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Speaking of my parents, I need to check with Julian on their progress. The last time I spoke to him about them, they were in a rehab facility in Arizona. They weren’t allowed calls or visitors, but I hope I can talk to them soon. No matter how bad things have been, I’m happy they are getting help and I look forward to possibly having a relationship with them once they are both better.
I’m halfway up the curved staircase when Julian and Katina come through the front door. Katina stalks off in the opposite direction, looking pissed. My eyes meet Julian’s and he just looks weary. I smile, hoping to convey that I’m here for him. He returns mine with one of his own, but it looks obligatory.
I turn to continue my ascent to my room when a familiar voice croons, “Julian, darling. I’ve been waiting for you. What took so long? You said you’d be back right away.”
My blood runs cold and my hand tightens around the banister.
Adèle.
I turn slowly, watching as she throws her delicate arms around Julian, placing a kiss on his cheek. She looks exquisite in a tailored knee-length black skirt, white top, and red-soled heels. Not a hair is out of place on her head. By comparison, I look homeless.
My eyes flick down to the dress Law purchased for me. It’s a simple white shift dress, one size smaller than what is comfortable. My hair is thrown into a messy bun on top of my head, it has been hours since I brushed my teeth, and my face is clear of makeup. I probably look haggard.
If she’d been waiting around here for him, she didn’t look it. I mean, who sat around wearing such things?Someone trying to make an impression.
“I came back as soon as I could, Addy. I trust that you’ve had everything you’ve needed while I was gone?”
She’s been here?
I’ve never before been in a relationship, let alone one in which I was in love with someone. I’m questioning my reaction because I’m split between pulling Julian aside and asking for an explanation or burning this place to the ground with my mounting—possibly irrational, but probably not, considering this is his ex—anger.
“I came up here so that Katina could cook me something. We’re running out of fresh fruits and vegetables at your place.”
Anger wins. The attempt to grow and be patient is short-lived. My eyes meet Julian’s, and his close as if to shut me out. I spin on my heels and rush to my room, slamming the door behind me. My back slides down the closed door and I sit in a heap on the floor. Adèle is here and she’s been staying with Julian?
Tears stream down my face and it only makes me more irate. While I was in a coma of sorts, he was here shacking up with the ex-love of his life?
He was in Seattle.
That pesky voice of reason speaks up, trying to clamp down my ire, but I don’t want to hear reason. I want to throw a tantrum. To hell with my worthless vows. The emotions I’m feeling are threatening to undo me. I’m not cut out for this. Jealousy and distrust rear their ugly heads and I’m just immature enough to allow them to take up residence.
“Marina, open the door,” Julian calls from the other side.
I ignore him; the childish side of me wants to pretend I didn’t hear him.
“Marina... open up the damn door,” he bites, and it only serves to make me more furious.
How dare he bark orders at me?
I stand and rip the door open, then stalk away, Julian hot on my heels. He spins me around. “Stop,” he shouts. “You need to listen to me.”
I jerk my arm free from his grasp, pointing my finger in his face. “Don’t tell me what to do. You lost that right the moment you kept secrets from me.”
He groans, running two hands roughly down his face. “Hear me out.”
I laugh, but it lacks humor. “You’ve had plenty of time to fill me in on your houseguest,” I sneer. “Let me guess—that’s why I’m not allowed to stay with you, because she’s shacking up at your place?”
“Marina, listen to me,” he says, frustration lacing his words, and it takes everything in me to not smack him across the face. He doesn’t get to be angry with me. “She’s here because she’s offered to help.”
“How convenient.” I spit the words, crossing my arms over my chest, needing a buffer, something to protect me from the harsh stare that Julian has pointed at me. Anything to stave off the chill in the air swirling around us.
I haven’t been this uncomfortable in Julian’s presence since shortly after the auction, and it’s not a good feeling. I’m spiraling out of control and I’m not sure what to say or do to get out of this. This whole situation is entirely foreign to me and I hate it.
“Her father is one of the oldest members of the Council and was once a dear friend of my father’s. I need him on my side, and she has arranged for him to come here for a meeting.”
“Why does that require her being here?” I question, hands on my hips in defiance.
“She’s been staying at my house because she’s afraid.”
