Julian takes me to an exclusive nightclub on the Upper West Side, but there’s no single customer in sight. It appears it hasn’t opened up yet for the night. I tense up as I scan the vast bar area, manned solely by a muscled bartender in a classic vest and white shirt with tattoos on his arms.But seriously? He brought me here? The professor really is peculiar.Is this something he frequently does? Bringing women to nightclubs?But nope. I’m not his woman.“Mateo. My usual,” Julian says to the bartender as he approaches the bar.“Si, señor. And for the señorita?” Mateo asks, his Spanish accent precise and clear. He also has a pretty high voice for such a large and powerful man. I bet he can sing in falsetto up to a higher C5 note.“Mudslide, please,” I say. It’s my usual drink when Lora and I go to a club.“Are you sure?” he asks me again, now smiling. “Because we have something better.”I laugh. “Está bien, señor barman.”“Ah, you speak Español?”“Si, solo un poco. Mi madre era Colomb
I lift my gaze, yearning to my professor’s beautiful face, listening to his voice, observing his gestures, and marveling at his kissable moist lips. I’m captivated and terrified at the same time, becoming cognizant of how strongly I’m drawn to him, which isn’t right. It’s most likely the cocktail. I no longer have control over my words. “Kristoff’s mom hates me. She didn’t even need to say anything. And America is a brat who is really straightforward. They have no right to look down on others just because they were born wealthy. I’m poor, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have feelings or a mind.” His brows knitted together. “I’m not surprised, but have you told Kristoff?” “It wasn’t necessary. I’m sure he’s aware. He doesn’t like his family either.” I sigh hard and shake my head before drinking again. “Melissa and America are almost alike. But Kristoff’s mother wasn’t born rich, Anya. Her father used to work as a blue-collar employee for Sebastian Records.” I wipe the drink from my li
When I come out of the bedroom, I find Julian sitting in the living room with papers strewn across the center table. And seeing him in those black-framed glasses is always a delight for me.Damn. A small grumble escapes my mouth as I chew my bottom lip. I could never tire of that sexy, smart look.I avert my eyes and stride to his dining area, which is adjacent to the floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but admire his private space. It’s enormous and modern, much like his workplace. The living room’s walls are mostly glass, which overlooks the city’s panoramic view. There are no photographs on the walls, only vibrant abstract paintings.His space reflects his personality. It’s bright and well-organized. I’ve met men like him who are gentlemanly, but Lora used to say that nice guys are almost boring. I wouldn’t understand her because she prefers bad boys to nice boys.Well, Kristoff is nice...Julian, on the other hand, is anything but boring if I understand Lora correctly. The man
Lora wraps her arms around me the moment I walk into our place. Her embrace tightens around me, and she sobs like someone has died. I wish I could be a little enraged, but I can’t. That was yesterday.“I’m so sorry, Anya. I really am.”I close my eyes and give her a tight hug. My heart hurts for her, but I miss her. “Why don’t you just start explaining?”“I will. I swear.” She lets me go. I notice her puffy face and nose. With her swollen eyes, she appears to have been crying all night. “But where were you?” She takes notice of my baggy outfit. “And what are you wearing? Are those men’s clothes?”“It’s a long story.” I sigh. “But does this mean I didn’t lose you?”“Come on, Anya! You’re my best friend. My only one.”“Yes, but you will tell me everything you know.”“Yes, of course.” She wipes her tears away with her fingers. “We’ve been calling and waiting all night.”“Come.” I reach out and take her hand, leading her gently to the couch. I see that the house is also a mess. On the liv
“After the rock-star vocalist Phillis Stevens’ hospitalization, twenty-three-year-old son, Kristoff, has temporarily taken over Stevens Media in Los Angeles. He was spotted with his girlfriend, Candice McQueen, the rising pop idol, at the press conference last night...”A picture of Kristoff and Lora’s sister looking like the perfect celebrity couple appears on the TV screen. Candice’s hand is intertwined with Kristoff’s arm.“You shouldn’t watch the news. How long has it been since? He’s been gone for two weeks now with no phone calls or texts. Anya, forget about him.”“I didn’t even say anything.” I lie down on the couch and stare up at the ceiling. “Your sister has made headlines. Did you not want to see her?”“We were in the same womb at the same time, and I look in the mirror every day, so I don’t really miss her. I’m just annoyed with myself because I can’t be with Candice and can’t fully support my best friend.”I sigh. “You’re here with me. That’s enough encouragement, but I’m
