weapon was constantly on my lips.The feeling of putting it back into my mouth after so many years is both exciting and frightening. But I light it and take it in deeply, leaning against the terrace railing.The nicotine brings relief to my frayed nerves and a sense of nostalgia that inflates my lungs. The smoke that I expel causes a slight burn to my eyes, yet it appears to carry the burden that has been placed upon my chest.The view from
… My angel, you're everything to me; the air I breathe, the reason my heart beats… And I don't know what will become of me if I spend one more instant away from you. I hope you can forgive me because I can't imagine my future without you. — Absolutely yours, Eric.Letting out a loud, rueful grunt, I crumple this damn card within my fingers…Hah, I can't believe he's doing this to me.How is Eric able to write such empty words, after everything he did to me…? After impregnating Laura!… Laura.My eyes follow Laura's desk, and I notice that her expression is furious like her trembling lips. I can see the flames of hatred burning in her eyes that always seemed so innocent.I take a deep breath, turning my eyes to the delicate flowers, the white petals that smell so sweet, but cause me nothing but a screaming anxiety… an urge to run away, to simply disappear…Especially when everyone around me seems simply delighted with the attitude of my thoughtful boyfriend, without ever imagining the
I never considered myself a lonely person. Eric and Laura have always been there for me, as have Julian and my father. But this Friday, when I find myself without the people who, for years, have been my pillars, I feel loneliness creeping up on me like a shadow, enveloping me in a cold embrace. Even my apartment feels empty and cold without Daddy's radiant presence, who's traveling for work and isn't expected back yet.But I did consider knocking on Julian's door and asking him to stay with me today, but this is a day when he usually meets with his flings. We're only a few steps apart, and the desire to see him is just shouting inside my head. However, since he brought me home after our brief kiss, an uneasy silence has settled between us. I could see regret shining in his eyes, along with uncertainty. And this inexplicably hurt me. I take a deep breath, staring at my room that has too many memories in objects, with picture frames on the bedside table. Pictures with Laura, Eric, and
My body is on fire.Our lips only part for a breath to fill my lungs, but soon our mouths are together again and our tongues intertwine in a slow, enveloping pace… with an intensity that I never imagined be possible.Julian's hands are exploring every inch of my skin, but it doesn't seem like that's enough because he's constantly trying to find out more about the parts of my body. And I want to get rid of all these clothes as soon as possible. I want him to get rid of his as well — which is why my nervous fingers search for the buttons of his shirt, without breaking the kiss.I unbutton the first ones, allowing his cologne to get even stronger. And I can't help but caress his collarbones, which are bulging from the workout. I bite his lip, tugging slightly as my fingers search for the next buttons.Julian grunts against my lips and moves them apart, sliding his mouth down my chin and even lower, to kiss my neck. I inflate my lungs again and tilt my head back, allowing him to leave a w
I opened my heavy eyes, taking a few moments to get my brain to work. I blinked a few times, noticing that I was in my empty room — and the bed was equally empty. Even though the memories of my moment with Julian were still fresh in my mind, and I could still smell his cologne impregnated into my skin, Julian was not beside me. And if it weren't for the traces he left on me, I would say that it was all a dream. An extremely sexy dream. Hah… I really did… I had an orgasm with Julian underneath me. It wasn't exactly sex, but it was more than anything I've ever done. I touched him too… and I never imagined there could be something… so big. Although I have never touched Eric's, I have a brief sense of it… and it doesn't come close to being that big. Besides, it was intimate and really exciting, unlike doing it alone. Maybe it was even better because of Julian's appearance and touch, which seemed to bring electricity to my body… And the way he got rough… Argh!Once again, Julian lodges h
“Jackie, Lizzie, stop running like that… you could get hurt!” I shout, putting my hands on my waist. They are laughing, hiding their smiles behind their little hands. But despite this, they go running back down the sandy beach, making my heart rise to my throat.They grow up so fast! Two years and seven months ago, they were so small in my arms, and now they’re running around our house in Nassau, their blond hair ruffling in the pleasant wind.Just as we promised, we created a little tradition in our family; every year, during our wedding anniversary, we bring the children with us. It’s the second time they’ve been here, and this time, we’ve decided to invite the people closest to us to enjoy this paradise.“This place is really wonderful!” Cathy says behind me, stroking her big belly. I look over my glasses and quickly take them off. “Seriously, I really appreciate you inviting me... I’d really go mad
As soon as the meeting is over, I feel my tense shoulders relax. My head is throbbing, a pain that has haunted me since last night when I received a call from my father.Apparently, his retirement has been announced. He will continue as chairman for another six months just to organize everything until his departure.The problem is that he still hasn’t announced a successor. The board is desperate because of the options, as none of them have the necessary qualifications to be the group’s new chairman. Of course, that’s just a sadistic strategy to get them on their toes and accept Dominic O’Neil’s desire.Apparently, my half-brother is taking victory for granted, telling everyone that he will be my father’s successor and that the group belongs to him. With the news of Father’s retirement reaching the knowledge of the media, it won’t be long before he finally names me as the new chairman.When I accepted Dominic’
