Elsida’s lips move on their own accord, beckoning to Julien’s seeking tongue, and together, they collide in a tangle of hushed breaths, their surroundings momentarily dissipating.“Perfect oh, you’re both so in love,” the photographer says startling them out of their stupor.“That’s enough photos now” Julien commands, his gaze turning heady as it takes Elsida.Elsida doesn't meet Julien’s gaze as her heart thrums wildly, her eyes roaming the room.She turns her back on him and as her hands languidly trace her lips, shock courses through her veins.“Come now, look at the masterpiece you both created” the photographer murmurs.“Excuse me” Elsida mumbles as she sprints past the room.“What was I thinking?” Elsida murmurs as she shuts the door to her room, leaning against it.She figured out that at some point, her and Julien will be required to share intimate moments in public but she did not expect it so soon.She also never anticipated the surge of pleasure that coursed through her wh
“Elsida!” Julien barked as he pulled her to his chest away from the curb.“Do you have a death wish?” Julien rasped, his eyes roaming Elsida’s face for any trace of the thoughts swirling in her head.Elsida’s heart thrummed wildly, fear evident in her features, “I’m fine, i just slipped” she said blinking rapidly.“Let’s go back to the car” she said, stepping out of his arms and avoiding his searching gaze.Elsida felt her chest tighten with trepidation.How could she let her feelings control her like that?She almost got herself killed because she let Julien mess with her head, she wasn’t planning on initiating any conversation that wasn’t necessary with him again, her priority is her Father and it would remain so.When they got to the car, they found the chauffeur waiting readily for them, “the car is ready to go sir” he said as he opened the door for them.Elsida slid into the car after Julien wordlessly, she leaned against the window through the whole ride, taking in the scenery i
Elsida wakes up with a loud gasp, she clutches her nightdress at the sides as she breathes heavily feeling the onslaught of a panic attack.She sprints from her bed to the bathroom and turns on the shower immediately in an attempt to clear her mind.Her breath comes out in heavy puffs as the hot water scorches her skin, she stays like that until her breathing calms. Stepping out of the shower she wrapped a towel around herself, staring at her rattled reflection.It seemed as though even in her dreams, she couldn't run away from Julien although she had to admit, the dream was a rude awakening her tumultuous feelings needed.♡♡♡JULIEN“I’m glad of how you’ve handled the ‘exquisite chateau’ launch so far,” Armand Benoit said as he sipped his coffee.“I would not have put so much effort if I knew you were coming to make a power move” Julien snarked.Julien was deeply aggravated at his Father, the man could not catch a break, he handed over his Empire to Julien a long time ago but he alw
“Let go of me” Elsida murmurs to the man and his grip on her waist loosens.“You should know better than to grab a lady without consent,” she says as she turns to face him.Some of her anger dissipates when her eyes take him in. To his advantage, he genuinely looked sorry and he was above-average-looking suddenly, an idea struck in Elsida’s head.“I'm sorry, I wanted to ask you for a dance” he murmured sheepishly as he ran his hands through curly hair that lightly shaded his face.He wasn't just average-looking he was handsome and Elsida knew he was just what she needed. After all, Julien had his fair share of fun too.“I’ll take you up on that dance offer,” she said with a surly smirk spread across her lips. His face spread into a wide grin as he took her hand and led her to a chamber. As they stalked to a red cube, she felt Julien’s lingering gaze at the back of her skull and a surge of adrenaline bolted down her spine.“Show me what you can do Mia Cara” her dance partner murmure
Elsida sluggishly sat up, rolling down the window and locked gazes with Julien’s Chauffeur.“How can I help you?” she asked, feigning ignorance. “Mr Benoit has asked me to fetch you, he’s waiting in the car for you.”Elsida looked at Anne helplessly heaving a reluctant sigh. “I’m sorry darling it’s out of my hands now” Anne said as she scrunched her face up in pity.“Let me know you made it safe okay?” she said as she pulled Elsida for a hug, placing a kiss on her cheek.“Good night Anne” Elsida muttered as she walked to the waiting Porsche, fuming silently.“What do you want, Julien?” Elsida asked as she slid into the car keeping her distance from him.“That's a funny question El because I'm trying to understand why my Wife decided to go home with someone else”She let out an incredulous scoff. “Oh please Julien stop with the selfless act we both know you wouldn't care even if I went home with another man.Julien’e gaze darkened as he pushed himself off his spot inching towards Els
Elsida woke up the next morning with a hammering headache, the events of the last night surfaced in her memory.She went to a club after a long spell, danced with a stranger, and kissed two men.Well if she was being precise, she did more than kiss Julien she mused as she recalled how his hands made her feel last night.She sat up and picked up the glass of water next to her armoire but didn’t take a gulp as she rushed to the bathroom, retching into the toilet bowl.So much for making mistakes, she mused as she brushed the stench of alcohol from her breath.Returning to the room, she heard the blare of her phone and struggled to find it, not remembering the last time she had it with her.Finally retrieving it, she picked up the call on the last ring. “Hi Natasha” she rasped into the phone.“Dad collapsed again El,” Natasha sobbed into the phone.JULIEN“I need to see my Father Julien.” Elsida bellowed as she barged into his room, her eyes red-rimmed.Julien peeked a look at her from h
“Merde” Julien cursed as the elevator stopped moving.“What just happened, Julien?” Elsida asked as dread coursed through her bones.“Italians and their fucking inefficiency” Julien rasped as he stalked the small expanse of space.“We’re stuck El,” he said as his face scrunched into a grimace.“This may not be the best time to say this but I don't do well in small spaces,” Elsida said as her face started to turn red.Julien’s gaze snapped to her and his eyes lit up with remembrance.” Merde El are you okay?” he asked as his eyes roamed her face hurriedly for any signs of a panic attack.“I'm going to be fine, I just need a distraction,” she said her gaze focused on the ceiling as she counted the golden boxes. 1, 2, 3, 4, …12. “You’re going to have to look at me if you need me to distract you.”Elsida felt Julien’s heady gaze on her and she was starting to think she would be better at counting numbers.Reluctantly, she tilted her head to meet his deep blue eyes that were staring her do
Two days had passed since Armand caught Elsida and Julien in the past elevator together and Elsida was a confused mess.Just as she was starting to entertain the idea of being sexually involved with him, he completely shut her down, he had said nothing more than twenty words in the past two days, one of which was; “we are leaving for Vienna in two days.” Since then, it’s been radio silent.He was so keen on avoiding a conversation with her that she had to occupy herself, she had so much free time on her hands and it was the first time in weeks that she wasn't dragged to attend one ball or the other.She requested paint and brushes from her maid yesterday and since then, the only time she left the drawing room was to sleep.She had finished three pieces and she was exhilarated. When was the last time she had so much time in her hands to paint?She let out a satisfied laugh as she put the finishing touches to her fourth painting.“Thank you Mr. Clemntine, I look forward to working with