Chapter 6: After the Thaw

The bracelet was heavier than Elena expected.

Not physically though the platinum cuff pressed cool and unyielding against her wrist but mentally. Every movement reminded her it was there. Every breath felt measured against it. She kept her sleeve pulled low as she packed, fingers shaking as she folded sweaters into her suitcase.

She was leaving.

That should have felt like relief.

Instead, it felt like withdrawal.

The Vance estate was quieter now, stripped of the storm’s violence and the illusion it had provided. Sunlight spilled through the tall windows, honest and unforgiving. There were no howling winds to blame. No darkness to hide behind.

Only choice.

Only consequence.

Elena zipped her bag and sat back on the edge of the bed, staring at her wrist. The engraved date burned into her memory. She hadn’t slept much since Christmas morning. Every time she closed her eyes, she felt him again the weight of his body, the control in his hands, the way he’d said her name like a verdict.

You belong to me.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Her heart slammed.

“Come in,” she said, hating how quickly the word left her mouth.

Julian entered without hesitation, closing the door behind him with deliberate care. He was dressed immaculately, as always dark slacks, a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to expose his forearms. He looked unchanged by what they’d done.

That terrified her.

“You’re leaving earlier than planned,” he observed, eyes flicking to the suitcase.

“I have classes,” Elena replied, lifting her chin. “And exams.”

“Mm.” He stepped closer, uninvited. “And Chloe?”

“She’s still asleep.”

His mouth curved faintly. “Good.”

Silence stretched between them, thick and intimate. