Page 73 of King of My Heart

He wrapped his arms around me tightly as we both came down from our highs, but I knew once our breathing was steady, we would do it all over again.

***

I spent the next morning trying not to wince from the soreness between my legs. Caspian and I stayed awake for two more hours, fucking as silently as possible while Julian was sleeping in the other room.

This morning, he didn’t look like he had heard us, which was a relief.

Caspian and I acted normal, not letting anything show.

He sat in front of me, focused on his coffee and the morning newspaper in front of him, while Julian moved around the kitchen to get everything onto the table.

He went to the bakery while Caspian and I took turns taking showers in the bathroom.

No one spoke much once we started to eat, just quiet murmurs here and there, the occasional request to pass the butter. If Julian had heard anything last night, he gave no indication.

Then again, if I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t know how to act.

After breakfast, Caspian and I went to pack our bags.

Julian lingered in the doorway, watching without saying much. After I zipped the bag, I turned to face him.

“I guess we won’t see each other much anymore,” he said with a tight smile.

I nodded, my lips pressing together. “We can still call and text. We’re friends, right?”

He swallowed, unsure of what to say to that. “Yeah, I guess so.”

A beat of silence passed between us before he stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. It wasn’t tight, but it wasn’t hesitant either. Just firm, steady, and full of things left unspoken.

“I know this was all you. And I’m not as ungrateful as you think I am. I truly admire how kind your heart is. I haven’t really appreciated that when we were together.”

I didn’t like the words he outed, but I couldn’t lie and say he was wrong.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said, pulling away from me, and holding me at arm-length with his hands on my shoulders. “I have a lot of growing and thinking to do. It’ll take time, but I’m here if you ever need me.”

I smiled gently.

This has turned out better than I ever could’ve imagined. “Thank you, Jule. I’m here for you, too.”

“I know. You always have been.”

I nodded and gave him another hug before he carried my bag to the living room where Caspian was waiting for us.

“Ready?” he asked, glancing between us.

“Yes, ready.”

Once we got downstairs and put our two bags into the car, we turned back to Julian, and I gave him a small wave. “Thank you for letting us stay. And for breakfast.”

“Of course,” he said before his eyes met Caspian’s. “I’ll call.”

Caspian nodded. “Take your time, son.”

Something sparked in Julian’s gaze.

At first I thought we were leaving without them hugging. That was the least they could’ve done. And to my surprise, it was Julian taking a step forward to give Caspian a hug.

They stood there for a moment, then he pulled away, his smile tight.

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