Page 78 of Relentless Pursuit

“I asked him if I could come and talk to you, so he said I could come up.”

“Is there a problem?” Because if there was, he was going to have to refer her to another attorney.

“No.” She closed the door behind her and walked to the front of the desk. “I just wanted to thank you again for what you did a few weeks ago. I’m not sure if Kayla told you, but Tim is out of my life and I’ve gone back to school.”

“I’m happy for you.” He came around the desk. “You didn’t have to come up to thank me. I know you appreciate what I did for you. It was no problem.”

“I haven’t seen you since that morning.” She inched closer to him, the scent of her cheap, floral perfume assaulting his nostrils. “I wanted a chance to explain myself. Why I did what I did.”

“You really didn’t do anything.” He had pushed that morning from his thought process. Kayla was so defensive of her friend that Julian decided to chalk up her weak attempt to kiss him as bad judgment. “It’s forgotten.”

“You didn’t tell her. I wondered why.”

“I saw no reason to. She adores you, and I didn’t want to make problems where there were none.”

“Are you sure that’s all it was?”

“I’m quite positive.” He glanced at his watch. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m meeting Kayla soon.”

“She told me,” she mumbled as she reached for his hand. “I need to tell you something.”

“What’s that?” He stepped back, removing himself from her touch.

“I’ve been coming to this club for a long time. Longer than Kayla,” she said. “I’ve been in the platinum plan longer than I had anticipated.”

“I’m well aware.”What are you getting at?

“I’ve submitted my application to you several times.”

Oh, that’s where we’re going?“We weren’t a match.”

“I’m far more experienced than she is. When I first brought her here, I never thought she’d survive. I figured Blake and his team would find her a guy who was looking for a girlfriend, because no matter what she insisted, she really was looking for a commitment. She didn’t have the guts for just sex. She plays a good game, but she’s not made up that way. I was surprised when Blake said she could enter the platinum plan.”

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t know.” He tried to move toward the door, but she stood in front of him. “I’m finished here.”

“Not until you hear what I have to say.”

“You have two minutes, and I’m being generous.” The only reason he was giving her any time was because Kayla and Blake saw something in Connie that Julian didn’t. Call it instinct, but something was off with her.

“Julian.” She took a deep breath. “You’re not wired for a girlfriend. I know too much about you. I’ve studied you over the years. Tried to mold myself into your perfect match. I’ve been waiting. That’s why I kept myself in the plan.”

I’ve already found my perfect match.

“I want a chance to prove myself.”

“Obviously you’re misguided. I’m not looking for a match. I’m done with Sapphire’s services. I’m with Kayla. So I suggest you—”

She lowered the zipper on her dress and stepped out of it when it hit the floor. She was wearing nothing underneath that dress.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Showing you who I can be for you.” She dropped to her knees, kneeling by his feet. She lowered her head and placed her palms on her lap. “I want to submit to you tonight.”

“Are you crazy?” He grabbed her forearm, forcing her to look up at him. Her wild expression concerned him. “You’re going to get up, put that dress back on, and get out of here. Do you understand?”

“Is that an order?” She licked her lips as she reached for his belt buckle with her free hand. “Because I may need help obeying. Let me please you.”

“Connie.” He raised his voice as he tugged on her wrist. “I’m not playing games with you.”

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