Estimated reading time: 3 – 4 minutes
“She is undoubtedly incarnation of the word defined.”
Rachel inhaled deeply before calling his name. “Lord Douglas?”
“Yes, Mrs. Walker?”
“I mean what I said. I will do my best to keep from interfering with you two as long as Lily isn’t forced into anything she doesn’t want to do.”
“I understand.”
“All I ask is that you keep her from getting pregnant.”
Julian was far beyond the ability to blush. He had spent many a conversation with forthright mothers in his time before Ian. He also didn’t doubt this was the source of Lily’s bluntness.
“I will not impregnate your daughter, Mrs. Walker. You have my word.”
“Good. I would hate for her to go the way of her grandmother and father.”
“Oh?” Julian had the good manners not to press but was indeed curious to hear the details. Lily never shared much with Ian in regards to her family.
“Dahlia wasn’t supposed to get pregnant by Stephan’s father. Nephilim debated on whether to put her and her unborn child to death.”
“Lily’s grandfather is very powerful to have kept that from happening.”
“He is.”
“May I ask who her grandfather is?”
“Anteros.”
Julian cocked his head in faint surprise. “Indeed.”
“Yes. Perhaps then you can understand Lily’s…” Rachel glanced at her sleeping daughter, as if she expected to see the correct word floating above her head.”
“Vehemence?”
“Yes. Vehemence. Perhaps you can understand Lily’s vehemence over why she lost you. Of course, not you as you are now but as you were. Righteous anger at love’s rejection is ingrained in her blood.”
“I can see that now. I consider myself most lucky Anteros cannot strike me down—especially in how I conducted myself with Lily recently.”
“Yes, you are very lucky.”
“Thank you for taking me in your confidence, Mrs. Walker.”
“You’re welcome.”
Julian bowed low. “If you don’t mind, I will be taking my leave of you both.”
“Of course. Let me show you to the door.”
“Please don’t inconvenience yourself. I can see myself out.”
“Very well. Good night, Lord Douglas.”
“Good night, Mrs. Walker.”
“Oh, Lord Douglas?”
“I take it you have Lily’s dress?”
“Yes.”
“Please return it back as quickly as you can. It belonged to Lily’s grandmother and it’s one of her favorites.”
“Consider it done.” Julian bowed again. He walked out of the room and quickly made his way outside. Once settled in his car, Julian’s busy mind sifted through the night’s events. He wondered if he had misstepped in regards to courting Lily.
No. I didn’t. I need to be close to her again. It’s the only way to take what’s mine—her life.
Julian regarded the seat next to him. Lily’s scent lay heavy over the leather. He had to admit it was pleasing. He also had to admit much of the night was very pleasing.
I ended up fucking you, Lily. I fucked you over. We’ll see just how much farther I can do this before I send you to the bottom of that lake.
He smiled.
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I’ve missed Julian & Lily as well. I’m...