Hold Me

As the meal proceeds, we talk about anything and everything except my relationship with Julian. Leah tells us about an internship she got at a Chicago law firm, and Jennie shares amusing stories about her recent vacation in Curaçao. “They had an oil-processing plant right next to our hotel. Can you believe it?” she complains, and Leah and I agree that even a salt-water infinity pool—a cool feature of Jennie’s hotel—can’t make up for something as atrocious as an oil refinery in a vacation spot.

Eventually, the conversation turns to my life on the estate, and I tell them all about my online classes at Stanford, the art lessons I’m getting from Monsieur Bernard, and my growing friendship with Rosa. “I wanted her to join us today, but she couldn’t,” I explain, feeling slightly guilty about that. “My parents are coming over for dinner, and Julian asked Rosa to help with the meal.” As I say that, I realize how spoiled I sound—and from the envious looks on Jennie and Leah’s faces, they realize it too.

“Wow,” Jennie says, shaking her head. “No wonder you’re happy with this guy. He treats you like a freaking princess. If someone gave me Stanford, servants, and a huge estate, I wouldn’t mind getting kidnapped either.”

“Jennie!” Leah gives her an appalled look. “You don’t mean that.”

“No, I probably don’t,” Jennie agrees, grinning. “Still, Nora, you have to admit, the whole thing is kind of cool.”

I shrug, smiling. “Kind of cool” is one way to describe it. Messed up and complicated is another—but I’m happy to stick with Jennie’s description for now.

“Wait, did you say your parents are coming over for dinner?” Leah asks, as if just now processing that part of my statement. “Like, to have dinner with you and him?”

“Yes,” I say, enjoying the expressions on both of my friends’ faces. “We had dinner at my parents’ house last night, so today they’re coming over to our place.” And as Leah and Jennie continue to stare at me in shock, I explain that Julian purchased a house in Palos Park, so we’d have someplace secure to stay during our visits.

“Girl, I have to say, you live in a whole other world now,” Jennie says, shaking her head. “Private island, an estate in Columbia, now this . . .”

“None of that makes up for the fact that he’s a psychopath,” Leah says, giving Jennie a sharp look before turning to me. “Nora, how are your parents dealing with him?”

“They’re . . . dealing.” I don’t know how else to describe the wary acceptance on my parents’ part. “It’s obviously not easy for them.”

“Yeah, I can imagine,” Jennie says. “They’re troopers, your parents. Mine would’ve gone nuts.”

“I don’t think ‘going nuts’ would’ve helped matters,” Leah says astutely. “I’m sure Nora’s parents are just happy to have her back.”

I start to reply, but at that moment, both Jennie and Leah look up, gaping at something behind me. Instinctively, I turn, my heartbeat spiking—and look up straight into my former captor’s blue gaze.

He’s standing over me, his hand resting casually on the back of my chair and his lips curved in a dangerously sexy smile. “Mind if I join you, ladies?” he asks, looking amused.

“Julian.” I jump in my seat, startled and more than a little flustered. “What are you doing here?”

“My meeting ended early, so I figured I’d swing by and see if you’re ready to go home,” he says. “But I see you’re not done yet.”

“Um, no. We were just about to get dessert.” I cast an uncertain glance at Leah and Jennie, and see that they’re both staring at Julian. Leah looks like she’s ready to bolt, while Jennie’s expression is a mixture of fascination and awe.

Shit. So much for a normal lunch with my friends. Turning my attention back to Julian, I say reluctantly, “I mean, I could be done if—”

“No, no, please join us if you have time,” Jennie jumps in, apparently recovering from her shock. “They have great cheesecake here.”

“Well, in that case, I must stay,” Julian says smoothly, taking a seat next to me. “I wouldn’t want to deprive Nora of such a delicacy.” He smiles at me. “Your hair looks great, by the way, baby. You were right about the layers.”

“Oh.” Remembering my small act of rebellion, I touch my hair, feeling the shorter strands. His approval is both a disappointment and a relief. “Thanks.”

“It does look nice on her,” Leah says hoarsely, and I see that her eyes look less panicked now. Clearing her throat, she adds unnecessarily, “The new haircut, I mean.”

Julian’s smile broadens. “Yes. She looks gorgeous, doesn’t she?”

“Yes, gorgeous,” Jennie echoes, except she’s looking at Julian instead of me. She seems mesmerized, and I can’t blame her. With the scars on his face nearly gone and his eye implant indistinguishable from the real thing, Julian is as magnificent as ever, his masculine beauty dark and striking.

Finally gathering my scattered wits, I say, “Sorry, I’ve forgotten to introduce everyone. Julian—these are my friends Leah and Jennie. Leah, Jennie—this is Julian, my husband.”

“It’s nice to meet you both,” Julian says with easy charm. “Nora’s told me quite a bit about you.”