Don't play with me

 Lexi's POV 

 I shrugged Julian away, my face burning with embarrassment. “I…I didn't mean to kiss you like that. It was just to prove a point to your son. That's all,” I really hope he buys my words, but instead his eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, his gaze holding mine. 

 “I think you did mean it, Lexi. And I meant it too. I want us to continue this…from where we stopped,” 

  I stepped away from him, my face still burning with embarrassment. “No, Julian. I didn't mean it like that,” My voice was firm, but my eyes betrayed me, darting away from his intense gaze.

 “Are you sure about that little princess?” He asked as he took slow and steady steps closer to me. The way he said the word ‘little princess’, sent a shiver down my spine.

 “Come on, Lexi,” I chided myself as I stepped back, trying to provide a room to be able to run away. 

 But he didn't give me any chance. He placed his hands on my waist and pulled me closer to him. 

 “I swear to God, I didn't mean it like that, Julian,” I said in a low voice. His laughter resonated through the room, a deep, throaty sound that had butterflies rolling in my stomach.

 Fuck! What is happening to me!

 “You are a terrible liar, Lexi,” he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. 

 I stepped away from him. Thankfully, this time, he didn't try to stop me leaving. I seized the opportunity as I quickly turned around and ran straight to one of the room, locking myself in. I leaned against the door, my chest heaving, as I tried to process what had just happened.

 “Phew! That was close,” I exhaled sharply. I had thought that Julian would really kiss me back. I hated to admit it, but I actually wanted him to kiss me. 

 I would have loved to know what his lips felt like. 

 “What a shame, Lexi, this is not why you are here. Don't get carried away,” A tiny voice whispered at the back of my head and I rolled my eyes. 

 It wouldn't hurt to have a taste right?

 As I caught my breath, I took in the room’s decorations. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and large window that let in plenty of natural light.

 The walls were painted a soft, creamy white and the furniture was modern and well polished. A plush gray carpet covered the floor and a large four-poster bed dominated the center of the room. 

 “Wow!” I gasped in awe as I continued to admire the room. A large chandelier hung heavily on the ceiling. That had to be the biggest chandeliers I've come across.

 Heck, this was the biggest room I've ever seen.

 I walked over to the balcony, parting aside the curtains to reveal a stunning view of the city. The sun was beginning to set and it casted a warm glow over the skyscrapers. I stood there taking in the view, feeling the cool breeze on my face.

 “I love the view from here,” I muttered under my breath with a smile on my face. It gives me the opportunity to be able to stare at the city. I have always loved to watch the city from my room, through my balcony.

 That was one thing I always did with my mother during my free time. Somehow, my mother suggested that we turn it to an everyday routine. Most times when I can't sleep, I'll go to my mother's room and wake her up and we'll come out to the balcony and watch the night sky and the city. 

 Sadly, she's not here with me. I miss her so much. I still can't believe that she's gone. 

 As I stood there, lost in thoughts, my phone rang, thereby breaking the comfortable silence. I gritted my teeth, suddenly wishing that I had super powers to strangle whoever just interrupted my moment.

 My anger tripled when I saw that it was none other than my father. What does he want now? 

 “What do you want from me, you old hag? Aren't you tired of messing with my life, huh?” I asked as soon as I answered the call, but his voice cut me off. 

 “Lexi, get to the house now!!! Don't keep me waiting” His voice boomed over the phone, his tone urgent.

 “What now? What do you want?” I asked in annoyance, but I realized that the line was already dead. 

 I rolled my eyes, feeling a sense of unease wash over me. What could be so urgent?

 From what I had gathered, my father wouldn't just call me if it wasn't important and what could be the reason? I have to find out.

 But first things first, what if Julian is waiting for me at the door? Fuck! That wouldn't be good. 

 Therefore, I decided to sneak out of the house not wanting to face him again. I was too embarrassed to face him. Thankfully, as I got out of the house, he wasn't there. 

 I sighed in relief while making my way downstairs, my heels clicking on the marble floor when all of a sudden, I heard his husky voice.

 “Gotcha!!!” 

 I wasn't expecting it, therefore I was startled. I just placed my hands on my chest, trying to catch my breath.

 “What the fuck, Julian,” I gritted my teeth in annoyance. “You startled me,” I added, but instead he chuckled lightly.

 “Take it as your punishment for lying to me,” He winked at me before walking away.

 Sigh! Why did I sign up for this? I took a deep breath to calm myself. When I was sure that I was relaxed a bit, I walked out of the house and started towards the cab station where I hailed a cab to my family's house.

 Thankfully, the driver was swift in his driving and soon, I was in front of the house - my mother's house.

 'I’ll get this house back by all means,’ I muttered under my breath. That was a vow and I'll definitely fulfill it. I took a deep breath before making my way inside. 

 As soon as I stepped inside, I was met with a resounding slap on my face, causing me to stumble back. A look of confusion spread across my face as I saw my stepmother standing in front of me, her eyes blazing with amusement.

 “You bitch! Haven't you brought enough shame to our family?” She spat.

 “You think you can just waltz in here and drag our family to the mud again?” 

 I was finding it hard to believe that Claudia just slapped me. 

 “Haven't you done enough, huh? Haven't you disgraced this family enough? You went as far as getting married to —”

 Before she could finish her statement, I slapped her right back. Twice. The sound of the slaps echoed through the hallway.

  I heard a gasp behind me and I knew it was her daughter. Of course, they weren't expecting it.

 “How dare you hit me, you fool?” Claudia hissed in anger as she tried to hit me again, but I caught her hands in the air and swatted it away, while also hitting her again. 

 “And I'll hit you again and again if you don't stay away from me,” I said through gritted teeth.

 “Don't play with me, Claudia. This is your last warning”