Page 102 of From Us, Forever

“Yes.” Julian’s eyes snapped to mine as he held out a hand. “I never forget beautiful people,” he said in such a serious tone that I flushed.

I swallowed as I shook his hand, noting how small my hand looked in his grasp. “Nice to meet you, Julian.”

“Likewise.” His tone was whiskey-smooth as it washed over me.

Jay’s eyes narrowed at him. “Your charm won’t work on her.”

“It never hasn’t.” Julian’s alluring eyes flashed toward me. I will admit that there was something about him, a dark and mysterious vibe that was mesmerizing, but nothing compared to the way my man made me feel.

“Jay’s right,” I said softly. “It won’t work.”

Julian’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Don’t worry, I never touch something that belongs to another man.”

“Not just something,” I added, raising a brow. “A woman.”

His amused eyes swept from me to Jay. “You got a good one.”

Jay and Julian chatted for a bit. Even Mikey and Katy joined us out of nowhere, and it wasn’t long before we went our own ways again. I guessed that’s how these events worked.

“I think I’m doing a pretty good job of being a rock star’s girlfriend,” I said proudly just as Jay led me to the bar to get us some fresh drinks.

“Yes, sweetheart.” He kissed the side of my head, tightening his protective hold around my waist.

I felt so tiny in his arms, but I loved it.

A sudden weird sensation ran up the back of my neck. The same feeling I’d gotten all those days ago. My eyes quickly darted around the room, but nothing seemed amiss, and everything felt normal again. Weird.

“What’s wrong?” Jay frowned.

“Nothing.” I shook my head. “Goosebumps, I guess,” I replied, and his frown instantly faded as he retrieved the drinks from the bartender.

“Here you go. Your fruity girly drink.” He handed me a signature cocktail called ‘COSMIC’ they served here, and it tasted like sweet heaven. I was already on my fourth today.

“J.J., how are you?” a voice called out, dragging my attention to a beautiful, tall woman dressed in a tight yellow bodycon dress that flaunted her figure and highlighted her thick raven hair. She looked oddly familiar for some reason.

The smell of her expensive perfume melted the air as she leaned in to kiss Jay on the cheeks, and my drink instantly turned sour.

“Amber, it’s been a long time.” Jay gave her a half hug before he pulled away, still keeping a tight grasp on me. “I’m doing better than ever. Meet Evelyn, my girlfriend.”

Her striking blue eyes latched on me, and fucking hell, she was gorgeous. “Oh, the infamous secret girlfriend you’ve been hiding from us. I’m Amber.” She held out her hand.

So just a hand for me, not a hug, huh? I let my jealousy slide as I shook her hand. “Evelyn. Nice to meet you.”

She completely disregarded me as her eyes dashed to my man. “So J.J.” She checked him out. “I had no idea you moved to New York. We should catch up.”

So not happening as long as I’m alive.

“Definitely,” Jay replied with a smile, not even reading the air. I stifled the urge to stomp on his feet.

“Yes, how long has it been? Two or three years? We used to have such good times.”

I rolled my eyes, biting off a scoff as I gulped my drink.

Jay nodded. “Well, I have my girl now, and she’s my number one priority at the moment. She almost handcuffed me from going to this event.” His thumb drew circles over my hip as he gave me a quick glance. “She’s possessive like that.”

I almost choked on my drink, but the satisfaction wired me alive when her entire expression fell on the floor.

“Yes, of course.” She laughed it off. “Oh, I see Cara there. I’d better go say hi before she leaves. It was so nice to see you again, J.J. Ciao.” She flipped her hair and sashayed away.

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