"She already said she’s not interested."The deep, commanding voice sliced through the tense atmosphere like a knife.Selena stiffened. Her breath hitched as she turned her head sharply.Julian.He stood at the entrance of the private lounge, towering over everyone in the room. His dark, sharp gaze was locked onto Grayson, his expression unreadable yet exuding an undeniable menace. Clad in a perfectly tailored black suit, he looked like a man who owned the entire world—and in some ways, he did.But what struck Selena the most wasn’t just his presence. It was the cold fury radiating off him in waves, barely restrained.He was watching?Grayson, however, smirked lazily, completely unfazed. He leaned back against the plush leather seat, swirling the whiskey in his glass."Julian Mathers himself. What an unexpected surprise."Julian took slow, deliberate steps forward, his every movement calculated, predatory. His lips curled into a sneer."Is it?" His voice was eerily calm, which somehow
Julian dropped into his chair, running a hand through his hair as he exhaled sharply. His white dress shirt clung to his back slightly, damp with sweat.Selena frowned as she watched him. Why is he sweating?Julian Mathers was always composed, always carrying himself with an air of untouchable confidence. Yet now, he looked rushed—his breathing uneven, his normally pristine suit slightly disheveled. She had never seen him like this before.It didn’t make sense.Though she was unaware that he came rushing into the office as soon as he got out of the airport when she received a text from Clara letting him know that Grayson is harassing Selena again. Thank God, he got in at the right time. Before she could ask, his sharp gaze locked onto her, making her tense."Why the hell didn’t you tell me about Grayson?"Selena flinched at the sharpness of his tone."I…" She hesitated, looking away. "I just didn’t think it mattered."Julian scoffed. "Didn’t matter?" His voice was dangerously low, h
After the confrontation with Grayson and Julian’s unexpected intervention, Selena found herself in a whirlwind of emotions. She sat in her office that evening, staring out the window as the city lights flickered in the distance. Her mind was a storm of thoughts, each one more confusing than the last. Julian had been cold, distant, and almost cruel in his dismissal of her gratitude. Yet, he had also stood up for her in a way that no one else had. He had canceled a multi-million-dollar project just to put Grayson in his place. Was it really just about business, as he had claimed? Or was there something more to it? Selena sighed, running a hand through her hair as she tried to make sense of her feelings. She had always thought of Julian as arrogant, icy, and unapproachable. But the man she had seen today—the man who had stepped in without hesitation to protect her—was someone entirely different. “Why does he hate me?” Selena whispered to herself, her voice barely audible in the qui
Julian sat in his private bar, a glass of whiskey in his hand, staring out at the city skyline. The lights of New York twinkled like distant stars, but they offered no comfort. His mind was a storm of conflicting emotions, each one more frustrating than the last. He hated this. He hated how Selena had invaded his thoughts, his dreams, his very being. No matter how hard he tried to push her away, she always found a way back in. Julian took a long sip of his whiskey, the burn doing little to calm his nerves. He had always prided himself on his control—over his emotions, his desires, his life. But Selena had shattered that control, leaving him feeling exposed and vulnerable. It started with a woman named Vanessa. She was stunning—tall, with long legs and a smile that could melt any man’s resolve. Julian had met her at a charity gala, and she had made her intentions clear from the start. “You look like you could use some company,” Vanessa had purred, her hand resting lightly on hi
Julian stumbled through the door, his tie loosened and his shirt half-unbuttoned. He was drunk—not just from the alcohol, but from the frustration and longing that had been consuming him for weeks. Selena was sitting on the couch, a book in her hands, when she heard the door slam shut. She looked up, her eyes widening in surprise as she saw Julian leaning against the wall, his breathing heavy and his eyes dark with something she couldn’t quite place. “Julian?” she said, her voice soft with concern. “Are you okay?” He didn’t respond, his gaze locked on her as if she were the only thing in the room. His eyes traveled over her—her loose hair cascading over her shoulders, the way her simple nightgown clung to her curves, the innocence in her eyes that only made her more irresistible. Selena stood up, setting her book aside. “Are you drunk? Let me get you some water.” She turned to head to the kitchen, but before she could take a step, Julian’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist
But he cut her off with another kiss, this one even more demanding than the last. His hands roamed over her body, exploring every curve as if he were memorizing her.As Julian's fingers slipped under Selena's nightgown and traced along the edge of her panties. Her cheeks flushed at the sensation as he then boldly slipped a finger between the fabric and skin."Tell me you want this," Julian demanded huskily. “Or don't. I'll stop.” With a mix of hesitation and growing passion in Selena's voice she whispered "Yes. I want this.” This was the only permission he needed. Julian's hand moved down to Selena's center, finding her wet with desire. Her breath hitched in her throat as he began to rub her clit slowly and gently, a quiet moan escaping her lips as waves of pleasure began to ripple through her. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the intoxicating mix of warmth and urgency that filled the air between them. Julian watched her reaction closely, his dark eyes smoldering with hunger
