by Rosie Praks
Julian didn’t know what to do with himself. He shifted in his seat a few times, as if uncomfortable with his seating position. He coughed, then shyly took off his glasses and cleaned the lenses.
Does he think he can avoid my seductive gaze just by taking off his glasses?
I chuckled. This bashful man, who couldn’t even say the word fuck, really was a gentleman. How could I not be attracted to him? He was hot. He was perfect. Why would he think no one wanted to know him? I couldn’t understand. But he did look insecure at that moment, meek even, and a rush of emotion overwhelmed me, making me want to console him.
“Do you remember me, Julian?” I clasped my hand on top of his and took his glasses away to rest on the small stand next to us. “From three years ago. In the nightclub.”
His body went rigid, his eyes flicking in my direction, gazing at me with a yearning that I also experienced.
“I do.”
It was only two words, but it made my heart swell up with happiness.
“Then why didn’t you say something?”
“You looked like you didn’t remember me when I greeted you.”
“I remembered, but I was scared you didn’t recognize me from before. That’s why I was so happy to see you here. I want to talk to you. I want to tell you I remember everything. From the way your touch seared my skin… to the way your voice made me think erotic thoughts,” I whispered, almost like I was hypnotizing him, luring him into my intricate web of desire.
I grasped his hand and placed it on my bare thigh. He flinched, wanting to remove it, but I held him still. Scorching heat penetrated my skin immediately.
“Do you like me?” I couldn’t bear not knowing the answer anymore. The man who I’d been obsessed with for the last three years, the man that had captivated my eyes since that first moment I saw him in the club, was now sitting in front of me. I needed to know if he liked me, even though I’d only known him for less than a day. Time at that moment wasn’t an issue. To me, I’d known Julian for more than a lifetime already. He was the man in my dreams and of my dreams. And that was enough for me.
“I do,” he said quietly.
It seemed like my bold personality hadn’t yet diminished, surging more than before when he said those two words. I took this opportunity to leap into his lap and kiss those lips of his in answer to my hungry question.
Julian didn’t resist. Instead, he claimed my lips, thirsting for my scent, hungering for more when I gave him permission to explore my mouth further. His tongue probed, licking all the available surfaces of my cavity, plunging down my throat, then winding back with my tongue. His hand came up to my breast, without me having to urge him on. He squeezed them, pinched them, and rolled them until my clit throbbed, wanting him to administer the same action there. It cried. It mewed in sadness as it secreted tears, wetting my underwear.
Not wanting him to stop, I peeled away one of his hands that was busy digging into my hair and led him to the center of my core.
“Touch me,” I whispered, taking a breather, then resumed with my venture, kissing his cheek, licking his temple, and sucking his earlobe.
“Kimberly,” he rasped hotly, his hand pausing at the line of my underwear, unsure whether this was what I wanted.
“Touch me,” I repeated again, urging him on. “Touch me and then take me.”
“I can’t do that, Kimberly. Not right here.”
“Then make me come.”
Hiding in the covering of the green pavilion where native shrubs and flowers surrounded us, Julian finger-fucked me. The skirt I wore somehow made its way to my midriff and my underwear was now hiding the bashful faces of the orchids.
Julian swirled his finger at the lip of my sex, teasing me like I teased him before with his hand on my thigh.
Was this his repayment? I gritted my teeth in frustration at his lack of understanding of my needs.
“Touch me,” I hissed again.
This time he obeyed.
It was a slow move but the right move. Julian slowly dipped into my whirlpool, making me cry out in pleasure, exuding white-hot fluid onto his finger.
“You’re so wet,” he commented.
“That’s because you made me like this,” I rasped, barely able to speak.
“You’re blaming me?” he teased.
His voice was no longer soft, no longer meek, but a manly voice that commanded attention, one I was unused to associating with Julian. But somehow I imagined him whispering dirty thoughts into my ear.
“As a man, you have to take initiative.” I teased him back, wanting him to speak in that tone again.
Julian really did take the lead, slipping into my sex until I could hardly talk or breathe. He used one finger, and then when it wasn’t enough, he slipped another one in. I almost screamed when an extra digit managed to fit, and then the ride began.
“Hold on tight and brace yourself,” he spoke, making my head spin already.
I held on to him fast, my fingernails digging into his arms as his fingers ministered to my sex. Again and again, he probed, until at the depth of ecstasy, I climaxed, sending my mind spiraling to an unknown realm.
“Wow. That was explosive,” I managed to rasp out once I caught my breath again.
“Yeah.” He agreed, barely holding himself together.
If getting finger-fucked by Julian caused me to lose my mind like this, I couldn’t imagine what his cock would do to me.
Chapter 4
Dinner that night was a battle between the two brothers. It was entertaining to watch them battle out who could garner my attention the longest.
“Kimberly, you should try this chicken. Freshly killed and cooked. No added hormones like in the city.” The younger brother, who sat on my right side, carved some roast chicken onto my plate.
“The vegetables here are also fresh. Father and Mother have a garden out back. Have you seen it?” Julian, who sat on my left, forked some onto my plate.
