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36. Julia
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
SENSUAL SURRENDER 37. She choose life
I flipped my cellphone over and over in my palm, inhaling the salty sea breeze caressing as I took in the breathtaking marina view from the balcony of Julia's apartment at Esprit. Queues of yachts and boats gently rocked to and fro on the blue waves.It was amazing here. I was yet to tell Julia that the apartment directly across from hers was mine, bought as a gift by a certain blue-eyed billionaire. I didn’t want it, and Julia would only try coaxing me into taking it, because, well, I’d be right across the hall from her. Her dream come true.Deciding to spend the rest of my weekend with Julia so I could focus on designing a few more pieces for the bidding on Monday, I'd packed up my implements and fled my apartment to get away from the inquisitive Jane and her relentless brother. Nevertheless, the change of venue didn’t help with my concentration, because my independent mind kept wandering off to thoughts of Josh. And with each thought, a part of me hurt. It made no sense to fight t
SENSUAL SURRENDER 38. I'd lost him
The strong scent of Folgers coffee wafted under my nostrils. Smelled heavenly enough to get me to open my eyes. Julia was standing over me, passing a mug of coffee back and forth under my nose.Sharp pain lanced up my spine when I tried to sit up, realizing that I’d fallen asleep at the working table."Good morning. No way your back’s not hurting," Julia said. "Here. Drink some coffee."I stretched like a cat before taking the mug she offered. "Thanks. You're the best. I swear, if we didn't have the same body parts, I'd marry you."She snickered. "This looks like a lot of work. If only you'd let me help yo—""I don't have enough material for you to mess up anything here, Julia. I can't afford any wrong cuts and stitches.""I'm not that bad," she defended, pouting.With an arched brow, I brought the mug to my mouth and stared at her over the rim as I sipped.Julia burst into a laugh. "Okay, those times you were just teaching me. I'm much better now. I like how magical it is to create s
SENSUAL SURRENDER 39. The bidding
"Ninety-five thousand," countered the third bidder."One hundred and ten thousand," countered the fourth.My last piece—a neon-yellow Spring shorts with bright green belt loops and green, square front buttons—had spiked up a bidding war. I gave credits to the tall, blonde model who did it more justice than it deserved. All but three of my modeled pieces had been tendered on, making me four hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars richer.The bidding price for the Spring shorts was now at one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, and all except one bidder were stroking their chins in deep contemplation.Being an exclusive show, there was just a small crowd of people apart from the five bidders, the eight fashion designers, including me, and the models. Nevertheless, everything was being executed like a real fashion show, with a huge white runway, blinding, flashing light and runway soundtracks.The models, make-up artists and everything else were provided. All the designers had to
SENSUAL SURRENDER 40. A walk to the past
Two hours later, Geo Lee’s driver was creeping alongside the airstrip runway towards a sexy black jet with gray tail and wings, ENEN brand in bold gold letters on the side. The jet’s door was down but I didn’t see Josh. “Okay, Dalia,” Geo Lee said in that voice only he owned, while flickering his lashes. “One can never tell what mood Nelson’s gonna be in, he’s mercurial like that, so I won’t have you coming out with me. I don’t care that you used to share your cookies with him. When he arrives, I’ll go out first and test the waters. If his mood is in the bitters, then you leaving this car is a no, no. Got it?”Can you say drama queen? “But how will I know?”Geo Lee made a clucking sound with his tongue as he thought about it for a moment, then pulled his tie-dyed scarf from around his neck. “I’ll keep this scarf in my hand. If his mood is okay, you can come out then. But if his mood is shitty, I’ll wrap it around my neck and you have my driver bring you back to the office. I can’t ta
