by Rosie Praks
“Make love to me, Julian,” I muttered next to his ear, licking and biting his earlobe. “Make love to me. Make me yours.”
Julian lifted me and positioned his cock at my entrance. He slowly pushed himself into me. The pleasure was unbearable. I was so full of him I felt warm heat radiating throughout my pores.
Julian kissed my wet neck where the rose pendant necklace lay. As he pushed into me, I braced myself tight with my arms around his neck.
Sweat glistened on his forehead, and I licked it away. The salty flavor only heighted my sexual appetite as I asked him to fuck me, fuck me harder.
Again and again we made love like this, in the tub, until the water turned cold. Then he dressed me, just like our first time together in Brisbane. His fingers gliding over my skin, lightly caressing, clothing me with his shirt.
We ate lunch in peace. A lot of the food didn’t end up in our mouths, but on our bodies. We took turns feeding those leftover bits.
Later that afternoon as we were having dinner, Julian asked me softly, “So will you have a relationship with me?”
Julian really was persistent. I played at his sleeve, folding the arm back and circling my finger on his inner wrist.
Julian’s sharp intake of breath alerted me to another erogenous zone on his body. And I took advantage of it, lightly touching that same spot again while asking him random questions. “Why did you bring me here, Julian?”
“I said it before. I want to have a relationship with you.”
“And what happened when we were in Miami? You used me. Remember? For the Devereux legacy.” I reminded him of the hurt, the humiliation, and the emotional pain I went through those weeks after his declaration.
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his lips squeezing tight, his eyes avoiding mine.
I wanted to know more. I lifted his chin to look at me when he avoided my eyes. “Can you tell me why you did it?”
“It’s not time to reveal this secret yet,” he mouthed.
I moved away from him, feeling a little sting in my heart. He didn’t trust me. That’s why he wouldn’t tell me his secret.
“When?” I asked, turning my back to him, my voice barely audible.
“Hopefully not too long,” he replied quietly next to my ear, his arms wrapping around me from behind.
“What do you want of me?” I turned to face him again, my curiosity too strong to ignore. What am I to him? What does he think of me?
“I want you to trust me. Please. On this one.” He clasped my hands together, as if begging for my trust.
“How can I trust you when you won't tell me what’s inside your heart, what’s inside your head? How do I know I’m safe with you? You’ve hurt me once, Julian. I can't be hurt like that again.”
He took my hand and placed it at the center of his chest. The regular thump of his heartbeat vibrated against my palm. His gaze met mine.
“Can you feel this? My heart. It’s beating for you.” His grey pupils smoldered, then glistened, like he was about to cry.
I didn’t say anything. I just looked at him.
Julian carried on, his voice hoarse. “Do you ever feel you’re unsafe with me? Do you ever feel you’re afraid of me when I’m with you? Have I ever put you in danger?”
“No,” I whispered.
After all those horrid times we spent together, swearing and banging our brains out, he'd never once physically hurt me. He'd never used his power to abuse me or turn me into something that wasn’t me. I’d already acknowledged to myself I was an insatiable woman with him. He didn’t change me from an innocent woman to this. I made myself like this. And all those times he aggressively took me, I'd enjoyed it. Never had I complained, but only begged him for more.
He clasped my palms, turning them over and kissing them, giving careful attention to each one.
He trained his eyes on me before he spoke again. “I need you, Kimberly. I need you to trust me on this one. I can’t tell you what I’m planning to do yet, but know I can’t live without you.”
“Julian.” I ran my fingers across his temple, his jawline, lightly tracing his lips. He was so beautiful. Such a beautiful creature. But what really lay inside that heart?
“Can’t you at least tell me what you were dreaming about?”
His jaw ticked. His face hardened. His soft subtle eyes flicked to me coldly.
“What are you talking about?” His voice held a sharp edge, the softness from before gone.
“You had a dream. Last night,” I replied softly, tugging the loose strand of black hair behind his ear.
“It was nothing.” He diverted his eyes from mine, pain already sketched in his eyes.
Oh God, Julian. I cupped his chin and brought him back to face me. “Won’t you tell me?”
“That is also a subject I’m not ready to discuss yet.” He still refused to look at me.
I laid my head against his chest and quietly listened to his soft heartbeat inside his chest. I loved that sound. I wanted to hear that sound forever. “Then when will you tell me?”
“When the time comes.”
Had he really suffered so much when he was young? Perhaps we weren't yet at that stage of our relationship where we could trust each other. Our time in Miami, after all, was just an act. But this was real. It had to be real.
“Will you let me be the first person to know, when you're ready?” I tilted my head to look at him, this burning question in my eyes.
Julian threaded his fingers through my hair, bringing his lips to the corner of my mouth. He smiled at last. “You’ll be the first person to know everything.”
I smiled too, seeing his face warming up.
This love was now real. This love was now tangible. I could feel him, his love deeply rooted inside me, when he returned my kisses and hugs.
Julian turned me over until my back was resting against his hard abs. He reached under my shirt and threaded his fingers under the shorts I wore as underwear. He dragged them down my legs and threw them to the side. Then his fingers went in search of my sex, going lower, finding the cleft that opened to my core. One finger dipped inside. I moaned and arched my butt upward.
