Chapter 41 41

Chapter 41 41
Nora’s POV

I didn’t even know how to act. One part of me was freaking out while the other part couldn’t seem to shake off the sweet pressure of Julian’s lips.

“Why did you let me do that?” he snapped as he turned to look at me.

“Excuse me?” I asked, stunned. He was back to his cold self.

“Why did you allow me to kiss you? Why?”

“I uhm…”

I trailed off as I couldn’t seem to think of an explanation. Why is he angry?

“Is this some fucking manipulation to make me lose control of the situation? Has this been your plan all along?”

His accusation stung hard. How could he even think of something like that?

“I don’t know what you think is going on but I am still as surprised as you. I have no intentions whatsoever to try and manipulate you. You kissed me of your own accord.” I explained as sadness filled me once more. It was coupled with regret. I felt so stupid for letting my guard down for even a minute.

My eyes swelled with tears again.

“No, no, no, that’s not what I mean,” he quickly said, seeing my teary face again.

“It’s fine, you don’t have to pretend to be nice to me. I am used to being treated like trash so it’s fine,” I said, forcing a small smile.

His face was filled with so many emotions I couldn’t see them all. He was a mess. The once cold and emotionless Julian seemed like a myth now.

“You must understand that I am not treating you like shit for no reason. I do not hate you or your family for no reason at all,” he began. “There’s a strong reason behind everything I do.”

“I know. It was wrong of me to pull pranks on you and I am sorry about that. I shouldn’t have gone as far as ruining your room.”

“Are you sure? You didn’t look sorry a few moments ago,” he accused.

“I am. I had a reason for pulling pranks on you before but not anymore. You don’t have to worry about that now,” I said, my tone dripping with sadness. I got flashes of Julian’s betrayal again.

“Leave my room,” Julian said.

“Huh?”

“You can leave now, you’re dismissed.”

His mood swings never ceased to amaze me.

“So you’re letting me go?” I asked, doubtful.

“Yes, but just this once. Endeavor not to come to my wing again, please. I would really hate to lock you up but if you push me, I will not hesitate to,” he warned.

I got off the bed and walked to the door, but his voice reached me just as I was about to open it.

“This kiss never happened, do you understand?” he warned, pointing a warning finger at me. His face was back to being expressionless.

I should have known he was letting me go too easily.

“Right. My lips are sealed,” I said.

“Good. I don’t want to ever hear a word of it to anyone. It dies in this very room.”

“Right,” I agreed.

“Also, do not let this little moment we just shared give you any ideas. This is an arranged marriage, I hate you and despise the very thought of having to share the same house with you.”

“Right,” I said, feeling nothing. Did he think for a minute that I would fall for him over one kiss?

“Good. The rules in this house remain as they have always been. Trying to pull stupid pranks on me again will not end well for you. Are we clear?”

“Crystal,” I replied with a small nod. I waited for him to continue but when I realized he was done, I opened the door and walked back to my room.

My mind was a mess.

The first thing I did when I took my phone was delete Silas’s number because I didn’t want to have anything to do with him anymore. He had played with my feelings long enough.

I closed my door before sliding down the wall, my thoughts in disarray. I didn’t know what to make of Julian’s multiple personalities. First, he was so hell-bent on punishing me and the next, he was ravaging my lips.

My hands moved to my face and felt my lips that felt a bit plump under my fingers. It felt like I was back in his room and sitting on his bed, surrounded by his masculine scent. His intoxicating scent.

I felt his lips against mine once again and relished how perfectly his lips moved against mine, like they were meant for each other. It was a feeling I hadn't felt for a while. Not even with Silas.

I felt alive.

My thoughts came to an abrupt stop when a knock sounded at my door.

“Madam, are you in?” I heard someone call.

“Who is it?”

“Maggie.”

My thoughts were long forgotten as I got off the floor and opened the door.

“Hi,” I said, looking at Maggie.

“Hello ma’am. I dropped by to ask if you would like to have some food. You’ve not had dinner and it’s so late already,” she said.

I was touched by her care.

“Thank you but I don’t think I can eat some food right now,” I explained. My mood was in such a mess that I didn't think I could stomach any food. I was tense.

“I can have it brought to your room,” she offered.

“Thank you but I’ll have to pass on this one. I am so tired and all I want to do is rest.”

“Okay then. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything,” she offered, before leaving.

I slammed the door shut, before letting out a breath. My muscles screamed for me to crash on the bed but I couldn’t. I needed to wash up first as I felt so dirty from rolling on the floor all evening.

I walked to the bathroom and had a cold bath, all the while reminiscing what had happened with Julian.

If he hates me so much like he claimed, why did he kiss me with so much passion? He kissed me like a starved man. He sucked my lips like he had yearned for me for so long. Even Silas couldn't do that.

Damn Silas.

Soon, I was done bathing so I wore my nightwear and climbed into my bed. As I waited for sleep to come, all I could think of was Julian. I couldn't shake the kiss from my mind.

Slowly, I drifted off to sleep.