With a sudden surge of urgency, Julian's fingers moved with purpose, plunging deeper into the warmth of her body as she gasped against his mouth. The kiss deepened, a collision of hungry lips and soft sighs, as he explored every inch of her with unrelenting fervor. Selena gasped as he hit a spot that made her toes curl, each thrust sending waves of pleasure crashing through her.“Look at you. So damn gullible. You act like you hate me, but your body? It listens to me like it was made for this.” he murmured between kisses, his breath warm on her skin. The rhythm of his fingers matched the frantic beat of her heart, each stroke igniting the fire within her and pushing her closer to the edge.Selena writhed beneath him, each movement drawing out an exquisite mixture of pleasure and desperation. She felt as if she were floating on a cloud, completely lost in the electric connection that surged between them. Her nails dug into his shoulders, urging him to keep going, to never stop.She di
The taste of her nipples mingled with the sweetness of their shared passion as they moved together in a dance that felt both frenzied and tender at once. Their hearts pounded in perfect harmony, echoing throughout the small space they shared like a primal rhythm. The air around them seemed to crackle with electricity, anticipation building with every movement they made."Angh…ah! Julian!” she moaned his name like a prayer, her fingers digging into his shoulders as she lost herself in the moment."You’ll carry this night with you forever. Every mark, every gasp, every time your body betrayed you—you’ll relive it. And I hope it haunts you, because it sure as hell will haunt me." His hips undulated against her, grinding against her wetness, and she felt him harden even further against her stomach. "I’ve waited too damn long for this. Do you even realize what you've done to me? How long I’ve craved this, how long I’ve wanted to break you open and make you mine? And now, finally… finally,
2 years later - The stage, still shimmering under the golden wash of the spotlights, echoed with the thunderous applause even as the velvet curtains descended, sealing off the spectacle. Selena stood at the heart of the stage, her chest heaving, her breath coming in ragged, triumphant gasps. The final, soaring notes of her performance, a culmination of years of relentless dedication, hung in the air, a testament to her talent. Yet, the audience's roaring cheers, a wave of unabashed adoration, confirmed what she already knew: she had captivated them.She had done it. She had finally reached the pinnacle she had so ardently pursued.From her early days as a precocious prima donna in the grand opera houses, where her crystalline soprano had enchanted audiences, to this very night—her Broadway debut as the leading lady of a prestigious opera troupe—her journey had been a testament to her unwavering spirit. Yet, as she took her final, graceful bow, her gaze fell upon a familiar sight wait
The soft glow of the fireplace flickered across the dimly lit living room, casting long, dancing shadows that painted the walls with a warm, intimate hue. Julian leaned back on the couch, his arm stretched along the top, a silent observer of Selena as she tucked her legs beneath her, creating a cozy nest of her oversized sweater. There was something about the way the firelight danced in her eyes, catching the subtle flecks of gold and amber, that made his chest tighten with a complex mix of tenderness and a vague, unsettling apprehension. He’d always admired her quiet strength, but tonight, there was a fragile vulnerability that both captivated and worried him."You've been quiet," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that barely disturbed the stillness, reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The simple gesture was meant to be comforting, a gentle reminder of his presence, but he felt a flicker of unease at the way she flinched slightly, as if startled by his touc
Selena's breath hitched as Julian planted a series of soft, wet kisses down her neck, his teeth gently nibbling at the tender skin. His hands roamed freely across her body, leaving goosebumps and a warmth that felt like wildfire wherever they touched. He caressed her breasts, teasing the nipples until they were taut with desire.Feeling the firmness of his erection pressed against her, Selena couldn't resist any longer and reached down to stroke him slowly. The base of his cock felt thick and velvety in her grasp. Julian let out a deep moan that reverberated through her entire body, sending shivers dancing along her spine.Their limbs tangled together, Selena's legs wrapped around Julian's waist as their bodies moved in perfect sync. Their breathing grew ragged and desperate, their exhales and inhales mingling together in a symphony of passion.Julian's gaze lingered on Selena's flushed face and he paused for a moment, his pupils dilating with unbridled lust. "You are so beautiful," h
