Eleven

Sienna Pov

I walked in with a very timid composure as everyone stared at us. It was already much discomfort it brought but still they kept pointing at my exposed yet tight fitting. I knew just exactly might be running their mind and I gritted my teeth almost cursing Julian to jail for letting a simple dress misrepresent me in the public. 

With every step we took,my inner self screamed at me to yank his grip off my arm as both were interlocked. I hissed, frustration in my mind as I raised an eyebrow at a bulky guy who came for a handshake. Julian tapped me by the waist as if commanding I accord the man. With much disdain, I shrugged left with no choice than to obey,

“hi.” I muttered, swallowing the lump in my throat,

“Mr Philip. It’s a pleasure meeting you at the charity gala.” I smirked, not at his gestures to the man but the pretense he built in an instant, his usually cold face was replaced with a wide grin one would mistake for a smile. The other reciprocated in the gesture and left for more meetings.

I turned around to study the place when a cold breath fanned against my neck, sending chills to my bones.

And with a commanding presence, he wrapped his hands around my waist tightly as if claiming possession and marking territory, his cold gaze sending chills to my body, I shuddered at his touch once his fingers brushed my arm, I let out a shaky breath I hadn't intended to release. As if that wasn’t enough, he came whispering his words to my ears, spelling them out that I forced to wriggle out of his grip.

“stay loyal, at least just in this party.” he winked and walked off of me while I tried to speak.

What the fvck? Just for what reasons does he have to tease me in such a disrespectful manner? I muttered against my breath. In time, a waitress passed with red wine in hand, I took a glass and with it still in my hands I walked to the back of the hall, I had sighted the pool for quite some second. 

I stood by the pool, the atmosphere fresh and welcoming that I had lost myself in its coolness while sipping the wine from the glass until a voice sent me to stiffen my body,. it wasn’t cold or sharp, I was sure it wasn’t Julian and so, I turned around only to meet the gaze of a slender figured guy. His hair curly with some part resting on the part of his face, he had reddish pink lips, although they were pale, he wore a wide smile on his face.

“just curious to see what damsel left the gala just to stare at the stillness of the pool.” he noted, his tone so polite that I forced a smile.

“thanks.” I replied curtly yet it sounded so dismissing, or maybe I didn’t want to be bothered. I let a breath out through my nostrils as I looked back to the pool.

I heard his steps approach me but I didn’t flinch. I stood calm pressing my arms to my chest before looking at him. I smiled for some reasons I didn't know or rather, his smiles were contagious.

“Ray by the way.“ He introduced himself offering his hand for a shake.

I looked into his eyes and like we had a silent conversation, I took those hands,

 “Sie..“

Splash!

I was all wet from hair to toe, still inside the pool, I took my hands to my face to dry off some water and I saw a woman also dressed for the gala shooting daggers at me with her eyes. I was cold, I didn't realize what was going on until everyone gathered from the hall to the pool, pointing and cursing words at me.

“Slut.“

“Bitch.“

“She wears a ring on her fingers and still wants to steal other men.“

I shook my head, they were wrong, my eyes darted to Ray, he stayed silent, his gaze apologetic but he wouldn't say a word. I trembled for the coldness of the water as I sneezed repeatedly — “coward.“ I hissed.

I tried to get out of the pool but the camera flashes made me lose strength too. I had my hands to my face so they wouldn't capture so well, I floated uncomfortably, everywhere noisy as they only whispered to their ears, some not caring to lower their voice and suddenly, there was a deafening silence, even a needle drop could be heard..

I snapped my eyes open..the hallway revealing Julian from the exit door to the pool side. The way light shone on his face was like a prince in a fairytale coming to save his damsel in distress.. I scoffed, it was all an act.

I had thought I had been the only one who got intimidated by his presence until I noticed everyone around me too. Some moving backwards as he approached them and next was me, I shuddered, would he disgrace me here too? His gaze was unappealing and I didn't want to see it. I shook with fear.

He squats by the pool side and lends his hands. I looked around and after gathering a little courage, I wrapped my hands around his so he could pull me up.

I got out and to my bewilderment, he took off his suit and placed them on my shoulder, my face turned tomato red and once his hands grazed my arms, I shuddered not in fear but the sudden care.

We should be going but no, he stood, gripping my hands tighter.

“Stop the flashes, my wife isn't a slut like your perverted husband, Mrs Dean. Do hold your dog tight.“ He said sternly that Ray's wife, Mrs Dean, staggered backwards. My lips curled into a bitter smile, this man — Julian who grew cold to me since our first night, defended me in public.

It lasted just a while. The drive was wild, cold, I shifted uncomfortably as he sped off without control.

“Julian please.“ I cried holding on to the seat belt so tight.

The air was deafening and with every single second, I wished the world stilled.

We got home, he slammed the door at the other end, I opened mine to meet up with him, but he was faster. He dragged me off the seat roughly, his grip tight around my wrist till we got to the bedroom.

“Julian please..“

“So, you don't just go to clubs and sleep with several men, you are also promiscuous at public places.“ 

He raised his voice and I shut my eyes tight as they echoed loud in my ears.

Tears threatened to well up in my eyes, but I fought it, clouding my heart to my own judgement and personality, why does Julian treat me in this manner?

Julian's voice rang in my head nonstop and when I wouldn't budge, he took my hands and pushed me onto the bed..

Unbuttoning his zip and taking off his belt, he yanked my dress off me — not with a card this time, he tore them off including panties. I wrapped my hands to my chest, ashamed to look at the man who forced his way onto me, while I struggled to get free.