Julian stiffened. He stood up and walked a few steps away from the table, his eyes turning cold.
"Where is he?"
"He’s at the warehouse by the docks," Lily said. Her voice was urgent over the line. "They caught him in Africa and brought him in this morning. He’s already inside."
"Keep him there," Julian ordered. His voice was a low growl. "I’m not too far away. Don’t let him out of your sight. I’m coming now."
Julian hung up the phone and shoved it into his pocket.
"What’s wrong?" Eleanor asked, her eyes searching her son’s face.
"Just business, Mother," Julian said flatly. "I have sothing important to do. It can’t wait."
He turned to Lyvana. For a second, the coldness in his eyes lted. He reached out, cupped her face, and leaned down to give her a firm, lingering kiss. Lyvana was a little shy because his mother was sitting right there.
"Stay with my mother," he whispered against her lips. "I will be back for you soon."
Lyvana felt her heart hamr against her ribs. "Julian, wait..."
"Don’t be nervous," he whispered into her ears. "She loves you already."
He gave his mother a sharp nod, and then he was gone. Lyvana watched as he strode toward his car. A mont later, the engine roared to life, and the black vehicle sped away.
Eleanor watched the dust settle before turning back to Lyvana. She picked up her wine glass, her expression unreadable.
"Well," Eleanor said. "It seems the afternoon just got more interesting."
Lyvana sat down quietly.
"I think you’re aware that my son is obsessed with you," Eleanor said.
Lyvana swallowed. "Um.. I wouldn’t say obsessed," Lyvana managed to choke out.
"I would," Eleanor countered, taking a slow, deliberate sip of her wine. "I have known Julian for twenty-eight years. Of course, no one can stop him from doing whatever he wants. But..."
Eleanor leaned forward, the sunlight catching the sharp diamond on her finger.
"Tell the truth. Not the version Julian gave . Not the version the press will write. Tell why a girl like you, with a reputation to protect, is willing to risk everything for a man like my son."
"I love him." She said it before she could stop herself. "I love your son so much."
Eleanor’s heart lted.
"I’ve never seen Julian look so happy," Eleanor said with a smile.
Lyvana smiled.
"Do you like the food?"
"Yes, very much, ma’am."
"You can call mother or mum, whichever feels right for you."
"Thank you... Mother," Lyvana whispered. The word felt strange on her tongue, but it brought a warmth to her chest.
Eleanor reached across the table and patted Lyvana’s hand. "Good. Now, finish your juice. I want to show you sothing."
....
Julian stopped the car in front of the warehouse. Dust flew into the air as he stepped out. He looked cold and ready for a fight.
There were ten guards standing outside. They were all watching the area, waiting for him. Victor, the head of security, walked up to Julian.
"Is he inside?" Julian asked. His voice was sharp.
"Yes, sir," Victor answered. "We have him tied to a chair in the middle of the room. He didn’t want to co quietly. He fought us the whole way from the airport."
Julian looked at the big tal doors. "Did he say anything?"
Victor shook his head. "No. He just laughs."
"Keep the n outside," Julian ordered. "Don’t let anyone in for now."
Julian pushed the heavy door open. It made a loud, scratching noise. The warehouse was dark and slled like old tal. In the middle of the room, under one light, a man was tied to a chair.
It was definitely Arthur Reed. His face was covered in cuts and bruises, but when he saw Julian, he started to smile.
"Finally," Arthur said. His voice was dry and shaky. "I was wondering when the King would show up."
Julian walked slowly toward the man. He stopped right in front of Arthur and looked down at him.
"You’ve been a hard man to find, Arthur Reed," Julian said.
Arthur laughed. It was a weak, coughing sound. "I wasn’t hiding. I was just waiting for the right ti to return. I see you’ve grown up, Julian. You look just like your father when he was about to kill soone."
Julian didn’t blink. "My father has never killed anyone. And he is dying to have a chat with you."
Arthur’s smile didn’t fade. Instead, it turned into a cold, mocking grin.
"Is that what he told you?" Arthur asked. "That he’s a saint? Your father is a master of lies, Julian. He taught you well."
Julian leaned down until he was inches away from Arthur’s face. The sll of blood and sweat was strong. "I didn’t co here to talk about my father. I ca for one answer. What do you want with Lyvana? And why are you trying to kill her?"
"I don’t know any lyvana."
Julian pulled a chair over and sat down directly in front of Arthur. He moved slowly, which made him look even more dangerous. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his face just inches away from the bloodied man.
"You don’t know her?" Julian asked softly.
Arthur shook his head, though his eyes darted to the side. "Never heard the na. Is she another one of your playthings."
Julian didn’t yell. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a heavy silver lighter. He flicked it open, the small fla dancing between them in the dark warehouse.
"I am really trying to be a nice guy, Arthur." Julian’s eyes turned stone cold. "But you see, I don’t like it when people lie to ."
Julian leaned closer, the heat of the fla almost touching Arthur’s chin.
Arthur tried to look away from the fla, but Julian grabbed the back of his neck, holding him still.
"I’ll ask you one more ti," Julian whispered. "Why are you trying to kill Lyvana Montclair."
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