Chapter 16 The calm before the storm
Behind the Billionaire's Mask!
Chapter 15
Julian's POV
I woke and saw Sophie sleeping peacefully next to me. The memory of last night came back to me - her lips had drawn me in, and I found myself staring at them, mesmerized. I blinked in shock when I felt my hand reach out and graze her lips. I stared at my hand, wondering when I had done that.
I wanted to wake her and tell her to get the fuck off my bed, but something held me back. Instead, I quietly slipped out from under the sheets, put on my clothes, and made my way downstairs, my mind racing. What had I done? How could I have let myself get so close to her? I prided myself on maintaining strict boundaries, just having sex, no deep or passionate moments. So why was I so...unsettled by this woman's presence in my bed?
I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. I needed to get a grip to regain control of the situation. Quickly, I walked to the kitchen and poured myself a strong cup of black coffee, hoping the caffeine would help clear my head. As I sipped the bitter liquid, I forced myself to think rationally. Whatever had happened last night, I would not let it happen again.
"Good morning, sir," Rose greeted as she walked into the kitchen. "Should I dish your food?"
"Yes, please do," I said, heading to the dining table.
I sat down at the table while Rose dished the food.
"Good morning, brother," Evelyn greeted as she descended the stairs. "Where's Sophie?"
I was about to reply when Sophie answered, "Here I am, Evy."
What the hell is she wearing? Is she trying to drive me crazy? Why is she wearing my shirt? It barely covers her, stopping mid-thigh and revealing her flawless legs.
Am I jealous? Definitely, no! I am just angry she touched my things.
I stood up from the table and dragged her upstairs, back into my room.
"What do you think you are doing?" I asked, my voice low and dangerous.
"What did I do?" she asked, feigning innocence, which only made me more annoyed.
"Why are you wearing my shirt?" I demanded.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, touching the edge of the shirt as if it were a delicate object. "You practically tore my dress last night, and I can't leave your room naked."
"Who cares if you roam about naked?" I shot back, my frustration spilling over. I know I didn't mean it.
"Stop being so harsh," she retorted, crossing her arms defiantly. "It’s just a shirt."
"Just a shirt?" I echoed incredulously. "You can't just wear my things without asking!"
Sophie rolled her eyes without saying anything.
I took a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. "You can't barge into my space and take what you want."
Her expression softened slightly, and I could see a flicker of understanding in her eyes. "Okay, okay. I’ll ask next time. But can you blame me for wanting to wear something comfortable after last night?"
Before I could respond, Evelyn called from downstairs, "Are you two coming? Breakfast is getting cold!"
I sighed, the moment shattered. "Go and change into proper clothes."
"Fine," Sophie said, turning to leave but stopped at the door.
"When can I go and see my mom?" She asked, turning to me.
But I hate anytime she goes to her mother, not because i didn't want her to go but because she's always back with red-rimmed eyes as a result of crying.
I sighed again, the question grating on my nerves. "So you can come back crying again?" I asked, the words sharper than intended.
Her eyes widened, hurt flashing across her face before she quickly masked it with a defensive expression. "No…wait! Did you just…care about me?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper stepping closer, her eyes searching mine.
My chest tightened. This was exactly what I didn't want. "No," I said, my voice rough. "Why would I care? It's your eyes. You can do whatever you want with them. Marcus can take you to see your mother later."
I turned abruptly and headed downstairs, needing to escape the unsettling feeling that had settled in my gut. The unexpected warmth in my chest from her nearness was unnerving, a stark contrast to the anger and frustration I'd been feeling. I needed to regain control, to push away the confusing emotions that Sophie seemed to effortlessly evoke. The last thing I needed was to get involved with her on any level deeper than a purely physical one.
Sophie joined us shortly at the dining table.
"Why did you change? The shirt looks good on you." Evelyn said, raising her brow.
"Nothing." Sophie replied.
Evelyn looked at me coldly as if she knew I was the one that made Sophie change, but I just looked away.
"I will be going back in three days' time." Evelyn said, breaking the silence that had ensued.
Evelyn's words hung in the air, and Sophie's face fell. "So soon?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Evelyn nodded sympathetically. "I'm afraid so, dear. My school is resuming soon, and mom wants me to spend some time with her."
I watched as Sophie's eyes dropped, her gaze fixed on her plate. I could sense her disappointment, and a pang of guilt struck me. I knew I wasn't responsible for Evelyn's departure, but I couldn't help feeling that my earlier behaviour had contributed to Sophie's somber mood.
"I'll make sure to spend as much time with you as possible before I leave," Evelyn said, reaching out to pat Sophie's hand.
Sophie forced a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'd like that," she said, her voice small.
Evelyn turned to me, her expression serious. "I was thinking of taking Sophie on a few outings, maybe show her some of the local sights. Can I?"
"Sure. You can." I said, without thinking.
Evelyn nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Wonderful," she said, her gaze shifting back to Sophie. "I think a little exploration of the city would do you good."She paused, her expression softening. "I just want you to feel a little better before I have to go."
Sophie lifted her head, her eyes meeting Evelyn's, and after a moment, she nodded.
"Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'll give it a try."
Evelyn's smile widened, and she gave Sophie's arm a gentle squeeze. "That's all I ask," she said, her tone warm and encouraging.
I went into my room after breakfast, and I heard a slight knock on the door. Who could be knocking, Sophie had gone to the hospital to check on her mom.
"Open the door. It's not locked." I said, and Evelyn entered and took a seat on my couch. "What are you doing in my room?"
"Why can't i come to my brother's room? Anyways, don't miss me too much, okay?" She said.
"Who will miss you before?" I said.
"I know you will." She said. "Brother, the reason I'm here is Sophie. She told me you had a big fight, that was why you were like that to her. Can you please forgive her. When I'm gone now, she'll be lonely."
I can't believe Sophie told her we had a fight. What did I even expect her to tell Evelyn?
"Ok..." I said curtly, not knowing what to say.
"Take her on more dates, Brother. You can even let her start working in your company."
"I appreciate the suggestion, Evelyn, but I'm not sure that's the best course of action right now. Sophie and I need to work through our issues first. As for the date, I'll think about it. But as for her working in my company, I'm afraid that's out of the question for the time being. I can't make any hasty decisions in the heat of the moment."
Evelyn nodded, her expression understanding. "I see your point. You're right, it's best to take things slow and work through any issues you two may have. I just want you both to be happy, that's all."
She paused, her gaze searching mine. "But promise me you'll at least consider taking Sophie out. She really seems to enjoy your company, even if she doesn't always show it." Evelyn chuckled softly. "You know how she can be."
I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth. "I'll think about it," I conceded. "But no promises."
Evelyn smiled and stood up, making her way to the door. "That's all I ask. Just...try, okay?" She gave me a pointed look before slipping out of the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. Evelyn was just saying her own. I will do what I want only