Julian rasped, pressing his lips close to my ear, his baritone deep as he spoke. “You’re the lock, Kimberly. No one else fits your lock better than my key.”
I managed a weak laugh, my skin all sweaty, my little toes curled up with the sexual tension. “You’re silly, Julian. I’ve no idea what you’re on about.”
Julian looked hurt. And to prove I was his lock and he was my key, he tossed me over again, turning me around and pulling me forward until his engorged cock, which he'd tugged out of his pants moments before, slipped into my core in one swift motion. We were now connected, fully and perfectly.
“Look, Kimberly. Look at how perfect we are for each other.” He rested his forehead against mine, all sprinkled with perspiration, reflecting my own.
I knew what he meant now as I observed our connected bodies. Lock and key. I was the lock. He was the key. A perfect fit. A perfect combination for the both of us.
I laughed, hugging him, kissing him until I needed air to breath. He did the same. And together, we tumbled into a tangled mess, each of us forgetting about the food on the table. We were too hungry, too busy sating our inner demons. Each of us tore the rest of our clothes off and embraced each other with thirst.
I was famished without him close to me. Today I wanted him to embrace me with soft, tender, sweet love. And he gave it all to me with his strength. Kissing me and licking me until I glowed and flushed in a hot flame. And he extinguished that flame by taking me ever so slowly.
Afterward, Julian still couldn’t get enough of my lips. He nibbled, kissed, and sucked at them. Even when his phone rang, for the first time since we’d been on his yacht, he still didn’t pick up.
“Julian. Answer your damn phone. It’s annoying me.” I tore myself away. He moved down from my lips to my throat, licking at my throbbing carotid, then down my
collarbone and breast.
“Julian!” I bunched up his hair, yanking his lips off my breast. “Phone. Pick it up. It’s annoying me.”
He looked at me, growled like an animal more interested in his meal, then latched his mouth around my nipple again, ignoring the continuous ringtone.
“Julian,” I moaned again. “Phone. Get it.”
“Blast that phone. I’m enjoying you more.” He nibbled at my breasts.
“But it’s annoying me. The ringing won't stop.”
He growled, looking pissed as he got off me to search for his phone.
I poked out my tongue at him, pulling on his shirt to cover my naked self.
“You don’t need to cover yourself. I’ll be back in a bit.”
I shook my head as he took the call.
Julian went still as he listened to what was being said on the phone. His facial expression hardened with every passing second.
I crouched up to a sitting position, my muscle all tensed.
Something must have happened. I slid off the bed and touched his shoulder.
Julian flinched, then turned away from me.
I felt a little pain in my chest again, but waited for him to finish his conversation before talking about shutting me out.
“What happened? Fuck!” he yelled into the phone suddenly. I watched his face as it changed from anger, to sober, to worry, all in the span of a minute. “Is she alright? Just, just…I’ll be right there.” His voice trembled.
She. Julian said she. Who is he referring to?
My heart drummed against my chest. Something wasn’t right. I was going to ask him that question when he clicked his phone shut and turned to me.
His face was stark white. He only said one sentence, making my world tilt on its axis. “I’m heading back to America.”
* * * * *
CHAPTER 11
How many times must a person have their heart broken before they learn their lesson? For me, it’s been three times. But I still hadn’t learned my lesson. And here I was, running after him to figure out why he'd abandoned me back in Australia while he was running away to America. Didn’t he say he wanted to have a relationship with me?
I got off the plane in Miami, determined to find out.
Although this was my true intention, the supposed reason was Papa had asked me to overlook the mall project.
Papa was such a kind-hearted soul. Even back on the yacht, he wasn’t even aware I’d been taken against my will. He thought Julian and I were having a private discussion.
That night at the conference, Julian had told Papa he would like to spend some time alone with me, to get to know me better. Little did Papa know we knew each other beyond just acquaintances. And Papa happily obliged.
He always saw everyone in a good light. Maybe I’d inherited that trait too, and that was why I was duped by Julian. Three times.
Would there be a fourth?
I hoped not. Because if I found out he had another girl, this time it was over.
Thinking about our time at the yacht, we parted ways much too hastily. All he said was, “I need to get back to America. Once everything is done, I’ll come get you. Don’t follow me.”
What was he thinking? The more he said not to follow, the more I was determined to do just that.
As I stepped off the tarmac of Miami airport, my mind took me back to that time when I first met Julian. He must have been following me closely back then. Is he aware I’m here now?
No one knew I was coming. This would be a surprise visit for everyone. Julian included.
The drive to Devereux Enterprises took longer than I initially thought. With the swarming heat taking a toll on me, I sourly regretted not bringing any change of clothes. My only red dress stuck to me like a second skin. Sweat from my temples ruined my makeup and slid down to pool at the valley between my cleavage. I was in such a hurry to get to Julian I didn’t get to pack, thinking I’d buy whatever I needed when I got there.
