Page 105 of Fame and Obsession

I owe Julian the truth. Things are messed up between us, but he deserves to know everything. Telling him that his stalker had gotten to me will be hard, but telling him he’s going to be a father petrifies me.

Standing up, I let out a shaky breath. “Nate, I don’t know what to say…”

He points to the door. “Then don’t say anything. But whatever happens, just know I’ll be here when you need me.”

A sob catches in my throat. “I don’t deserve you.”

He grins and pushes me toward the terrace door. “No, you don’t. Now go.”

I blow him a kiss as I walk out the door. With a pounding head and a hand on my belly, I set off to find Julian. I just hope it’s not too late.

And that he’s not with her.

* * *

I round the corner to the bar to where a boisterous crowd has gathered, intensifying my headache.

After ordering a soda, I sip it while surveying the room. The hotel is huge. Calling Julian would be the easiest solution, but my phone is in my purse, which is still with Nate. Besides, after just getting shut down, I highly doubt he’d answer anyway.

Placing my elbows on the bar, I run my hand through my hair in frustration.

“You know you’re starting to border on OCD with that.”

Coughing, I slam the glass onto the bar. Remembering to breathe becomes a chore as I tense under the weight of his stare.

“Seriously? The silent treatment? I’ve never known you to be silent, Phoebe.”

Pushing the drink away, I turn in my seat to face him. Guarded jade eyes stare holes right through me. Julian stands less than a foot away, rolling his neck, and cradling a short glass of tequila.

Pregnancy has heightened my sense of smell, so I immediately know it’s not his first drink.

My stomach somersaults, and I glance at the floor. “I’m not silent, Julian. I’m figuring out what to say.”

He lets out a dry laugh. “You didn’t have trouble finding words before, did you?”

I deserve that. “I need to tell you something.”

“And what would that be?” he taunts, dangling the hook as he tries to bait me. “That you fucked him? Was it before or after I saw you?”

What the hell?

Rage crashes over me like a riptide, and for a moment, I consider telling him to fuck off. But I stop myself, tucking my pride inside a box I’ll deal with later. He’s lashing out from jealousy. I know the feeling all too well…

He can try and hurt me all he wants. I’m telling him the truth, if it kills me.

“Julian, I really—”

“You really what, Phoebe?” Rubbing his hand across that smirking face, he steps closer. “How long did you wait before climbing into his bed?”

He might as well have slapped me. “What about you?” I shout, anger getting the best of me. “You didn’t waste any time rerouting your dick back into Vivian, did you?”

Julian snorts as he throws a ten-dollar bill on the bar and nods to the bartender. “Maybe if you had a little faith, princess, you’d realize I haven’t touched her all night. There’s a reason I’m here with her, and it has to do with protecting you.” His voice escalates, causing eyes to turn and whispers to circle the room. “You and your friend, however, had your hands all over each other.”

“Can we please go somewhere else to talk?” I plead softly.

“Funny,” he says, shoving his hands in his pockets. “I said the same thing to you half an hour ago. Should I give you the same response you gave me?”

Turning, he stalks away from the bar, leaving me with my mouth open.

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