Page 14 of Julian's Curse

“Friday feels good,” I remarked while looking forward to our elegant dinner. It was our last weekend before his trip to Dubai, so I intended to savor every moment of looking at Julian’s stunning face from every angle. I still couldn’t believe he was mine, and I doubted that sentiment would ever change. Yet, in some inexplicable way, it also felt completely natural, like I’d always belonged next to him. On one side, he was the unattainable billionaire on the covers of magazines, on the other side he was my best friend, seeking a sense of normalcy like everyone else.

“Have you thought about taking a couple of days off? Maybe we could go on a trip when I get back, Lucie.” He teased mewith the idea of a vacation. “You mentioned you’d want to visit Tahiti.” He looked particularly suave today in his designer Versace coat, expertly tailored to his frame, complete with matching gloves.

I sighed. “I don’t think I can justify the time off, Julian. Amanda just threw a new request my way—she wants me to complete an MBA on top of everything. In a year.” I exhaled sharply.

It felt odd to mention this to him, especially since he had never even finished college. Everything he’d achieved in real estate was entirely self-taught. Yet here he was, one of the wealthiest people in California and the CEO of multiple companies. Most people with prestigious degrees couldn’t match his business acumen or compete with his understanding of transactions. Julian probably hired people with MBAs to do work for him, the work he didn’t want to do himself. He didn’t necessarily have a disdain for degrees; he just didn’t care to get them.

“Amanda’s very good at keeping you away from me,” he smirked. “But Lucie, if it’s what you want to do… What school have you decided on?”

“I’ve been going through the brochures Amanda gave me. I think I’ve settled on LSU, Louisiana State University. They are accredited with the certification that Amanda wants, yet they have flexibility. Classes start in two weeks if I get accepted. All online, of course. They don’t require the GMAT, which will save me some time too.”

“Anything I can do to support you?” He squeezed my hand. We exchanged glances and I suddenly began to feel guilty for not volunteering the second part of my conversation with Amanda. “There’s something else,” I croaked. “But you have to promise me you won’t try to solve it for me.” I paused in my tracks and gazed into his sincere eyes.

The lights of the city twinkled around us and it was a comfortable evening for our stroll. Downtown, even the area of Bankers Hill, those have been streets that felt like home now. I used to wander them alone, perhaps on my bicycle, now I walked them hand in hand with the love of my life. At least I presumed he was. So, I decided that I should tell him what was bothering me, not to feel so alone with it. Julian deserved to be in the know too.

“Amanda is sellingApogee. She’s offered me to buy in. To become a partner.”

I expected him to immediately try to put a bandage over my bleeding wound.

“And you want to get there on your own.” He finished my train of thought. “Why you were hesitant to tell me first place.” He analyzed correctly.

“It just wouldn’t feel right, Julian, to borrow money from you. I am sorry, I hope you understand that I couldn’t accept it.”

“How much?” He gave me an inquisitive glance.

“Around $13 million. It’s twenty percent of A shares, the minimum requirement forApogee’sfuture business executives.” I sighed. “Basically, way more than I have in my bank account.” I tried not to sound depressed. “Way more that’s realistic for me to earn in a year when I need it.”

He offered a slight smile at my desperate joke. “I’m glad you told me, Lucie.”

“You know better than anyone what it feels like to be self-made. To get there on your own.”

He nodded in understanding. “You don’t want to mix work and pleasure, but you’re willing to embrace all the challenges that come with being with me. If I can help make a dream come true for you, it’s the least I can do. But I am not going to press.”

“I believe I’ll find a way to whatever is meant for me.” It was important for me to maintain a sense of independence. “Not to lose my life’s purpose.”

“That’s why I love you, Lucie. You’re innocent.” He held the door open for me as we approached the restaurant’s elevator.

“And hungry,” I murmured, as I glued my eyes on the menu displayed in a standing frame nearby.

“Just don’t tell Rose that Mister’s Mac and Cheese beats hers,” Julian quickly changed subjects. “I’ve been looking forward to ordering it all day.” Despite everything I’d dropped on him earlier, he seemed to be in a cheerful mood.

I chuckled. “I disagree. Nothing’s better than Rose’s cooking.” It was refreshing to have opposing opinions on something.

The elevator door slid shut with a softwhirr, and he pivoted to face me. “It turns me on when we argue anyway.” My back pressed against the wall as he pulled me into an intense, unexpected kiss. I couldn’t focus on anything but the sudden rush, his hands climbing up my thighs, hiking up my skirt. I ran my fingers through his hair while he grabbed my ass and propped me against the railing. “Fuck, this feels good,” he groaned. His scent delivered a slice of heaven to my nostrils.

The mutual understanding between us that this would be over before it started made the entire experience even more fun. How quickly could we look put together again? I slid down the railing and adjusted my skirt right before the elevator door opened with a ring.

While wiping his lips, he grabbed my hand once again, and then headed toward the receptionist.

I was fairly certain the staff had picked up on the telltale signs of a couple who’d just shared a brief make-out session. Usually, though, Oliver, Julian’s head of security, made sure all the necessary documents were signed to keep anyone from asmuch as peeping about what they’d witnessed. A fact that would indisputably work in our favor.

Our waitress hurried over, flashing us a welcoming smile and inviting us to follow her next.

“Truffle fries, we have to get those,” Julian exclaimed as she ushered us to our table on the outside deck. The view of San Diego from the 12thfloor was breathtaking, enough to make us feel like we were literally on top of the world. We could see the entire downtown and Little Italy, along with the harbor. And as expected, there were no other people there. The entire place was ours for the night.

To my surprise, he had adorned the entire deck with an array of crimson roses, their vibrant colors creating a stunning contrast against the backdrop of the city. Each bouquet was carefully arranged, filling the air with a sweet fragrance that mingled with the breeze.

“So gorgeous,” I took in the decorations in awe. “All for just a date?” He’d really taken this seriously.

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