SENSUAL SURRENDER 41. A vague memory
"A-After...After I fell asleep," I muttered.Intense sapphire eyes pierced me and my lips parted as I struggled to breath. It felt like he was asphyxiating me with his eyes. When I shifted uncomfortably, he broke his gaze, took a long sip of his wine, then let out a long breath. "Watching you sleep was one of my most peaceful, relaxing preoccupations. I was obsessed with it...And that night, after we made love, that’s what I was doing when myphone rang." He dropped his gaze to his wineglass. "It was Darren." Hmm, Darren, the right-hand man."I walked out into the living room to talk to him so I wouldn’t wake you. He told me he just got this unbelievable deal on some ammo, but he was unsure about the link and why it was so cheap. Said he'd feel a lot better if I was there. He wanted me to go with him."I told him I couldn't because I was with you. He badgered and pressed me, saying the location wasn’t far so we wouldn't be long. Less than fifteen minutes to exchange payments for go
SENSUAL SURRENDER 42. He searched for me
My heart leaped. He searched for me. "It took me a few weeks to find out about your father's suicide and your mother's attempt at the same. Of what had happened to you and that you were...you were with...Cali D," his voice broke as he said this. "You’d moved on. What could I do? Especially if you didn’t remember me? I sent warnings to him, to let him know if anything should happen to you, anything at all, I'd pull his intestines through his mouth." He ran both hands through his hair. "I couldn't fathom how everything could go so wrong so quickly."This was too much. So overwhelming. Hell, this man had suffered more than I did. Suddenly I felt sickened. And everything I’d eaten that day threatened to exit orally.But Josh rambled on. "I never left you, Dalia. I assigned men to keep watch on you during the years you were with him. And whenever he messed up and you left, I'd be sure his ass got kicked. But then days later you'd go back to him. Before I could make a move from wherever I
SENSUAL SURRENDER 43. Heated sensation
Josh walked back over to the table and cleared the wine glasses. "It's late, Dalia. You said you wanted to know what happened, now you do. Scott will take you home."He unnecessarily busied himself, emptying the glasses and putting them in the dishwasher, while I just sat there like a spare part. Why’s he being so mean?He still loved me; it was evident in his eyes. So why was he purposely trying to hurt me? Did he want me to beg him to stay with me?One side of me was ready and willing to do so, but pride won over. I loved him with all my heart, but I wouldn’t beg him anymore. Who the hell did he think he was? We both got hurt that night. Him in more ways than me, I agree. Now that I knew truth, I finally understood and could move on from it.But on a sad note, it seemed we'd be moving on separately, because he had given up when I was ready to try.Holding on to my dignity, I got up from the barstool, made a beeline for the elevator and pressed the call button. Fighting to keeping my
SENSUAL SURRENDER 44. Hot kisses
There's only darkness and the almost imperceptible humming of the air conditioner. I opened my eyes, stretched; a smile creeping across my face when I realized I was in Josh's bed.Josh wasn’t there, though.Glancing over at the bedside clock I saw it was long after midnight. My smile melted as my heart pounded loud in my ears. Déjá vu attacked me.Scrambling out of bed, I yanked off the sheet and draped it around me then rushed into the bathroom. He wasn't there.I darted out onto the balcony. Not there. Trying not to trip over the bunched-up sheet, I sprinted downstairs.My heart sagged in relief.Josh in the living area, humming to the sound of Morgan Heritage’s She’s Still Loving Me playing softly over the integrated speakers, while cleaning up shards of the vase he'd broken earlier.As if sensing me, he abruptly glanced up and smiled. But that smile quickly morphed into a frown. "Dalia, what's wrong?" he asked, concern in his voice. "Shit, you don't want to leave, do you? Stay.
