Chapter 204

Robert’s POV

I stormed into the office after leaving Julie’s room, expecting to find Carlos there, but the place was empty. The coward had fled. I pulled out my phone and dialed his number back-to-back, but every time, it just rang out.

I ground my teeth, slamming the phone onto the desk. "Fine, Carlos... let’s see how long you can hide from me."

I sank into my chair and leaned my head back, trying to catch my jagged breath. Damn it. I was seconds away from killing my best friend in a blind fit of rage. Why the hell am I jealous like this? Why did I lose my mind to the point of putting a piece to the head of the only man I actually trusted? Would I really have ended him over her? 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

I pressed my palms against my face, hard. I need to chill. I need to get a grip on these shattered nerves. I’m supposed to be the symbol of control, the cold-blooded professional running an entire security empire... so why do I lose it every time it comes to her? Why is Julie the only crack in my armor?

I sat in the killing silence of the office, the image of her trembling in front of my gun haunting me.

A strange, unwanted flicker of guilt started crawling up my spine, no matter how much I tried to deny it.

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Julie’s POV

I sat on the edge of my bed, hugging my shaking body. I was trying to process the madness of the last few minutes. Carlos almost died today! Damn it... what is happening? Is Robert really that quick to kill his own friend? A real terror took hold of me at the thought of the blood that was almost spilled in my room.

I knew right then I had to talk to Carlos and warn him; he has to stay away from me, or Robert will end him without a second thought.

Then I remembered his invitation for dinner in his room tonight. I let out an annoyed huff and looked away. There is no way I’m going. I won’t! Didn’t he just say those hateful things to me? Didn’t he question my character? I’ll just sleep. That’s the best plan.

I stood up heavily, dried my hair, and opened my closet with hesitation. What should I wear? And why am I even conflicted? I’m not going anyway! I pulled out a simple pair of pajamas and was about to put them on, then stopped. I put them back. Fine, I’ll wear something else.

Maybe he’ll insist I go, and even though I’ll definitely say no, I want him to find me in something decent when he comes to beg.

I pulled out a short white skirt and a soft white blouse. I threw them on and stood before the mirror, looking at my pale face. "Maybe some makeup?" I muttered, reaching for my brushes. I’m definitely not going; I just want to look him in the eye when he comes to plead and say a cold, hard "No."

I finished my touch-ups, slipped into white flats, and checked my reflection. I was ready... to say no. I sat on my chair, watching the clock move at a killing pace. Dinner time finally arrived. The cook came in, wheeling the food cart. I asked, trying to hide my eagerness, "Did you take dinner to Mr. Robert’s room?"

"Yes," she replied calmly.

"How long ago?" I asked, my heart sinking.

"About ten minutes ago."

She left the cart and walked out.

I stayed put, feeling a sharp sting of insult in my chest. Damn him! Didn’t he say we’d eat together? Is he just eating by himself now? Whatever. I wasn’t going anyway. This is better; I don’t have to deal with him begging me to join him. I sat back down and waited another five minutes. He didn’t come. Is he waiting for me to go to him? Is he actually waiting right now?

"Enough. I’ll go myself," I hissed. I stormed out and headed for his room. In a rush of adrenaline, I walked right in without knocking. I saw the plates set on the table and thought bitterly: He was really gonna eat without me? Fine, I’ll tell him... what will I tell him? Right, I’ll tell him I’m eating in my room and not to wait up.

As I walked toward his bed, I froze. He stepped out of the bathroom with nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist. Damn it. The sight sent a sudden wave of heat through my face and body. He looked at me, his voice deep and raspy. "Julie... you came. Let’s eat."

My heart was screaming: "Tell him you’re eating in your room! Tell him you don’t want to see his face!" But instead, I heard myself whisper like a soft little kitten, "Okay."

Wasn’t I gonna say no? Why did I say okay?

I sat on the sofa, shame gnawing at me. Fine, Julie. Since you said okay... just a slip of the tongue. Eat and get out. Robert sat beside me, completely bare from the waist up. Is he doing this to torture me? How am I supposed to eat while looking at his defined muscles, his broad chest, and the way he looks so masculine even while just eating?

He noticed me spacing out. "Eat," he said.

I dropped my eyes to the plate and started eating way too fast. I need to go before he thinks I have no pride. Suddenly, he said, watching my outfit, "You’ve never worn white like this before."

"What?" I asked, confused.

"I mean, you usually mix it with other colors. But today, you’re all in white."

"Is that a bad thing?" I asked, nervously rubbing my hands.

"No," he said, his tone turning warm. "It’s beautiful."

I smiled involuntarily, then realized what I was doing and quickly wiped the look off my face. Damn it, you’re so naive! One word and he’s got you! "I’m finished with my dinner," I said with a fake sharpness.

Suddenly, he placed his hand gently on my thigh. Damn, damn, damn! A shiver ran through my entire body as his touch pierced through the fabric. He leaned in, whispering in my ear, making my breath hitch:

"Now... I’m going to have my dinner."

[Rockst3ady Thank you for the golden tickets, I appreciate it very much. Kisses to you. ]