By the time I arrived at the Devereux building, I was grumpy and moody. I got out of the taxi, giving the driver the extra tip he deserved for driving me in this awful heat.
I stood in front of Devereux Enterprises. The massive structure loomed solidly into the sky. A sly smile appeared on my face as the sun reached its peak, signaling midday. I felt much better already, breathing the midday air, thinking about the surprise on Julian’s face when he would see me. And most especially Melissa.
I treaded into Devereux's head office with a confident stride, determined to find out all the answers to these shenanigans.
Melissa was speechless when she saw me walk into her suite. Just as I had planned.
“Hello, Melissa. Long time no see.” I spoke softly, with a touch of aggression in my voice. “How are you?”
“Miss… Miss… Henderson,” she stuttered, looking nervous.
Melissa was afraid of me. I could see it in her brown eyes.
Good. She should be. What was she thinking? Concocting with Julian, using me as their pawn so he could become heir to Devereux. At least if they were so determined to achieve that goal, they should let me know in advance.
But then again, if I knew, would I still be foolish enough to help them?
Shit! I still didn’t know why Julian used me. There must be more to it than gaining the name and title of Beau’s heir. I needed to find out the answer to that point too.
“Oh, there’s no need to call me Miss Henderson, Melissa.” I pretended to laugh to smooth that agitated tone in my voice. “After all, you know me so well already. Watching me for three years. Planning every little step until I fell into your trap.”
“Miss Hen—”
“Kimberly. I said to call me Kimberly,” I snapped at her, making her jump out of her chair in fright.
Looking down, Melissa whimpered, “Miss Kimberly, what can I help you with?”
“You really don’t know how to address clients, do you? How long have you been in this profession? Why are you constantly looking down at the floor when you should be facing me?”
She lifted her face. Her eyes were sparkling with unshed tears. God, how pathetic. Even I didn’t cry when Julian betrayed me. I had no sympathy for her.
“I want to see Julian. Tell him I’m here.” I got straight to the point, having had enough of traumatizing the woman.
Melissa must have finally woken from her weakened state. She squared her shoulders and stared back at me. “Julian is busy right now. Please make an appointment for tomorrow.”
I was aghast. I was one of the bosses here that would be organizing the South Beach mall project, and Melissa had asked me to make an appointment to see Julian for tomorrow?
“Have you any idea what position I hold?” I hissed at her. Melissa looked down again. But I could make out a slight nod of her head. I was at least satisfied. “Well then, I don’t need an appointment to see him. Tell him I’m here.”
“But he’s busy.”
“Then I’ll wait in his office.
Melissa looked up instantly, alarm in her eyes. “You can’t wait in his office.”
“Why?” Melissa only shook her head and nimbly looked down at the grey carpet again. I was furious. What’s with everyone not giving me full answers? First Julian, and now Melissa. “I ask why?”
“You just can’t.” She raised her voice at me, but fear still shone in her eyes.
Is Julian hiding something in there? That’s why Melissa is guarding his door like a snake ready to bite off my head.
I looked at the door. Then I ran for it. I was fast, striding on my heels to get to his door. But Melissa caught up in time and blocked my way.
“He’s in there, isn’t he?” I demanded.
“No, Julian isn't in there,” she whimpered again.
“Is he hiding something or someone in there?”
I recalled the term ‘she’ being used in the phone conversation. Maybe that ‘she’ was in there.
I yanked Melissa out of my way, but she
only bounced right back in place, blocking my path again.
“Don’t you dare block my way, Melissa, or I’ll fire you,” I seethed at her.
“Miss Kimberly!” She quivered beneath my stare. “Julian is really not here.”
“Then let me in. I’ll wait in his office.”
“It’s better if you wait in the main lounge.
“I want to wait in his office.” With this said, I pushed her out of my way again. Melissa stumbled and fell on her butt.
Good, she deserved it for manipulating me like Julian did. Except with Julian, I’d have my way with him. With Melissa, her treatment began here.
My hand was already on the doorknob when Melissa scooted back up and pulled at my arm, stopping me from opening that door.
What is up with her? The more she stops me, the more I’m determined to open it.
And so I did. I shoved her off me again and got ready to open the door. Melissa screamed and yelled like she was about to die on the spot if I were to open that door.
A sly smile appeared on my face. I knew I was on the right track. I knew I was about to find out Julian’s secret.
I turned the knob. Melissa screamed in the background. My heart rate increased. My ears rang.
This is it. This is the moment of truth.
I opened the door. The office was empty. Julian wasn't in.
I flipped my eyes to Melissa. She clamped her mouth shut.
“Julian’s not in here. Why are you so scared?”
Melissa only stared at me, her eyes big and frightened, her palm clamped to her mouth.
And then it clicked.
Melissa and Julian. They were up to something. And that something involved a ‘she’ or possibly another elaborate plan to take over another company.
I quickly rushed in and shut the door in Melissa’s face just as she was about to pull me back out again.
“Miss Kimberly, open this door,” she yelled, continuously banging on the door.
I locked it. I could hear banging from the other side, but I didn’t care. I went to lounge on Julian’s chair, edging myself to the window that lined one side of the wall in his office.