Page 35 of Taboo

She came by her control freak ways honestly. Her mother taught her well, and while Julienne sometimes bemoaned her mother’s interference, she knew it had helped her in life.

“I was wondering if I could send Brent and Jack back too?”

“You don’t think you need security?”

“First of all, we have an exceptional security system. And I don’t plan on going anywhere. I’m going to spend most of my time here at the house, just detoxing my life.”

There was a beat of silence. “Sending David back and then no security, I don’t know if your brother would be happy about that.”

“I’m a grown woman, mother. They will go back with David.”

Another sigh, this one irritated. It told Julienne that her mother had more to do with the security detail than Jensen did.

“I guess I’ll have to let you.”

“No one knows I’m here, mother. My social media is all dark.”

It was one of the things she did when the last round of gossip hit the press. She couldn’t take all the nastiness, and it was useless for her to still be on Instagram when the commenters only focused on the nasty gossip.

“I guess you’ve made your mind up.”

“Yes.”

“Fine. I’ll deal with Jensen.”

“Thanks, Mother.”

“Please be careful.”

“I plan to work on my tan and the new designs. That’s it. Oh, and probably eat my weight in carbs since the Hawaiians seem to love them.”

After a few more warnings from her mother, she ended the call. David was still standing there, avid interest coloring his expression.

“Nicola had false labor, but her doctor wants her to stay on bed rest.”

“But everything is okay?”

She nodded. “Yes, but my mother wanted you to come back to England.”

“Why? What did I do wrong?”

Julienne chuckled. “You did nothing wrong. They want you to become Nic’s surrogate. Basically, you would do her job at her direction.”

His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open, then he snapped it shut, swallowing hard. “They want me to take Nic’s place?”

“Yes. I told her only if you were willing. I’m assuming from your reaction you do want to go back.”

“I do. I mean…” he squealed loud enough to be heard back on the mainland, then he grabbed Julienne. “I hate to leave you, but this is such a big deal.”

She hugged him back, so happy for him. She loved him like a brother, and this would be a real good thing for his prospects. He pulled back and looked at her. “Are you sure it’s okay with you?”

She nodded. “I hate that you’re going to have to go back to work and miss our workcation, but it is a good opportunity for you. I plan on just hanging here at the house.”

He frowned. “I don’t like that. I think you should go back to Maui.”

“No. Alek and I had that discussion. I told you that.”

“And you sealed the deal.”

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