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SENSUAL SURRENDER 52. I already said yes
We drove home from the dinner in painful silence.Josh hadn’t said a word to me since my tiff with his father. Was I in trouble for this bullshit? Would he leave me because I showed no respect to his father—his idol?The day was starting to wear on me.Easing into his garage, he parked, pulled up the handbrake, and turned to look at me. Expression was unrevealing.I braced myself for the imminent explosion. Strange that hours ago I'd stared down the one man he, Josh, was afraid of, yet I was intimidated by the son.Saying nothing, he just watched me, inexpressive.My eyes dropped to my fingers restlessly fiddling with the edges of my purse."Look at me, Dalia," he said. "You just stared down one of the most domineering men I've ever known. A man who has intimidated some of the world’s most powerfulbusinessmen to capitulate to his demands. And you can’t look at me?" I didn't look up at him when I quietly asked, "Are you mad at me?" Silence.When I risked a peek up at him, the apathy r
SENSUAL SURRENDER 51. The challenge
The great room was packed with Nelsons, as we all waited an annoyingly long time for the dinner to start. Like we were at the White House waiting for the President’s arrival or something.Centuries later, a wiry middle-aged butler emerged through a set of double doors on the right. Holding a wand that seemed much too heavy for his proportion, he lifted it high before slicing it through the air and hitting it against a huge gold gong I hadn't noticed was there. The blow elicited a loud, grating bang, ceasing all chattering and yanking everyone's attention."Good evening, everyone," he said resoundingly. "Dinner is served." He stepped aside and gestured to double doors that were immediately pulled open by another pair of butlers. All the Nelsons formed a single file line and walked through the doors.I folded my lips and followed, trying with tenuous control to not collapse into a fit of laughter at this family's over-the-top absurdities. A small giggle managed to escape and Josh glance
SENSUAL SURRENDER 50. Dreadful father
Taking me by surprise, Melinda leaned over and clasped my hand. "Do you really love him? Men change, you know. They can change so suddenly that—""Of course she doesn't," said a voice behind me, which I now recognized as Princess’s. "She has a gold eye, and Brother's a fool for thinking she actually loves him.""Princess," Melinda warned with an irritated wave. "Ignore her," she whispered conspiratorially. "Nothing annoys her more."I plastered a smile on my face. "It's okay. I'm used to antagonism. Where’s your powder room?""Left.” She gave me an apologetic smile. "At the very end of the hall." Grateful to get away, I thanked her and took off.There were paintings of each family member along the hall walls. How much more archaic could this family get?As I sidled down the dragging hall, I heard harsh yelling coming from behind one of the doors on the right, which was left ajar, and I edged closer to eavesdrop."...and my last words to you Henry: 'punishment is made for mockers and t
SENSUAL SURRENDER 49. Meeting the Nelsons
The ride to the Nelson estate was long, but the green scenery made up for it. I hadn’t realize I’d been slouching with my face glued out the window until Josh pulled up outside a stately, wrought-iron gate and numbered the security monitor on a red-bricked column.We drove through the gates and down a narrow road, passing tall, flourishing trees. Between the intermittent spacing of the trees, I could see acres of verdant land rolling on and on.Two minutes of driving and the house was still out of view. One more minute of driving and we were outside another baronial gate. Again he numbered the security monitor and drove us through."All that land behind us belongs to your father?""Yep.""Are we gonna get to the house anytime this year?"He chuckled. “We’re here."We drove along a sinuous path lined with towering palm trees until the palatial house came into view. An imposing, three story, white mansion with immense carved columns, French windows and doors. Put simply, the place was i
SENSUAL SURRENDER 48. San Francisco