The doorbell jangles, announcing my arrival. And as always, the moment people look in my direction, without interest, almost by instinct, their eyes widen, and the whispering begins. After all, I am a supermodel. My face is all over Times Square. I don’t have the luxury of privacy, of an anonymous life.Still, why am I here?My blue eyes meet the owner of this place; he’s distracted by another customer, smiling easily.My stomach twists, and I feel suddenly nervous.The whispers reach his ears, and he looks at me. It takes a few seconds for his face to show a reaction, but soon, the smile rises to his eyes, following me while I cross the coffee shop to the table at the back.I sit down and hide my face behind the menu, my cheeks burning for a reason unknown to me.Dammit, I look like a teenager. It’s not like it was the first time I’ve woken up in a man’s bed after a few drinks. And it certainly wasn’t the first time
It took a year before we could really enjoy some time alone on a honeymoon, but I have to say that it was really worth the wait. Julian made sure that our first day in Nassau, at our new beach home, was special and unforgettable.First, he invited me on a yacht ride. Going down to the deck was itself a memorable experience. This place is simply breathtaking, and the private beach is so beautiful that I couldn’t help but imagine my daughters playing in the sand. The thought made my chest warm. I already consider this place a second home.To my surprise, Julian prepared a wonderful breakfast while the 65-foot yacht cruised along the coast with everything you could wish for — fruit, bread, juices, coffee, and ending the tour with a glass of wine in one of the cabins. Fortunately, the sound of the sea drowned out my moans enough for us to enjoy some sex on the high seas.After the tour, it was lunchtime, and Julian took us to Paradise Island. He chose a luxuri
They say the Bahamas are paradise on earth, and I couldn’t find a better word to describe this place. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful in my life.As soon as we arrived at Nassau airport, a car was waiting for us. The weather is really nice here, even though it’s winter. Although I like snow, it’s nice to feel the warm weather enveloping my skin... I wish the girls were here… the cold makes them so sensitive.Thinking about them makes me feel a bit down. My heart squeezes, and I try to think that it’s only for two days and that soon they’ll be in my arms again, but still, I miss them. It’s an almost unbearable feeling. I wonder how they’re doing, if they miss us, and if they’re crying right now...But I know that Julian and I need this. It’s the opportunity to enjoy a real honeymoon, which we haven’t had before. Some would think that it’s a shame to celebrate it after so long, with the
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤ“How are you feeling?” Julian asks for the first time since we got on the plane. The trip to the Bahamas doesn’t take long, about three hours, but we’re reaching our destination soon.“I’m fine,” I say, taking Julian’s hand in mine. I stroke the white-gold ring on his finger, but I’m still lost in thought.“You seem to have a lot on your mind.” He says, studying my face.“A little.” I give a nervous smile and shrug. I thought I’d be scared to see Laura, to hear the words she said to me that day, but I didn’t.”“What’s bothering you, then?” Julian’s question makes me raise my eyes again.“More than being afraid of Laura, I was afraid of losing the people I love again,” I confess, noticing that his gaze softens. “Losing you, our daughters... I couldn’t bear it.”&ldquo
— ANGELEE ADAMS (POV)ㅤㅤFor the past seven months, I’ve wondered what happened to Laura.What happened after she left by the stairs? What happened to her twisted mind?I knew that she had been temporarily arrested for trespassing and assault, but Julian and my father tried hard to keep the details away from me. Perhaps that’s why the subject never really seemed a closure to me.Unfortunately, as much as I fought against it and didn’t want to admit it, for the last seven months, that day has tormented me.When I held my daughters in my arms for the first time, I swore to myself that I wouldn’t let Laura get to me. And I really tried to deny it, to convince myself that it was enough just to let go and focus on my family — but I couldn’t, and I hate myself for being weak to that extent.Finding out that Laura would spend her time in a mental institution wasn’t really a surprise. I knew there was s
— JULIAN ADAMS (POV)[...] Seven months later.ㅤㅤI sigh deeply, massaging the top of my nose. Ever since I heard the verdict of Laura’s trial, I’ve been feeling uneasy.Many months have passed, and I still remember how I felt when I saw the building security cameras… and how I threw up, feeling stupid, weak, and furious.I’ve never felt so impotent in my entire life.But what really put me out of sleep was what happened the day Angelee woke up in the hospital... when Laura also decided to break into the J’O Tech building. I still get chills remembering that night.It’s been a long time since Laura was fired, but for some reason, her credentials worked. In the end, we really had to restructure the entire I.T. department, which resulted in a mass layoff that only didn’t make it into the media because of damage control.Laura got crazy when she knew that her plan to harm Angelee and my
My eyes take a while to adjust to the brightness, but slowly, the blur goes away. I move my hands, feeling a weight on one of them.I blink a few times heavily, looking down carefully because I still feel a little dizzy, and see that Julian is sitting in an armchair next to the bed, holding my hand.He senses my movements and slowly opens his eyes, looking directly at me, taking a few moments for him to understand that I’m wide awake. When reality hits him hard, Julian’s eyes widen and glisten with tears.He doesn’t say a single word, just leans in, taking my hand in both of his, enveloping it in his warm palms, something I’ve really missed over the last two weeks. He rests his forehead on our hands, his tense shoulders immediately relaxing.“You really scared us, you know?” Julian grumbles, then looks up. I can see the deep, dark circles under his eyes. “You’ve been unconscious for two whole days!”Sudde