Page 18 of Only If You Dare

Chapter Seven

When Julian answered the phone, his dark imposing voice strummed across my flesh like a commanding stroke.

“Julian,” I said my voice a bit more throaty than I’d expected. “Are you busy?”

“Not anymore,” he said. “How are you?”

“I’ve been better,” I paused then proceeded. “Listen, I won’t be handling this assignment anymore, and I thought it best for me to tell you first.”

“What happened?”

The concern in his voice was palpable.

“Where are you,” he asked.

“Headed home.”

“Let me come see you.”

Something inside me stirred. I hadn’t anticipated Julian’s response, and even if I did, this wouldn’t have been it.

“I’m passing you right now,” I said.

“Pull into the garage and park inside the private gate on the fifth floor.” He rattled off a few numbers to the code on the private entrance.

“Okay…”

I had absolutely no idea why my heart pounded, and my anticipation heightened upon entering the hotel garage. I tried to tell myself that I was just nervous about Julian taking the exclusive photos to a local competitor. But, I knew that wasn’t the case as soon as I parked and the private elevator doors opened. From behind my tinted glass, I watched in raptness as Julian stepped out; his long strides headed in my direction. My eyes traveled over him, completely turned on by the casual button down blue jean shirt with sleeves pulled past his powerful forearms. His black jeans sat against muscular thighs, and the strength in his walk spoke of male confidence and sheer determination. Within seconds he’d descended on me, reaching out to open my door. I was still stuck in a daze when he unsnapped my seatbelt, and his strong hands pulled me out of the car. Quickly, he shut the door and held me hostage between it.

Julian stood with his legs slightly apart, his feet planted around mine. His hands reached past my shoulders to rest against the Honda locking me in place. Dark eyes studied my face as I silently commanded my body not to react to his demanding presence. With as much strength as I could muster, I forced my eyes not to drop to his lips.

“Tell me,” his deep voice ordered, “What’s going on.”

I attempted to step back but the cold steel of the door informed me, I was as far from him as I could get. I looked away from his probing gaze and cleared my thoughts.

“When I came into Fredrick’s office yesterday, it was to resign. I no longer have the strength to keep up with his antics. I’ve had about all I can take.”

“Let me talk to him,” he said in a no-nonsense tone.

“That’s quite alright. It wouldn’t make my situation any better.”

“I can promise you it will.”

I smiled; it was the strangest thing too because suddenly the weariness I’d felt minutes before melted into nothingness.

“That’s very sweet of you, but…”

“I need you,” he said.

A flourish of heat poured over me. I went to speak then doubled back, the words I wanted to say stumbling on my tongue.

“I can’t use anyone else at the Report for this trip,” he continued.

“Santana can take my spot. You’ll love her.”

“I want you, Desiree.”

My heart was thundering now, and I couldn’t help but wonder if we were still talking about my presence on this trip or something else completely. Julian’s piercing gaze assessed me closer.

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