I sprinted out of my house, my heart racing with every step. Late. I was already late.
Grabbing my bag, I rushed out the door, not bothering to lock it. Aria would be there soon anyway.
As I hastened toward Julian's estate, anxiety gripped me. What if he's angry? What if I'm fired?
I arrived at the estate, breathless and flustered. The butler, Mr. Jenkins, greeted me with a stern expression.
"Good morning, Luna. Mr. Salvatore awaits you."
I nodded, smoothing my hair.
"Thank you, Mr. Jenkins."
I hurried to Julian's study, my heels clicking on the marble floor.
Julian looked up from his papers, his eyes narrowing.
"Good morning, Luna. You're late."
I swallowed hard. "I apologize, Julian. Traffic."
Julian's gaze lingered, then returned to his papers.
"Very well. Let's get started."
Relief washed over me, but I knew I had to stay focused.
As we worked, Julian's proximity unsettled me. His scent, his voice, his eyes...
I struggled to maintain my composure, wondering if Akira's warning would prove prophetic.
Julian leaned back in his chair, his eyes locked on mine. "Luna, I've noticed you've been having trouble getting here on time."
I nodded, feeling a twinge of embarrassment.
"Would you prefer I pick you up?" Julian asked, his voice low and smooth.
My heart skipped a beat. Aria's warning echoed in my mind.
"No, I'm fine, thank you," I said quickly.
Julian raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? It would make things easier."
I forced a smile. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm really fine."
Julian's gaze lingered, as if sensing my unease.
"Very well," he said finally. "But if you change your mind, let me know."
I nodded, relieved.
Little did Julian know, I was protecting Aria – and myself – from the unknown.
Aria's instincts about Julian were spot on, and I didn't want her anywhere near him.
But why?
Was it the way Julian's eyes seemed to see right through me?
Or the way my heart fluttered when he spoke?
I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the work at hand.
Julian stood up, his chair scraping against the floor. "I need to find a file. Excuse me for a moment."
As he walked around the desk, his proximity sent my senses into overdrive.
I couldn't help myself. I sniffed, subtly, taking in his scent.
Woodsy, earthy, and a hint of spice.
My heart skipped a beat.
Julian's eyes met mine, a flicker of awareness dancing in their depths.
I looked away, pretending to focus on the papers in front of me.
But my gaze drifted back, tracing the lines of his broad shoulders, the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck.
He was gorgeous.
And I was mated to Luca.
Guilt washed over me, but I couldn't deny the attraction.
Julian's voice broke the spell. "Ah, here it is."
He walked back to his side of the desk, file in hand.
Our eyes met, and for a moment, I thought I saw something there.
Something that made my pulse race.
I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt, sitting across from Julian, my mind wandering to the forbidden attraction.
Mated to Luca, yet drawn to Julian.
It was wrong.
But why did it feel so right?
Julian's voice pulled me back to reality. "Luna, let's review these reports."
I nodded, forcing myself to focus.
As we worked, my gaze drifted to Julian's hands, strong and capable.
Luca's hands were rougher, scarred from battles.
But Julian's touched something deep within me.
I felt like I was betraying Luca, yet I couldn't deny this connection.
The room seemed to shrink, the air thickening with tension.
Julian's eyes met mine, and for an instant, I thought I saw understanding.
Did he sense my turmoil?
As I sat across from Julian, our eyes locked in a silent understanding, the door swung open and Isabella walked in. Her petite frame was clad in a revealing mini-dress, accentuating her porcelain skin and raven hair. She was a stunning vision, but her presence ignited a fire within me, and not the good kind.
Isabella sauntered over to Julian, her heels clicking on the marble floor. She planted a kiss on his cheek, her lips lingering a moment too long. "Hey, baby," she cooed, her voice dripping with intimacy.
Julian's eyes never left hers as he smiled, returning the kiss. "Hey, Isabella. What brings you here?" His voice was warm, welcoming.
Isabella's hand drifted down Julian's chest, her touch sending a pang through me. I felt my heart twist, my stomach churn. I was annoyed, irritated...and something more.
Julian wrapped an arm around Isabella's waist, pulling her close. They chatted, laughing and smiling together. I watched, my discomfort growing.
Who was this woman? And why did seeing her with Julian make my skin crawl?
I tried to focus on the papers in front of me, but my gaze kept drifting back to the couple. Isabella's eyes met mine, her smile sweet, yet calculating.
I sensed a challenge in her gaze, a warning to stay away.
But from what?
Julian's eyes flicked to mine, his expression unreadable. Did he sense my unease?
I looked away, my heart racing.
What was I feeling?
Jealousy?
No, that couldn't be.
I was mated to Luca.
But the burn in my chest refused to be ignored.
Isabella's gaze lingered on me, her eyes narrowing. "Who's this?" she asked Julian, her voice laced with possessiveness.
Julian's arm tightened around Isabella's waist. "This is Luna, my new personal assistant."
Isabella's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "And why is she staring at us like that?"
Julian chuckled, his voice soothing. "Luna's just focused on work. She's been doing an excellent job."
Isabella's gaze didn't waver, her expression skeptical.
I felt my face heat up, annoyance simmering beneath the surface.
How could Julian dismiss my feelings so easily?
Did he not sense the tension between us?
Isabella's voice dripped with sweetness. "Well, I'm glad you have someone to help you, Julian. You deserve the best."
Julian smiled, his eyes crinkling. "I have the best, right here."
Isabella giggled, snuggling closer to Julian.
I couldn't take it anymore.
"Excuse me," I muttered, standing up. "I need to...get some files."
I practically ran out of the room, my heart racing.
Why was I so angry?
Was it jealousy?
Or something more?
As I stepped into the cool hallway, I took a deep breath.
Get a grip, Luna.
You're mated to Luca.
Julian's just your boss.
But the memory of Julian's arm around Isabella lingered.