“We keep bumping into each other these days, Jules. Now I’m curious if you’re following me.” Stella smiles flirtatiously, flaunting her luxury handbag and a huge diamond stone ring on her finger.
Bumping into each other? So this isn’t the first time they’ve crossed paths. That, however, is not surprising. Julian is under no obligation to tell me about it, either.
“Stella,” Julian says sternly, then shifts his gaze to her date. “And Director Matt Johnson.”
“Julian Sebastian,” the guy says. “I’m surprised to see you still coming here.”
“Well, I don’t recall being blacklisted from coming here, considering I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Matt laughs mockingly. “It’s been a long time.”
Whoa. What’s happening?
I can’t help but switch my gaze to the three most stunning people I’ve ever seen. It’s as if I’m in a movie scene. I sense heavy pressure going on between them. With them all around me, I appear small and invisible.
Well, until the director guy looks at me with interest and a slight smirk.
“Who is the lovely lady? Your new talent? Is she a singer?”
Julian grumbles something under his breath. “She isn’t, and it’s none of your business.”
“Oh, what a waste.” He cocks his head to get a better look at me. “She has that Lolita look. It’s a trend.”
My chin falls. I can handle being called names at school, but a Lolita? I’m not sure if he’s complimenting or insulting me because he sounded like a real pervert. Is he really a director? And director for what?
I tense up in rage. “Excuse me?”
Julian grits his teeth and lets out an inward growl. “I don’t appreciate your lack of respect, Johnson.”
I’ve seen this vexed side of him when Melissa tried to hurt me, and it’s not something I’m getting accustomed to witnessing. Something about it frightens me. He is totally enraged.
“Whoa! Take it easy, Sebastian.” Brent Johnson puts up his hands, surrendering. “Relax, don’t be ridiculous. I’m just kidding.”
Stella Pierce suddenly laughs derisively amidst the palpable tension between the two men. She approaches Julian and runs her manicured finger across his chest. The blatant gesture made my insides revolt.
“I’m sorry, Jules. But y you haven’t changed at all.” She turns around and freely touches his shoulder before leaning in and lightly kissing his cheek. “I have a concert coming up. Wanna come?”
Julian pulls back. “Get the fuck away from me!”
“What’s the matter? Everyone knew we were exes. The media won’t be surprised to see us together. Unless—” she looks at me—“you’ve already found someone new. Someone a lot... younger? Hello there, cupcake. Who are you supposed to be?”
Cupcake?! Just please stop treating me like I’m a child!
The overwhelming tension encircles my body. I’m shivering like crazy. I listened to her music and even sang it in the shower. I just loved them. Why do I suddenly want to truly hate it now?
Just what exactly happened to them? I never dared to ask.
Of course, I can’t. No one knows about our relationship. Julian hides me because we shouldn’t be together in the first place.
Somehow, unknowingly, I’m taking steps backward. I move slowly at first, and when I’ve gotten a good distance away, I sprint for the door. Julian calls me out, but I want to get out of there. I need to breathe.
What on earth have I gotten myself into? This is Julian’s world. They are made up of glittering stars, fame, and wealth. Everything I am not.
I’ve been so worried about myself that I haven’t taken the time to learn more about him. I ignored and avoided learning anything.
I dash toward Noir, and Fred rushes over to help me. “Ms. Scott?”
“Please, sir. Can you take me home?” I plead.
“But, Ms. Scott, we can’t leave until—”
“Please, just once! I need to get out of here.”
The sympathetic chauffeur’s expression softens. “Of course, miss.”
Fred opens the backseat door, but another force slams it shut again.
“Stop,” Julian commands tersely.
“What now?” I yell back.
“Don’t go,” he says somberly, holding my arm. “Please.”
“We can’t be seen together like this in public. This is a mistake.”
“What?” Terror flashes through his eyes, and they instantly make me regret what I said and submit to him.
“I’m not sure what we’re doing is right anymore.”
“What do you mean?” He exhales deeply. “I’m sorry you had to hear that, but please don’t say that.”
“They were right. I’m just your Lolita.”
“Do I look like some dirty old man to you?” he asks furiously.
“That’s not it!” I snap. “She kissed you, and she’s your ex-fiancée.” I run my fingers through my hair. “What the hell is wrong with the other guy? Who is he?”
“It hurts me to see you like this,” he murmurs. “Obviously, this is my fault. You have every right to be upset.”
“Does she come here often?”
“This is where we used to dine in the past.”
“I should have asked.” I take one last look at the restaurant that I hate so much right now. I was also brought here by Kristoff. It’s a shame because I really enjoy their food.
“No, I should have told you that. Anya...” He gently lifts my chin. “It seems your revelation will have to wait.”
I scowl. “What?”
“I’ll tell you about them. Let’s take it to the penthouse, but only if you still want to come.”
Honestly, it hurts me to see him in this state, too. I’ve never seen him so vulnerable, so perplexed.
“Of course. I’ll still go with you.”
His body relaxes. “Don’t scare me like that again. You’ll ride with me.”
He grabs my wrist and gently pulls me into Blanche. I get into the car, and we accelerate out of the driveway.
***
Julian holds my hand possessively from when we step out of the car to when we enter his penthouse. His sudden possessiveness is driving me crazy. It’s not like I can flee.
He only let me go once I was settled in the living room. He then goes to the kitchen and returns with two cups of chamomile. “To calm our nerves,” he explains.
“Thanks.” I take a sip of the tea. Its gentle properties soothe me instantly.
“I suppose I should tell you about her. It might not be the last time you see her.”
“Do you still see her?” My heart aches as I ask, terrified of his response.
“God, no!” He rushes his fingers through his hair. “She just keeps showing up in places we both used to go. It’s like Manhattan is getting smaller for us.”
“So you don’t mind seeing her again like that?”
“Not anymore. After all, it’s not like I can stop her from going wherever she wants. I have no reason to care where she walks next.”
It’s the same as Kristoff and me. We still meet at school every day. It’s uncomfortable, but there’s nothing I can do about it. “I understand what you’re saying. Is she the reason you left the mainstream?”
“It was one of the many reasons,” he admits, “but it all passed. I’m starting something new.” His lips form a small smile.
“Can you tell me more about her?”
“Of course. I was wondering why you never asked. A typical girlfriend would.”
“Perhaps I’m not typical?” I smile. “I wondered about that too, but that’s your personal life.”
He smiles, amused. “You’re a mysterious one, aren’t you? My private life is also your concern. I’m giving you that the same way you gave me yours.” He reaches for my hand and pecks my knuckles.
“Well, then, I’m all ears...”