“Yes, I have, Julian. Josh showed them to me earlier today.” Josh smirked at his brother, since, in his eyes, he’d scored a brownie point from me already. I thought not. “Although, I prefer vegetables tonight.” I smiled at Josh and moved his chicken to the side of my plate.
Josh flashed a cold gaze at his brother, then took a sip of his wine to stop his jaw from clenching.
The tension inside the dining hall was thick. They both volleyed stares at each other. One of anger and contempt, the other of sincere and undisguisable sadness.
What caused the rift between the two? Surely, I was only a surplus to their already brewing storm. Josh had already told me to be careful around Julian, way before this event took place.
“Kimberly dear, vegetables are good for you, but a bit of protein is also good for the body,” Fiona said, adding more tension. And this time, I stared at the woman sitting in front of me, a little feeling of dislike creeping into my heart.
You say I should eat more protein for my body, but shouldn’t you be preaching that to yourself? Skin and bones hold you together. Maybe you should have some chicken too.
That was what I had in mind for Fiona, since she seemed to worry about my size-eight figure, but Julian said, “You should also eat some chicken.”
What? What is this? I thought he was on my side.
Then I felt it. Julian’s hand, gripping onto mine for the longest time, until I felt my anger dissipate.
“Beau, where are some good sightseeing places around in Key Biscayne?” I had to say something just to cut the tension. Julian released my hand then. I craved for his touch already.
“What awful hosts we are! There are many places, Kimberly. In fact, forget Key Biscayne. Go visit South Beach. That’s where all the young ones and celebrities go. Josh could show you around.”
“Yes, Kimberly. I’ll be your guide. We could go to art galleries or if you like, ride the roller coasters.” Josh’s face lit up at the mention of being my tour guide.
“I don’t ride on roller coasters. I
t makes me sick,” I said.
“Well, we could go see the dolphins.”
Out of nowhere, I could feel someone’s finger lingering on my bare thigh. Someone who was sitting to my right. I glared at Josh, but he didn’t seem to notice my wrath. I stilled his fingers so he wouldn’t continue that abhorred action, but his fingers carried on moving.
“Yes. We could even swim with the dolphins. I like the feeling of the water sliding off my skin. You’ll feel nice too, once you’ve had a swim with the dolphins,” he said, his eyes hinting at the dirty thoughts in his head while his hand continued to roam my thigh.
I tried again, catching his hand and stopping it, but his will was too strong. I couldn’t still it.
“If you don’t want to swim with the dolphins, we could go for the boat ride. This Monday, I’ll take you there.”
A sly smile appeared on my lips. “I thought you had a meeting with the other board members on Monday. Or was that another day?”
I hit the jackpot. His eyes wavered, coming back into focus as he remembered his promise to the board members the other day.
I smirked and ripped his hand off my leg. He relented.
“Maybe Julian is free.” I decided to add more salt to his wound. “He could act as my guide. What do you think, Fiona?”
Fiona dropped her fork, staring at me like I was Medusa out to catch her boys. I only smiled. Josh was biting his lips, and Julian offered a small smile. The tension in the room was back again and by now was almost as thick as a block of butter. Only Beau seemed to be immune to this.
“Beau, what do you think?” I added more fuel to the already burning fire.
“I don’t see why not. Julian is free at the moment. Julian, what do you say, son? That project of yours is all done, right?” Beau turned to his son.
“Yes, Dad,” Julian replied, then turned to me and offered me a shy smile. “I’ll be happy to act as your guide.”
I smiled in satisfaction. “And when is your birthday? Papa wants to know,” I added, just to change the subject.
“Sometime in the next few months. I haven’t thought about it yet, but Geoffrey would definitely be invited. Fiona, will you help me organize?” Beau asked his wife.
“Isn’t that what a wife is for?” She spoke sharply.
Julian gripped his fork, his jaw clenching suddenly, and Josh just smirked.
At that moment, I was more confused than when I was playing the Rubik’s cube. Just what game was this family playing at?
Chapter 5
I woke up to a dry throat. It was already midnight, but nothing could be done except to get a drink of water. I recalled the kitchen being near to the lounge. And since my room was upstairs, I needed to take the stairs to reach the kitchen on the ground floor.
I arrived safely without getting lost on the way. Pouring some water into a glass, I took a sip to my heart’s content, when I felt a strong pair of hands came and crash me against a hard wall of chest.
“Kimberly.” The heavy alcoholic breath puffed into my ear.
I froze. Then upon recognizing that voice, I immediately twisted on my heel to push that chest away from me.
“Josh. What do you think you’re doing?”
“You don’t know what I’m doing?” Josh slurred as he came into the light. His hazel eyes were tired but hungry when he saw me in my nightdress. He pinned me against the wall and breathed out harshly, “I fucking want you. That’s what it is. Don’t tell me you didn’t get the hints I’ve been sending your way.”
“Well, you can go fuck yourself. I’m not interested in you.” I pushed him off again.
Josh stumbled backwards but regained his equilibrium just as fast, throwing me against the wall again. I cried when my back hit the hard surface.
“You’re playing hard to get, right, Kimberly? You want me too, right? I know you do. I saw the way you looked at me.”
