Page 49 of Their Diamond Ring Ruse

‘You didn’t?’ Lily asked, confused. Henry seemed to love Julian so much, and it seemed rather strange that he hadn’t wanted to give him a place in his company.

‘No. No doubt he would have made me a great deal of money, but with everything that young man had been through he needed someone to support his dreams.’

‘How did you do that?’ she asked.

‘He gave me the capital to start IRES.’

Lily started at Julian’s voice.

He sat elegantly in the chair beside hers.

Henry chuckled. ‘He’s like a son to me.’

‘You’re growing sentimental, old man.’

He seemed unbothered by Henry revealing so much of his past.

‘Maybe I am.’

Lily loved the fact that she was being allowed to witness the special relationship they had with each other. Loved it that Henry had never been put off by Julian’s coldness. He just accepted him.

‘When I found out about this engagement I will admit I was concerned, but you’ve done well, Julian.’

‘I have.’ Julian’s fingers curled around hers. ‘We should go...’

All three rose from their chairs and Henry leaned in close to Lily. ‘I’ll be grateful to you for ever. If you ever need anything at all, you need only ask.’

He gave her a peck on the cheek and placed his card in her hand, then he shook Julian’s and left.

CHAPTER TWELVE

‘THAT WENT WELL,’ Lily said, once they were settled in the back seat of the car.

It had gone far better than either of them had anticipated. All Julian had to do now was solidify the relationship with Devan and the shareholders were his. Yet that was far from the reason tonight had been so momentous.

Henry had told Lily things that Julian often wished his mentor would forget, but he wasn’t upset. He wanted her to know him. On some level he understood that even when she eventually walked away, a little piece of him would be tucked away with her and it would be safe.

He pulled her across his lap, kissing her neck, holding her as she melted against him, wanting so desperately to make her happy.

‘I have a surprise for you,’ she said breathlessly.

‘For me?’

‘Yes, but before I can tell you what it is, I need to know if you trust me.’

‘Of course I do.’ Trust wasn’t something Julian often did, but he trusted Lily. Trusted her with his past, his plans...

‘I want to take you away,’ she said.

‘Where to?’ he said against her neck, trailing his fingers slowly up her leg.

‘Paris. I’ve made arrangements for Crème. All you have to do is say the word.’

‘Paris?’ He stopped his hand on the inside of her thigh, felt her tremble.

She touched his forehead to his. ‘Come to France with me.’

‘Of course I will.’

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