Chapter 14 - Julian's Warning
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The sickening thud of Ethan’s back hitting the concrete echoed loudly in the empty garage.
Ethan gasped, his hands flying up to claw desperately at Julian’s thick forearm, but Julian’s grip was like iron. Julian held him pinned effortlessly, lifting him just enough so the toes of Ethan's expensive shoes barely scraped the ground.
“She is not your fiancée,” Julian whispered, his voice a low, demonic rasp that sent a shiver down my spine. “She is the woman who destroyed you. And if you ever touch her again, I won't just ruin your family’s bank accounts. I’ll make sure they don't find your body.”
“Julian, stop,” I said firmly, stepping forward. “He’s not worth an assault charge.”
Julian held the chokehold for three more agonizing seconds, letting Ethan’s face turn a terrifying shade of purple, ensuring the message was permanently burned into his brain.
Then, Julian opened his hand.
Ethan collapsed onto the concrete floor, coughing violently, gasping for air, clutching his bruised throat. He looked up at us, tears of sheer terror streaming down his face.
Julian pulled a crisp white handkerchief from his pocket, casually wiping his hands as if he had just touched something diseased. He didn't even look down at the pathetic man on the floor. He turned to me, his hazel eyes instantly softening.
“Are you hurt?” Julian asked, his voice returning to a normal, gentle cadence.
“No,” I said, adjusting my blazer, my heart still hammering in my chest. “I had it handled.”
“I know you did,” Julian smiled, offering me his arm. “I just wanted to help.”
I looked down at Ethan, who was still wheezing on the dirty concrete.
“The board meeting starts in fifteen minutes, Ethan,” I said coldly. “If you want to keep the five percent non-voting shares I’m leaving you so your mother doesn't starve on the street, you will be in that room. Wash your face.”
I slipped my arm through Julian’s, and together we walked away, leaving the broken heir of Parker Industries crawling on the garage floor.
As the elevator doors closed, securing us in the private, mirrored box, Julian looked down at me.
“You know, you’re incredibly attractive when you’re utterly ruthless,” he murmured.
I looked up at him, the adrenaline finally turning into something entirely different. “Is that why you’re helping me?”
May you like
Julian reached out, his thumb gently tracing the line of my jaw. “I’m helping you because you’re the only person in this city who plays the game exactly like I do. And I think we make a terrifying team.”
He leaned down, and I met him halfway. The kiss was fierce, consuming, and tasted like absolute victory.
