Kristoff drives me to Lora’s apartment, but she isn’t home. The silence is deafening as I take the takeaway hamburger into the kitchen and set it on the counter.
I check my phone, and sure enough, my best friend has texted me. She has a date tonight with Ned, the guy she met last week. Still, nothing came from Julian. Is he still working? What is he doing now? Is he mad at me? I wanted to talk to him.
After giving it some thought, I decided to see him at his house.
I grab my purse and leave the apartment once again. I hail a cab and instruct the driver to take me to Julian’s address. His place is on 59th Street, just a couple of miles away.
When I got to the condo, the lobby knew who I was, so they let me into the elevators that go to the penthouse.
I’ve only seen such a vast estate in movies. We go down a long hallway with white, glossy tiled flooring and a lot of doors, much like at a fancy hotel. Before making a left turn into another hall, Julian’s bedroom is at the front. My heart is throbbing at an erratic pace when he opens the door.“Wow. I didn’t expect this,” I mumble as I find a king-sized mattress with blue and white linens, concert posters and a classical guitar on the wall, black carpeting, a desk, a bookshelf, and a collection of plaque discs and a phonograph in a corner.“I like collecting stuff.”“I can imagine what your adolescence was like. My teenage years were tough for me. It’s a miracle I survived.”His expression darkens. “What
“Obviously, I survived. Everything happened so quickly that a truck hit us from the side. The drunk driver had also died. And my parents were not answering my cries. I saw them die in front of me, drenched in blood. Can you imagine my mom was pregnant at that time? I passed out and awoke in a hospital room with a social worker waiting for me.” “You were fostered,” Julian presumes. “I did. Nerissa, the woman, took me in. She was Mom’s friend from the neighborhood. She found out what had happened and offered to help me. Leon, her son, was a different story.” I swallow dryly, remembering how terrified I used to be whenever he came home. “He’s my age, wasn’t always home, but whenever he was, it’s just chaotic. He took different girls at home, doing drugs and other things. He used to hurt Nerissa when he was high. I always went into my room and hid.”
I can feel the controlled tension steaming from Julian’s body as he pulls my panties down and yanks them like some sort of distraction. Then he effortlessly rolls my body to my stomach.He whispers as well as bites my shoulder, “I’ll show you how much you mean to me. I’ve always wanted to appear before you, and you’ve driven me crazy for years because I couldn’t do it right away.” He then sucks my earlobe, coaxing me as his hand slides down the line of my buttocks, then touches the tip of his finger to my inner labia. “If only I’d known what you went through,” he laments, “I wouldn’t have wasted time chasing you.”“You mean saving me from my misery,” I clarify.“Does it sound like that?” He thrusts two fingers
The Sebastians are eating breakfast on the veranda, where Julian takes me first thing in the morning. There’s Rachel and another man who resembles Julian. The resemblance is uncanny because I can’t tell who is older, but there is one distinction. Julian has darker hair.So, this is probably Carter.“My darlings,” Rachel says as she notices our arrival. She invited us to join them, which Julian and I had already planned.“Good morning,” I say with a small smile as I glance at Julian’s brother, who appears to be preoccupied with his coffee and iPad.Rachel gives me a sweet smile. “Good morning, Anya. That dress suits you perfectly. Please take a seat.” Now I understand where Julian got his polite demeanor. “
Aleph is a jet capsule waiting for us on the beach, and two more are lining up nearby. I can’t help but drool over Julian in his black sports rash guard and Bulgari ray bans. God, I want to lick him from head to toe. To compensate for his rugged, handsome look, I wore a black two-piece swimsuit inside my beach wrap.“Are we sailing?” I ask Julian as he gets up onto the deck.“Yes, come.” I grab his hand as he helps me board the boat. “Wow.”It looks like a yacht I’ve seen on TV, but in the shape of a ‘capsule.’ It can accommodate four to five passengers. It has leather seats and a dining area.“I’m assuming you can drive her?” I ask.“Ye
Julian takes me to the beach, and I’m having one of the best times of my life. And God, I could swim forever! Be with Julian in this beach house, far from everything else. Something about the seawater and sunlight makes me feel alive. When I wish to rest, I sit on a mat on the white sand. Julian then drops next to me. “This is nice,” I say. I sense his heated breath as his gaze falls over my body. “We’ve only just begun. It feels good to be with you.” I rock myself while hugging my legs and admiring the skyline that meets the ocean. “I never expected this. I’m scared because it’s too perfect. Too much happiness does not always last. Something bad could happen one day. It’s just the way life goes, but I don’t mean us. Nothing is ever truly perfect.”
Julian waits as I place my fingers on the first chord on the piano.“The song is called ‘Is This Love?’” I say.Julian’s lips form a half-smile. “Let’s hear it.”I take a deep breath and begin singing the first line, beginning on a soft, calm tune that is communicating... expressing my emotions... exactly as he taught me.Do you hear the harmony?That comes from my soul.It speaks about eternityYou’re my only home.I enter an interlude and sing a short line while humming. I continue with the sam
After our delicious Mexican treat with Six and his daughter, we retire to Julian’s bedroom to listen to his grandfather’s CD. This is why I love old songs. They evoke feelings of nostalgia and serenity.“He used to be in a band,” Julian says, referring to his grandfather. I’m leaning against his chest on the bed.“The Outlaws, yes. He was the vocalist.” I run my palm across his chest. “Hey, I enjoy getting to know more about you.”“How did you find it? Meeting my family?”“I like your mom. Adam and Carter are pleasant, so I’m not surprised you’re such a gentleman. You have a wonderful family, Jules.”His mouth curls up. “Jules?&rdq
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