Page 24 of Candy Cane Chains

But Julian... he confronted the issue head-on. Yes, he punished me, but he stayed present. Connected. His touch never left my skin, alternating between discipline and comfort.

"Thank you," I whisper against his chest, breathing in his clean shower scent mixed with subtle cologne.

His fingers thread through my hair, massaging my scalp. "For what, sweet girl?"

"For caring enough to be upset. For not shutting me out." My voice cracks on the words as memories of Travis's cold shoulders and slammed doors flash through my mind.

Julian's arms tighten around me. "I will never shut you out, Ivy. You're mine." His hand cups my cheek, tilting my face up to meet his intense gaze. "Even when you misbehave."

The safety I feel in his embrace overwhelms me. This man, who most find terrifying, treats me with such care. Such devotion. Travis made me feel small, insignificant. But Julian makes me feel precious. Protected.

I press closer, letting his warmth seep into my bones. For the first time, I understand that sometimes love doesn't look like flowers and sweet words. Sometimes it looks like firm boundaries and consequences. Like a man who cares enough to correct rather than ignore.

Not that I would fall in love or anything.

12

JULIAN

Iwatch Ivy from my study doorway as she curls up on the leather sofa with a book, her bare feet tucked beneath her. The late afternoon sun catches those burgundy highlights in her hair, creating a halo effect that makes my chest tighten. She's only been here three days, but the thought of her leaving makes my hands clench.

The tiny silver bells rest in my pocket, attached to a delicate anklet I had custom made. The metal warms against my skin as I approach her.

"I have something for you." I settle beside her on the couch.

She marks her place with a finger. "Another gift? Julian, you don't have to-"

"I want to." I pull out the anklet, letting the silver chain pool in my palm. The three tiny bells catch the light. "Give me your ankle."

Her eyes widen as she extends her leg. The delicate arch of her foot, the gentle curve of her ankle - everything about her is perfect. I wrap the chain around her skin, my fingers lingering longer than necessary as I secure the clasp.

A soft chime breaks the silence as she moves her foot experimentally. It's like little sleigh bells. "It's beautiful."

"Now I'll always know where you are." The possessive words slip out before I can stop them.

But she just smiles, the sound of bells following her movement as she shifts closer. "You're not worried I'll sneak away, are you?"

"I'd never let you." My voice drops lower.

"I'd never want to," she whispers, her eyes drifting up to mine. It soothes something in my chest, and I think she knows it. She's been saying things like that more and more.

The bells tinkle as she stretches her legs across my lap, the sound both soothing and maddening. Like a cat with a bell collar, but this is different. This is marking her as mine.

She wiggles her toes, creating a gentle symphony. "I kind of like it. Makes me feel like a fairy."

I trace the arch of her foot, feeling her shiver. "A fairy I've caught and don't intend to release."

The bells chime with her laughter, and something primitive in me purrs with satisfaction. Every step, every movement - I'll know exactly where my Ivy is. The sound is already becoming an addiction.

I leave her curled up on the couch, the soft chiming of bells following her slight movements. My study beckons - work doesn't stop just because I've found something more interesting to occupy my attention.

Three back-to-back video calls drain my energy. There are contracts I need to fulfill, people I need to hunt down and take care of. It's my job after all to fix the problems for the rich people who own Chicago - though the violent urges that drove me to become a fixer have lessened with Ivy. I loosen my tie, jaw clenched as I stare at the spreadsheets covering my monitors.

The gentle sound of bells approaches my study door. I look up to see her standing in the doorway.

"Julian?" Ivy tilts her head as she studies me. "Everything okay? I heard raised voices."

I push back from my desk, running a hand through my hair. "Come here."

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