We arrive in San Francisco late Saturday evening.Huge was too small of a word to describe Josh’s all-glass home. Aesthetically decorated with white furniture and elaborate pieces of art, I didn’t know where to look first.From any room, kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, I could see the city lights twinkling all around because the pad was all-glass.I’d grumbled a bit about privacy, but when I stepped outside the long-lipped wraparound balcony, I realized the glass was one-way. Nothing could be seen from the outside looking in. Strewn about were white leather lounge chairs and tall decorative plants."You like?" I spun around and found Josh at the sliding glass doors which led out to the balcony. Shirt, shoes and socks all gone. Top button his jeans undone, flashing me a peek at his gray boxers."Y-yes," I rasped, totally, completely affected by the delicious sight of him."It's...huge.""Good. Because I had it redecorated, hoping you’d like it."A stumpy, bald guy dressed in
SENSUAL SURRENDER 47. All that and more
When I next allowed myself to open my eyes, night had fallen, and strong arms were around me. They weren’t Julia’s. They were arms I didn’t want to embrace me, to give me solace from a grief said arms could’ve prevented. Julia was nowhere in sight. Launching up in a sitting position, I called out for her. She needed me like I needed her. I couldn’t allow her to mourn alone. She had no idea what grief could do to her. She wouldn’t know how to deal with it. “Julia!” I called out again, but my voice was so hoarse I could hardly hear myself. Josh’s hard frame was right there behind me, his big, masculine arms trying to ease me back down to the carpet. “Dalia, calm down. Julia left.” Anger surged through me as I twisted around to glare at him. He was shirtless and look a tad weary. I tried not to let his nakedness distract me. “How could you let her leave? Are you that goddamn insensitive?” Though I wanted it to sound like a shout, I failed, because I almost had no voice, my throat
SENSUAL SURRENDER 46. Crying myself to sleep
"Will you be at the family dinner, too?"My question was directed to the svelte, brown-eyed Lori who was trying to stuff me into a lime-green gown as we made a mess of Josh’s apartment. I liked her, because she wasn't uppity. Neither did she bombard me with questions or try to pry into her cousin's privacy.Julia, who popped in an hour ago with the intention of us going shopping, believing Lori wouldn’t have anything I’d like, was rummaging sparkly-eyed through Lori’s racks. She had no upcoming functions that required formal wear, yet she’d set aside four gowns she decided she had to have. I, on the other hand, had yet to find a gown I liked."God, no!" Lori shrieked, a horrified expression on her face. "I can't stand UncleNelson.""Is he that bad?""Yes." She added a slow nod to emphasize. "But it's not just him. It's the whole setting and requirements for the dinner. I mean, the whole purpose is to have dinner and catch up with family. I don't see why all the formality is needed, g
SENSUAL SURRENDER 45. I detonated
Josh was watching me sleep.I was in limbo between sleep and wake, but I still could feel his eyes on me. And I was right. When I chose to be awake instead of asleep, there those blue eyes were, fixed on me.On his side. Hands tucked under his cheek. Unkempt hair, stubble shadowing his squared jaw, and still he looked as glorious as ever. A ray of sun sneaking through the blinds laced across his features. No one should be allowed to look this damn good in the morning.His lips curved up. "Hi."Turning on my side, I mirrored his actions—though I was pretty sure I didn't look half as good as he did at the moment. "You’re giving me the Edward, watching me sleep."“Think I’m creepy?”“Nope. I think it’s sexy.”He made a face. “Okay, that just…doesn’t…sound right.”A giggle escaped as I stretched. "Whatever. You’re sexy. Deal with it.”He edged closer to me but didn't touch me. Just the heat of our bodies mingled. "You have any idea how happy I am right now? To have you back in my life. Yo
SENSUAL SURRENDER 44. Hot kisses
There's only darkness and the almost imperceptible humming of the air conditioner. I opened my eyes, stretched; a smile creeping across my face when I realized I was in Josh's bed.Josh wasn’t there, though.Glancing over at the bedside clock I saw it was long after midnight. My smile melted as my heart pounded loud in my ears. Déjá vu attacked me.Scrambling out of bed, I yanked off the sheet and draped it around me then rushed into the bathroom. He wasn't there.I darted out onto the balcony. Not there. Trying not to trip over the bunched-up sheet, I sprinted downstairs.My heart sagged in relief.Josh in the living area, humming to the sound of Morgan Heritage’s She’s Still Loving Me playing softly over the integrated speakers, while cleaning up shards of the vase he'd broken earlier.As if sensing me, he abruptly glanced up and smiled. But that smile quickly morphed into a frown. "Dalia, what's wrong?" he asked, concern in his voice. "Shit, you don't want to leave, do you? Stay.