In contrast to when I first came here, Paradise Avenue Nightclub is frantic tonight. A long line of people is forming outside the club.“Would you look at that?” Lora says as she tries to glimpse the entrance.I grab her by the arm. “This isn’t a good idea. Let’s just go to Caleb’s.”“Hush! Let’s wait for him here. We wouldn’t have to wait in line. He’s a VIP.”“His brother owns the club,” I inform her. “What if he doesn’t show up?”There’s no way he would. Why would he accompany two girls, let alone his students, into a nightclub? Someone from Whitlock might see us here.“He said he would. I have a feeling he’ll be here.”I’m sometimes envious of her audacity. I would never have the nerve to call my professors as she did.We wait for the next five minutes, watching every car that pulls into the driveway to see if Julian is in one of them. But he doesn’t show until a black Rolls-Royce pulls up in front of us.The professor steps out of the car in front of us, radiating virility. Peopl
He feels something... For me...A burst of bliss rushes through me.If only I could run to him with open arms and confide in him completely, I would. But that’s not how life works.This is not a fairytale. Life can be beautiful, but it can also be cruel. I’m just tired and afraid of losing in the end. I survived life’s adversities by remaining watchful and making calculated decisions. I tried to open my heart again with Kristoff, but where did it lead me?Julian Sebastian is my professor and has accomplished things that would take me a lifetime to achieve. He comes from a good family, like Kristoff, and he dated one of the world’s most famous artists.We simply don’t mesh. I have nothing to offer him to be considered his equal.I closed my eyes and let my emotions flow. My chest is attempting to explode, and I’m not sure I can take it any longer. I have to say something, even though I know it would betray me.I meet his gaze to respond, but Lora reappears in our lounge.“There you are
Julian drives us back to the apartment. It’s already after midnight. My best friend is too drunk to stand, and my anticipated alone time with my gorgeous professor has been postponed.Lora has fallen asleep in the backseat, and I imagine various ways to get her to our room.“Do you need help?” Julian asks, glancing over at my best friend in the back.I let out a sigh. “Whenever this happens, Kristoff used to carry her on his back. So, yes, I need your help.”He laughs, and the sound he makes slithers down my stomach. “I’ve witnessed worse. Help me get her up.”“Sure thing.” I get out of the car and then go to the backseat to open the door. I slide into the backseat to shake Lora’s shoulder, but she groans.“She won’t wake up,” I say.“Hold the back of her head and push over here.”I obey because he gestures to the other side. Julian gently hooks Lora’s arm to his shoulder and helps her out of the car while I support her.Lora almost falls down, but our professor immediately catches he
When I got to bed later that night, I immediately called Julian. Damn. My feet are killing me from running around all day in heels. “How’s Kristoff doing?” I ask, my gaze fixed on the ceiling. “He’s already dozed off.” I hear a door closing in the background. “Did you guys talk?” “Yeah.” “What did you say?” “Everything. I told him everything from the start. It’s alright now. You have nothing else to be worried about.” I exhaled a sharp sigh of relief. “We should’ve done this sooner. I’m sorry because Kristoff is a good person.” “He is. He didn’t tell you even though he already knew. “Hey, don’t worry about it, and get some rest,” he says softly. I chew my bottom lip. “Thank you for today. I was late, but you waited for me.” “No. Either way, I’d still tell you about it. I should be thanking you for accepting me.” Silence. I love hearing his voice. I could fall asleep all night listening to him speak. He makes me feel as if I’m lying on clouds. “I love you so much, Julian.”
I got separated from Julian at the party when everyone surrounded him to wish him a happy birthday. I also see his parents, Rachel and Benjamin, at the corner, speaking to some guests. I realize this is my second encounter with his father, and I don’t know much about him yet. Rafael, his eldest son, bears a striking resemblance to him. I’m curious about him because I’ve already met Julian’s entire family.The party is formal, well-prepared, and obviously exclusive, as evidenced by the familiar faces—most of whom are celebrities. I’m glad I dressed appropriately tonight. Everything Dean had arranged for me had probably come from Julian. Now I just have to get used to that fact and accept that he and John Pitch are the same person. And that I’m now engaged to him. This ring on my finger proves I’m not imagining things.