“Are you an idiot?” I hissed. “I wasn’t looking at you.”
His nostrils flared and his eyes turned red. “So you want to fuck him, then, that stupid, meek brother of mine.”
I was scared shitless at Josh’s behavior, but I smirked, pretending his abnormal attitude had no effect on me.
“I can fuck whoever I want,” I shot back. “But just know it’s not you. Now get off me.”
“Today I don’t get you, but someday—you mark my words—I’m going to fuck you, over and over until you scream my name.”
“You fuck me and I’ll sue you. In fact, I’ll sue your father too. And forget about the joint proposal, because it’s not going to happen if you dare touch a single strand of my hair again.
Josh seemed to have woken up from his stupid alcoholic state then, realizing his mistake for angering me. He flinched but then tugged me forward, gripping my arm until I winced. “If I find out you fucked him, I won’t let you go.”
When Josh left, all my bravery slipped out of me. I sank to the floor and cradled myself into a fetal position.
What the fuck is up with him? Shit, I need to call Papa, Amelia, anyone.
“Kimberly.”
“Get off me.” I pushed at the unknown hand that suddenly appeared on my shoulder and rushed out of the kitchen. I didn’t know where I was heading, but I had to get away from there. Josh might come back.
“Kimberly.” Someone pulled at my arm and dragged me into their embrace.
“I said get off me. I want to go home. I don’t feel safe here anymore.” I fought at that chest, hitting it and clawing at it.
“Kimberly, wait, it’s me. Listen to me. It’s Julian.” That person gripped at my arm and shook me, intending to wake me up. It worked.
“Julian?” My foggy mind cleared up a bit when I heard his name. “Julian, is that really you?”
“Yes, it’s me, Kimberly. What’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong.” His grip lessened and he took me in for another hug.
“Julian, Julian.” I repeatedly called out his name just to reassure myself he was there beside me. I hugged him and buried my face in his shirt, tears streaming down my face.
“What’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong.”
His deep baritone voice soothed my soul. But still, I couldn’t speak. I just sniffled and cried until I was so exhausted I slipped to the floor. Julian caught me in time and carried me to my bedroom. He turned on the lamp and tucked me into bed. He kissed my forehead and held my hand.
“Please tell me what’s wrong. I can’t help you if you keep silent like this.”
“Julian,” I cried again and tried my hardest to explain the whole situation. But with hiccups and sobs, my voice became distorted.
“Why don’t you go to sleep? Tomorrow when you feel better, we can talk.”
Julian got up to leave after he kissed me on the forehead, but I stopped him.
“Please don’t leave me.” I gripped his hand tight. “Just stay with me until I fall asleep.”
I was scared. I didn’t want to stay inside this room, let alone inside this house. If Josh could attack me in the kitchen out in the open, then my bedroom would be like the golden sanctuary where he could get away with anything.
Julian covered my hand with his and rubbed it gently, giving me a warm glowy feeling of safety. “Don’t worry, Kimberly. I’ll watch you until you fall asleep.”
“Thanks.” I smiled weakly and closed my eyes.
After that exhausting episode, I fell asleep straightaway, knowing my handsome dark knight was only a short distance away, ready to protect me against any monsters lurking in the shadows.
Chapter 6
Josh greeted me warmly the next morning, as if our episode from last night didn’t exist. I didn’t return his greeting. I walked straight past and sat down at the breakfast table where one of the kitchen staff was serving toast.
“Kimberly.” Josh came to sit next to me. “Did you hear me? I said good morning.”
Out here where there was sunlight, I wasn’t afraid of the shadow anymore.
“Don’t tell
me you want to kiss and make up,” I hissed at him, totally ignoring him and smearing jam onto my slice of toast.
He smiled and asked playfully, “Did we kiss?”
“Get away from me, Josh. If my pa didn’t know your father, I would have been gone from this house last night.” I lashed out at him when he touched my arm.
His eyes looked frightened. “What… what happened last night? Did I do something to you?”
I had about enough of his acting. I slammed the knife down and glared at him.
“You said you want to fuck me.”
He swallowed, another frightful look flashing across his eyes.
“I don’t remember. Did I really say that?” Then he gripped my hand in alarm. “Kimberly, I’m sorry if I said all that. I really don’t remember. But I do like you. I like you a lot.”
“Get your hands off me.”
He let go of my hand without rebutting, his eyes looking lost. “I’m really sorry, Kimberly.” Then, like a psychotic person, he glared at me. “Was… was… Julian there?”
“No, he was not. You were the only one there.” I didn’t add that Julian was there to console me afterward.
“Kimberly, I’m sorry for whatever happened last night, but I would never force myself on you.”
“That’s a bit hard to believe when you’re gripping my wrist so tightly.”
Josh’s eyes flared up when he realized this. He let go of my wrist immediately.
“Please don’t mention anything to my parents,” he begged.
I was softhearted. So I made a bargain with him. “If you promise not to do that again, then we have a deal.”
“I promise.” He finally relaxed, his playful self now in full control. “How about a handshake?”
“Don’t ever flirt with me again,” I warned. “I’ll tell you again I’m not interested in you.”