Every day was a new adventure, every moment a testament to their connection, their bond growing stronger with each passing hour. They explored the city together, sharing kisses in the rain, and dancing in the moonlight, their laughter echoing through the streets, their love a constant, steady flame, burning bright, warming their hearts.It was perfect, it was bliss, it was everything she had ever wanted, and as the days passed, and the months turned into years, Selena couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, fairytales could come true after all."Marry me," he whispered one night, his voice a low, husky murmur against her skin, his eyes filled with an intensity that made her heart ache."Aren't we already married?"He smiled. "I want to marry you again, grand and happily."She nodded, her smile a promise, her gaze filled with a love that spoke volumes, her answer a silent declaration of her devotion.He smiled, his expression tender, his gaze filled with a deep, unfathomable aff
They returned to their home at night.Home.Selena loved how the word felt on her lips, a promise, a hope, a dream come true.That night, after a romantic dinner in a dimly lit restaurant, their meal accompanied by a string quartet and a glass of rich, velvety wine, Julian led her upstairs, his touch reverent, his eyes dark with a passion that mirrored her own.When he touched her, when he kissed her, her mind went blank, a haze of desire, and her body, her body was on fire, aching, longing for the feeling of him, the warmth of his skin against hers, the intimacy of their shared pleasure.He gently pushed her on the bed and hovered above her.She felt his hand brush the sensitive spot on her stomach, moving up to her breasts and cupping them, teasing them, and she couldn't hold back the moans that escaped her lips.She closed her eyes and arched her back. His hot, wet mouth enveloped her left breast while his thumb circled the nipple of her right.He sucked, nipped and bit until the p
Paris was everything Selena had imagined, and yet, it was also so much more. It was a living, breathing dream, a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents that resonated deep within her soul. She had seen the postcards, read the novels, watched the romantic comedies, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could have prepared her for the sheer, intoxicating reality of being here. The city hummed with a vibrant energy, a palpable sense of history and romance that permeated every cobblestone street, every ornate building, every whispered conversation. Every corner held a story, every street exuded a timeless charm, and every glance Julian sent her way, every touch, every word, amplified the magic tenfold.Their first morning in Paris, the soft light of dawn filtering through the curtains of their bedroom, Julian had woken her with a gentle kiss on her forehead, a feather-light touch that sent a shiver down her spine. "Get dressed, sweetheart. We’re going out." His voice, a low, husky rumble, w
The moment Selena stepped out of the airport, the cool, crisp Parisian air brushed against her skin, a gentle welcome to a world she had only dreamed of. Even through the lingering exhaustion that clung to her after the long flight, a weariness that settled deep in her bones, she couldn't suppress the involuntary intake of breath, a deep, reverent sigh that allowed the reality of her arrival to finally permeate her senses. She was in Paris.The city unfolded before her, a tapestry of golden hues under the soft, diffused light of the morning sun. The streets, a labyrinth of history and charm, were lined with buildings that whispered tales of centuries past. Balconies, adorned with intricate wrought-iron railings, jutted out from aged facades, like delicate lace against stone. Cafés, already bustling with early risers, spilled onto the sidewalks, their tables filled with animated conversations and the clinking of porcelain. Flower stalls, vibrant splashes of color against the muted ton
Selena's fingers trembled slightly as she laced them through Julian's, the cool leather of the first-class seat a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from his hand. She had barely lifted a finger in preparation for her move to Paris, the sheer magnitude of the task seeming insurmountable until Julian had swept in, a whirlwind of calm efficiency.From the moment she had confessed her readiness, a fragile whisper of "I think I'm ready," he had transformed into a force of nature. Plane tickets materialized, visa paperwork was navigated with an almost supernatural ease, and a charming apartment in the heart of the Latin Quarter was secured, all before she could fully grasp the reality of her impending departure.A flicker of guilt, sharp and insistent, pricked at her conscience. "Julian, I can do this. You don’t have to take care of everything," she had protested, her voice laced with a mixture of gratitude and unease. The feeling of being overwhelmed, yet so intensely cared for, was a
The morning light filtered through the arched windows of the opera house, painting golden streaks across the worn wooden floors. Selena paused in the grand foyer, her fingers trailing along the smooth marble banister as she inhaled deeply. The familiar scent of aged wood, rosin, and the faintest hint of lemon polish filled her lungs—a fragrance that had become as comforting to her as home. Her ballet flats made no sound as she moved through the labyrinthine hallways, past practice rooms where the sounds of scales and arpeggios spilled into the corridor. A violinist tuned her instrument nearby, the sharp notes cutting through the morning quiet. Somewhere, a soprano ran through a challenging passage from La Traviata, her voice rising and falling like a bird testing its wings. This was her world. And today, she would set her dream in motion. Madame Laurent was exactly where Selena knew she'd be—in the small rehearsal room at the end of the east wing, her silver-streaked hair pull