Page 107 of Holy Hearts
As soon as my door closes, I release a long sigh and run my hands over my face. I’m exhausted, and all of this bullshit with Rod is messing with me. I know people like him exist everywhere, but it makes me angry that people like Bradleigh—and now myself—can’t just live our lives. Because if I know one thing, it’s that if Rod finds out about my situation with Julian and Sophie—whatever it is that we’re doing—he’ll paint it in a negative light, and technically, I could lose my job because of it.
That thought suddenly strikes me.
He’s on the board, and he’s only one member, but I was voted in. It would be very easy for a majority to vote me out. And while Chase owns the majority of shares for Saint Helena, he could be outnumbered if parents complain.
If our funding is threatened, it could get very messy, very quickly.
I have to make sure Rod never finds out about the Ashfords.
Speaking of Sophie and Julian…
Leaning back in my chair, I pick my phone up and slowly unlock it. I zoom in like a pervert, smirking when I see her displeased expression. My guess is this picture and subsequent caption were both Julian’s idea.
But is it a summons? Or simply another provocation?
I quickly respond to find out.
Is this an invitation, or just you showing off?
While I wait for him to respond, I continue cleaning up my office space. I find that if I spend my Friday evenings tidying my life up, I go into the weekend with a clearer mind. And if the last week has been any indication, I’ll need a clear head for whatever this is with Julian and Sophie.
My heart is still pounding from the picture, and I have to adjust my cock a few times as I go. I try not to ruminate on what it could mean that he texted me, about the possibilities behind it.
Is this really something they want? Are they both open to this… to me?
I glance at my phone, half expecting an immediate reply considering the subject matter, but it stays silent. That’s the worst part—waiting, wondering if I just overstepped, if I’m reading into this all wrong. Because at the end of the day, I’m here, and they’re together. Besides, maybe Julian is testing me. I wouldn’t put it past him to fuck with me, waiting to see if I’ll cross some imaginary line so he can shut this whole thing down.
What is it that he said?How does it feel to be used? Payback’s a bitch, isn’t it?
Or… maybe he wants me to cross it.
For a second, I consider that this could truly work between us, and the notion has my blood heating all over again. The memory of Sophie on the edge of the pool is still vivid in my mind. The way she pushed back, her sounds, her touch, the way she responded when she finally gave in to me… it was everything I’ve ever wanted in a submissive, and everything I never knew I needed.
And Julian, his eyes on us last weekend, and the possibilities of what that could mean going forward…
My phone buzzes.
I snatch it up like a drowning man grabbing a life raft. Julian’s text is short, casual, like he didn’t just flip my world on its head.
Julian
Why don’t you come over and find out?
My breath catches. An invitation. At least, I think it is. But for what? Talking? More? I feel like a teenager again, trying to read between the lines of what he’s saying—and trying not to get my hopes up, either.
I type back before I lose my nerve, staring at the screen as my thumb hovers over the send button. My pulse pounds in my ears, and my whole body is alight with possibilities.
One fucking text from Julian, and the ground beneath me feels unsteady.
I wonder if he knows how little it takes to unravel me.
Be there in twenty.
The second the message sends, I’m already moving, grabbing my keys and shoes. I pause by the small mirror by the door, tugging at my tie and loosening it.Attempting to appear calm.Running a hand through my hair, I take a deep breath.
It’s useless.
Julian will see straight through me.