When Dean arrives at the hospital, he sees me right away. His face is stricken with concern as he studies me from head to toe and then sighs when he realizes I’m fine. But whoa. I’m amazed at how he came here fast. I was just talking to him. “What are you doing here, Anya?” “It’s Kristoff. He’s had an accident. I can’t just leave him there, Dean, knowing I’m partly to blame.” “How is that your fault? Is he alright?” I nod. “He’s already awake, but he refuses to notify his parents.” Even though I know they’ll blame me, I’ll take whatever they say. “He probably thought it would just cause a stir. His parents are at the party. Don’t worry. I’ll check on him later, so we should leave now.” “What did Mr. Pitch say?” “He’ll come to see you. You can explain everything later.” I exhale a sigh of relief. “Thank you.” But Julian’s birthday, too! He could be looking for me right now. But I haven’t received a call or message from him yet, and neither has Lora. “He’s waiting, Anya, so hur
I feel my face whiten, unable to move my lips or even move at all. My mind is flooded with questions. How did he find out? Did Julian tell him? Or did he see us together? What does he think of me now?“Goddammit, Anya!” He rubs his face. Exasperated tears well up in his eyes. “Really? Julian? “Why him of all people?”“P-Please, Kris, calm down. I’ll explain.”I understand how important this is to him. I’ve known itsince the beginning. Kristoff looked up at Julian. He’s like a brother to him, someone he can rely on. But Julian and I went too far. It’s unfair that we kept it from Kristoff, but we didn’t do anything wrong. We were simply being cautious.I have to tell him. It should be done now, without hesitation. I’ll try to persuade him of my connection to Julian—everything from the beginning. We met before Whitlock, how I was chosen for the scholarship, how we met a
“How about this one?” I turn around in front of Lora while selecting a dress to wear to the signing at Sebastian Records in the afternoon today—my most awaited day. God, time flies! Oh, and tonight is Julian’s birthday party that will be held at the company.I’m wearing a Neiman Marcus royal blue asymmetric cross bandage dress and Christian Louboutin heels that were delivered to my door by my benefactor’s assistant, Jefferson ‘Dean’ Bryant. He thought I should dress nicely today, and he fully supports my newfound success. He also said he’d say something after I signed. I’m curious about what that’s all about.Lora squeals as she scans me from head to toe. “Damn, you’re hot. Hot, sexy-smart. I wish I could be there for you.”“
Anne’s laughter echoes throughout the living room after Hector finishes second in their game on my television I haven’t even used yet. Ben said it would be boring, so he brought his game console. The others are relaxing with some beverages and snacks while chatting. And I’m in the kitchen, getting another box of pizza and fried chicken. “Seriously?” Hector grumbles. “Wow, that was extreme! Now, give me your fifty dollars,” Anne brags. Ben chuckles. “I warned you, dude. You can’t force ladies these days.” “I’ll take the bet. I’m next,” Kristoff says. “Hey, me, too!” Brit yells. “Do they do this often?” I ask Lora. “Oh, yes. Usually in Hector or Ben’s place, but I hardly join.” I take a big bite of my pizza. God, I love cheese. “Then let’s join them now.” We bring the food into the living room and take a seat. “Hector, move your leg!” Give the owner some space,” Brit says as she grabs a
“So, what do you think?” Dean asks after we’ve toured an apartment on Royale Hill, two blocks from Whitlock. Since all the rents were the same, I chose the one closer to the school. “It smells expensive. It looks expensive.” It’s fully furnished and brand new. Despite the citrus air freshener, the interior still smells like leather and has glass windows. “Anya.” Dean crosses his arms, probably expecting me to say something serious. “Fine, I love it. It’s wonderful but still extravagant,” I admit bluntly. I suppose Mr. Pitch has nowhere else to put his money. What exactly is he thinking? The listing price alone scared me. Looking at it now completely overwhelms me. “You are welcome to move in whenever you want. I’ve already spoken with the lessor.”
“Rafael isn’t the type to disclose his strategies,” Julian says. “I do know that he will keep our reputation from deteriorating. Stella has a good public record, her records are selling out again this year, and fans are waiting for her new album. She made a fortune for Rafe when she gave up her stakes in her former management. Rafe will, of course, strive to keep her good image.”I close my eyes and let out a slow, deep breath to calm myself. “I’m sorry it happened to her. What are you going to do about her?”“Nothing. We were done a long time ago.” He drinks again.“But you’re still concerned about her,” I say bravely, but my voice wavering. Whatever his response, I must respect his feelings. He dumped his ex-fiancée because he bel
The silence in the penthouse is deafening when I arrive. I turn on the lights to make the room feel more alive. I haven’t heard from Julian since the morning, and he still didn’t respond to my texts or phone calls.I rush to the fridge for food because I’m starving. It’s a miracle that I’m hungry after an entire day of not eating.I grab some bread from the counter, spread it with peanut butter, and pour myself a glass of orange juice. With one bite and a gulp, relief washes over me.I go to the bathroom after eating to take a quick shower. I undress, step under the sprinkler, and then turn it on. I close my eyes and let the warm water flow over my head.I reach for the hair gel, but Julian appears unexpectedly and grabs the bottle. I stare