Page 121 of His Fury

“Zayn McCabe happened to me.” His voice was bitter.

I sat back and looked at him.Reallylooked at him. “No.”

He looked back at me in surprise.

“Zayn didn’t drag you into this. You aren’t a victim, Julian.” I folded my hands in my lap, feeling a slight tremor as I watched someone I loved unravel before me. “You gambled. He never asked that of you. In fact, he probably wanted you far away from all this.”

Julian looked at me, that mocking pity back in his eyes; it was surreal to see that look directed at me. “How do you think he gets his money clean?” he asked coldly. “He started out withme. I was his partner.”

I swallowed back the taste of bile in my throat. “How?”

“He bought shitholes, I redesigned them, and he flipped them for a profit.”

I listened. “But he never asked you to do anything other than design them?” I asked softly. Julian looked at me, his gaze wary. “He never asked you to buy them. He never askedyou to sell them? Right?” At his reluctant nod, I chewed the inside of my cheek. “He employed you through your firm?” He didn’t answer; he didn’t have to. I knew him too well. “He employed you above level, legally and legitimately.” I took a shaky breath. “The rest was all you. Every step of the way. You gambled. You lied. And now…whatever mess you’re in isyourfault. Not his. Not mine.”

Julian watched me silently before releasing a low laugh that sent shivers down my spine. “He’s got his fingers in you deep,” he said, the gleam in his eye one of malice. “Enjoy it while you can, I hear he loses interest quickly.”

The knot in the pit of my stomach tightened. “What happened to you?” I asked softly. “Gambling is an addiction. An illness. We can help you?—”

Julian stood up abruptly, causing the table to rock, and I quickly reached for my coffee before I wore it. “I don’t need his fucking help,” he hissed at me.

“I meant you andme,” I shot back angrily, wiping a drop of spilled coffee from my hand. “Jesus Christ, Julian. Let me help you!”

He simmered above me, running his hand through his hair. “Shit, I’m…I’m sorry, Isla.” He finished his coffee. “Stay close to Zayn. He’ll protect you. Tell him everything. It’s the only way he’ll trust you.” He blew out a breath. “I didn’t want this, any of this, especially not for you.”

“Julian—”

He stood next to me, bending down to kiss the top of my head. It was a simple gesture he’d done a thousand times before, but this time, it brought tears to my eyes. “Love you, Wells.” He straightened, and I looked up and he gave me one of his signature smiles, but this time, it didn’t mask the sadness. “Stick with him. He loves you. He’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt you—don’t doubt that.” He glancedtowards the door before looking back at me. “Don’t be afraid of him.”

My throat tightened. “Julian, we can?—”

“See you around.”

He left me sitting there, stunned. There was so much more to say, but I had no words left. I feel that a significant part of my life ended the moment he walked out the door.

The server asked me if I wanted a refill as if everything had remained the same, but everything had changed.

Tell him everything.

I straightened in my seat and pulled out my phone. He still hadn’t read my message. I made my decision. I got up from the table, paid my bill, which included Julian’s two coffees, and left the café.

I didn’t go back to work, nor did I go to my car. I told myself I needed air and that I just wanted to clear my head after seeing Julian. But the truth was, I knew exactly where I was headed.

I couldn’t pretend anymore.

The call. The guy from yesterday. The way Julian’s entire personality changed when I mentioned Zayn, when he saw how deeply I was involved. None of the last twenty-four hours could be ignored.

Whatever illusion I had painted for myself, whatever line I thoughtIcouldn’t cross between Zayn’s life and mine, had vanished.

Julian had made his choice. Now I had to make mine.

By the time I climbed Elixir’s front steps, my hands were steady and my steps purposeful. My mind was no longer racing; everything in me had quieted. I knew what I had to do, and I understood that by doing it that I was fully committed.

The front door was open, and after I climbed the stairs, Ientered the main club and saw a familiar face sitting at one of the booths.

“Hey, Jayden,” I greeted him warmly as I approached.

“Hey, Isla. Zayn’s not here.”

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