Chapter 10
831words
Damien’s face went white. He let go of my arm and stumbled back.
"Let's go," Julian said softly, holding out his hand.
I didn't look at Damien again. I just took Julian's hand.
"Just now..." I started, feeling guilty.
"Don't explain," Julian said, stroking the back of my hand. "I trust you."
It was that simple.
No questions. No anger. No possessive rage.
Just trust.
I looked at his kind profile, and a warmth spread through my chest.
"Julian," I said softly.
"Hm?"
"Thank you..." I paused, then looked down, suddenly shy. "...my husband."
Julian stopped walking. He turned to look at me.
His face turned bright red, like a teenager with his first crush.
"You... say that again," he stammered.
"My husband," I repeated with a smile.
Julian's eyes lit up like stars. He looked so happy he didn't know what to do.
"Elara..." He tried to speak but just ended up grinning like an idiot.
In that moment, I found him completely adorable.
Six months later, my feelings for Julian had grown deeper with every passing day.
He'd bring me hot milk when I worked late.
He'd stay up all night taking care of me if I was sick.
He remembered every little thing I ever said I liked.
Most importantly, he never treated me like I belonged to him.
He respected my work. He supported my dreams. He encouraged me to be my own person.
"Dr. Rossi, the surgery was a success," a young nurse told me.
Yes, I was now working at a top private hospital.
Julian had funded a new, state-of-the-art cardiovascular wing at the hospital. For me.
"Good work, everyone. Go home and get some rest," I said, taking off my scrubs.
It was dark when I left the hospital.
I saw Julian leaning against his black Maserati, holding a bouquet of sunflowers.
"How long have you been waiting?" I walked over to him.
"Not long," he smiled. "Knew you had surgery today. Wanted to pick you up myself."
I took the flowers, breathing in their scent.
"Julian," I said suddenly.
"What is it?"
I looked into his focused, loving eyes. My heart started to race.
"Stop sleeping in the guest room." My face was on fire.
Julian froze. The sunflowers almost slipped from his grasp.
"Are... are you sure?" he asked, his voice nervous.
I nodded, unable to meet his eyes.
Back at the estate, Julian was even more nervous than I was.
"Should you shower first? Do you want some wine? Should we—"
I stood on my toes and shut him up with a kiss.
Julian went rigid, then kissed me back, hard and desperate.
"Elara..." His voice was a hoarse whisper.
"I want you," I murmured against his ear.
That was it. He lost all control. He swept me into his arms and carried me to the bedroom.
When he entered me, he was gentle. Patient. He kept checking to make sure I was okay.
It was nothing like Damien's selfish taking.
Julian's love was full of respect. Full of tenderness.
"Does it hurt?" he whispered, stroking my cheek.
"No," I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. "It feels good."
A look of pure joy crossed his face, and his rhythm became more intense.
I completely melted under him, my soft moans filling the room.
A month later, Leo came to see me at the hospital.
"You look good," he said, looking me over. "Julian's treating you well?"
"Very well," I smiled.
"Good." Leo's expression turned serious. "I have to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"It's about Damien." He paused. "He's finished."
My hand twitched.
"Last month, he was a mess over losing you. The Castellanos ambushed him during a major deal." Leo continued. "Isabella sold him out. She gave his location to his enemies."
My heart lurched.
"She's dead," Leo said flatly. "Caught a stray bullet in the crossfire. And Damien..."
"What about him?" I had to ask.
"His legs are shot. He'll never walk again." Leo shook his head. "The Volkov empire crumbled. The other families carved it up."
I was silent for a long time.
The untouchable king of Chicago's underworld. Now he had nothing.
"I know you have a soft heart," Leo said, reading my expression. "But he got what he deserved."
I nodded. All I felt was a hollow sense of pity.
After Leo left, Julian came in.
"What did your brother say?" he asked carefully. "You don't look so good."
"Nothing important," I said.
Julian frowned. "Was it about him?"
I froze.
"Leo mentioned the name Damien," Julian said, his voice laced with jealousy. "Are you still worried about him?"
I looked at Julian's jealous face and almost laughed.
The powerful Don of the Moretti family.
But with me? He was like a damn puppy, always needing affection.
I wrapped my arms around his waist and stood on my toes.
I pressed a soft kiss to his throat.
"Still jealous, my Don?"
