Page 94 of Holy Hearts
A sharp gasp escapes my lips. “Yes,” I choke out, the word falling from me like a confession.
Julian rears his head back just enough to look me in the eye. His expression is smug and triumphant, and I don’t even fucking care. I’m under some sort of spell here, and it’s fucking terrifying.
But also exhilarating.
His hand slides up to cup my jaw, and his thumb brushes my lower lip. “Good boy.”
He takes a step back and his hand drops away. I miss the warmth instantly, and Julian just smirks as he studies me.
“Think about it, Kai. About what this could be.”
Just as he turns to walk out, I panic and blurt the first thing I can think of. “I don’t need to think about it.”
He turns back to face me as he shrugs his jacket back on, giving me a knowing smile. “Good. Because neither do I.”
The sound of my front door closing barely registers after he leaves, but the heat of him, the weight of his words, lingers. And for the first time, I’m not sure if I’m terrified—or ready.
I sink onto the couch, the weight of what just happened pressing down like iron shackles. The air feels different, charged, like a storm just passed through. My lips are swollen, and I swear I can still feel Julian’s breath against my neck. It’s fucking pathetic… but I don’t move for a long time.
Because what just happened didn’t feel like defeat. It didn’t feel wrong. The only thing I feel is relief—that submitting to Julian felt like taking a deep breath for the first time in a very long time.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
THE BOOKSTORE
Sophie
I inhale and exhale to quell my nerves. My hands are sweaty, and I check my reflection in the rearview mirror to make sure I don’t have lettuce in my teeth, and then I gather my folio and exit my car. I’ve barely slept all week as I’ve spent the majority of my waking hours on the business license application as well as the liability insurance certificate, proof of funding, modification proposal, and a check for the application fee. I’d also included plans for the fundraising events I’m planning before and during opening, as well as averydetailed business plan. I doubt the latter two things will be needed, but my mother raised me to always be overprepared.
I couldn’t wait to tell her I was opening a romance bookstore.
She was going to lose her mind.
“Please tell me it’s going to be pink,” a familiar voice calls out.
I grin as I walk up to Stella Ravage. She’s hand in hand with her daughter, Beatrix, who is humming to herself adorably.
Smiling, I hug her and then crouch down to say hello to Beatrix, who I know just turned two.
“Hi, Bea,” I say, and she smiles and waves at me.
When I stand back up, I take in Stella’s fabulous outfit—a bright yellow maxi dress that clings to her curves, and a pink suede jacket with matching sandals. Her glittery, teal backpack only adds another pop of color, and I suddenly feel drab in my black linen shift dress.
“You look amazing,” I tell her, taking in her minimal makeup.
A group of people pass us by and stare at her. A couple of them do a double take. I don’t blame them.
She’s bloody gorgeous.
“Sophie, this isn’t a job interview, you know. I mean, don’t get me wrong, you always look fucking fit. But maybe take your hair down?” she suggests.
I smirk as I untie my bun, letting my blonde hair fall over my shoulders. She steps forward and tousles it a bit, and then she reaches into her handbag, pulling some bright pink lipstick out.
“Here. You should be wearing lipstick when you sign the contract.”
My heart races as I swipe the lipstick on using the reflection of the shop glass. When I’m done, I turn back to her and smile down at Beatrix, who is watching me quietly.
“I appreciate your help today,” I tell her, leaning against the side of the building. We’re both a few minutes early, and the leasing agent will be here soon.
