Chapter 33 A Warm Shelter
Elena froze as he said those words.
Sleep with his wife?! What kind of sleep was he talking about?
Elena stood by the door, her heart thumping against her ribs as she watched Julian move closer.
“You’re trembling,” Julian said softly as he continued to undress and then he pulled on a pair of lounge pants.
“I’m not,” Elena lied, though her knees felt like they were made of water. “I’m just surprised. You’ve spent weeks acting like I’m made of glass, Julian. Like you were afraid to even breathe near me and now you’re just here asking to...”
Julian stopped.
He had already tossed his shirt onto a chair, and Elena couldn't help but look. He was in incredible shape, his skin marked with a few jagged scars he never explained. He looked powerful, and in the dim light, he was undeniably handsome.
It made Elena’s mouth go dry.
“I was trying to give you space,” he said, looking her dead in the eye. “I thought that was the deal. But it seems like me being careful only gave you room to go looking for attention from other men. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“What?"
Julian nodded. “If you must smell like someone's cologne, it has to be mine."
He stepped closer, his presence almost overwhelming her. “Go and wash the night off. I’m not going anywhere.”
Elena didn't argue. She needed to scrub away the memory of Francis and the smell of his cheap cologne anyway.
She spent a long time in the shower, rubbing her neck where the necklace had been ripped away until the skin was raw and red.
She felt sick about the hotel, the fake money, and the fact that she was hiding so much from the man in the other room.
When she couldn't hide in there anymore and the water was getting cold, she came out in her robe and saw that the lights were low.
Julian was already in the big bed and his eyes followed her as she changed into her nightdress.
If she'd known he would sleep in her room for the first time, maybe she'd have told the housekeeper to clean it up a little more and hide all her lingeries.
Now, she had to wear a red lacy bra and tong and pretend his eyes weren't all over her body.
It made her feel sexy and powerful and yet still left her shaky.
Elena climbed into the bed, keeping as much distance as she could between them. She lay there in the dark, staring at the wall.
“Elena?”
She stiffened. “Yes?”
“You’re going to fall off the mattress if you get any further away.”
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice shaking. “I just like the space.”
Julian hummed and stayed quiet but she could feel his eyes on her back.
“You’re shivering, Elena. And the heater is on.” She heard the sheets rustle as he moved closer. “Are you cold?”
“No. I’m—achoo!”
The sneeze gave her away before she could come up with another lie.
The duvet was right beneath him and getting under it would mean getting close to him. She wasn't sure how she felt about that.
“Let me make you warm," he said and before she could move, a heavy arm slid around her waist, and with one firm tug, Julian pulled her back against him.
Her back hit his bare chest, and she gasped. He felt like a furnace. He was solid, warm, and she could feel his heart beating steadily against her.
“Julian, wait—”
“Hush,” he whispered, his breath hot on her neck. He pulled the thick blanket over them both, tucking her in.
He didn't try to do anything else, he just held her like she was the most precious thing he owned.
“Are you okay now?" He whispered and she nodded mutely, not trusting herself to speak.
“Goodnight, my wife," he said in a soft hoarse voice and she simply hummed as she snuggled into his warmth.
For the first time in weeks, the fear started to fade. Being held like that made the mess with Francis and the money feel like it was miles away.
She felt safe and for the first time in days, fell into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Elena woke up to the sound of a zipper. She opened her eyes to see Julian standing by the bed, fully dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, adjusting his cufflinks.
The sun was streaming through the windows, brightening the whole room.
“You’re awake,” Julian said, his voice smoother than it had been the night before.
“You’re leaving?” Elena asked, her voice sleep-heavy. She sat up, the sheets falling to her waist.
“I have to. The creditors are breathing down your father’s neck, and I need to close those gaps before noon.” He walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her. “How do you feel?”
Elena looked away, thinking of the forty-eight-hour deadline. “I’m fine. Just a headache.”
Julian reached out, his thumb brushing her cheek. “You’re a terrible liar, Elena. You were tossing and turning. What’s bothering you? If it’s about last night—”
“It’s not last night,” she snapped, then softened. “I just have a lot on my mind. Family stuff.”
Julian nodded. “If Francis comes near you again, I want to know. Immediately. I don't care if you're at a party or the grocery store. You call me.”
“I can handle Francis, Julian.”
“You shouldn't have to,” he said firmly. He stood up and pointed to a tray on the nightstand she hadn't noticed.
There was breakfast and a single white rose. “Eat all of it. You didn't have dinner last night. I’ve told Clinton to wait in the garage. If you go out, he goes with you. No exceptions today.”
“You’re being bossy again,” she tried to joke.
“I’m being careful,” he corrected and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’ll call you at lunch.”
As soon as the door clicked shut, Elena stared at the rose.
Julian was out there saving her father’s legacy, and she was being bled dry by a man who wanted to ruin her. She had forty-eight hours to find half a million dollars.
She couldn't ask Julian. He was an attorney and he’d want to see the receipts and one way or the other, he’d find out about the tape.
She couldn't ask her father, either. She needed someone with cash who didn't mind breaking a few rules.
She needed her sister.
Elena’s heart pounded as she picked up her phone and dialed Eva’s number. It rang four times before she picked it up.
“Well, well,” Eva sang. “If it isn't the little billionaire bride. I thought you’d be too busy to call your sister.”
“Eva, stop,” Elena said, hissing. “I’m not in the mood for this.”
“Then why did you call?”
“I can't believe I’m saying this. But I need your help.”