Page 33 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

Julian placed her bags on the floor and walked out onto a terrace that overlooked the cliff face and the water below. He could feel Lily behind him.

‘Because this is what I wanted, and I make damned sure I get what I want.’

‘Why?’

She wasn’t asking why he went after he wanted—he was certain she already understood that from their conversations. No, this question begged to know why here. It revealed only her curiosity, but an answer from him would reveal so much more.

Julian looked at her but said nothing as he picked up her bags and walked away, leaving her outside. He climbed the glass staircase. There was so much glass in his home. The Bay was visible from virtually every spot in the house. Julian loved being alone here, where he could breathe.

Lily fell into step beside him, not saying a word. He pushed open a door and gestured for her to enter first. Apart from his room, this was the room he loved most.

There was a wash basin and large tub in the corner beside a low wall that offered both privacy and a breathtaking view through the massive window that angled into the room turning the ceiling into a wide rectangular strip. The king-sized bed sat on a plush carpet, the headboard against a wood-panelled wall. The view of the sky uninterrupted from the bed. An ever-changing work of art.

‘Closet is through those doors,’ he said, setting her bags on the bed.

‘Thank you, Julian. It’s beautiful.’

He watched her walk to the window, looking out with a small smile on her face.

‘Would you like me to send for the rest of your things?’

‘That’s not necessary.’ She spun around and stepped around him to place a miniature Eiffel Tower on the bedside table. ‘I have everything I need.’

Was he expected to believe that this woman who had grown up with such excess was going to live out of two suitcases?

She must have seen the scepticism on his face because she said, ‘I have Crème, and I’m on the verge of getting my freedom. I don’t need anything else.’

The words resonated too deeply with him. Because wasn’t that his life too? What this place was meant to represent? IRES and freedom.

IRES had given him wealth and power, and that had given him freedom. Freedom to leave his past behind...freedom to create this sanctuary...freedom to live his life any way he damn well pleased.

‘Join me downstairs when you’re ready.’

He turned on his heel, leaving the room before he did something foolish. Because all he could think of was how much he would rather have her sleeping in his bed. Something he’d never wanted before.

Julian felt conflicted over having her in his home. He was maddeningly attracted to her, but having another person in his space had him ill at ease. And yet he still wanted to spend every moment with her, protect her... Which had him gritting his teeth.

He couldn’t want that. He never wanted that kind of chaos in his life. He found peace in his home and Lily affected that far too much. He needed to take back control. Not let his affection for her grow. Because he had seen what loving someone, letting them in, could do to a person. Had seen his mother suffer day after day.

Needing a moment to clear his head, Julian stepped out on the terrace, taking a deep breath and focussing on his plan instead. Having royally angered Lincoln, Julian knew he had to find the insurance he needed to trump Lincoln’s vote—but now he didn’t just want to do it for his plan. Seeing the man’s hand on Lily had Julian craving retribution, but he knew now he’d have to work harder on Devan.

He pulled out his phone and made the call.

‘Shah,’ he greeted him.

‘What are you doing?’ Devan demanded, not bothering to conceal his anger.

‘I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about,’ Julian said smoothly.

‘Making Lily move in with you. You’re using her.’

‘I think you’re projecting.’

‘What?’

The word was a low threat that did nothing to move Julian.

‘This arranged marriage to keep the power at Arum between you and Harrison. Here’s the thing... When I walk in to find Lincoln Harrison manhandling my fiancée, I tend to become somewhat unreasonable.’

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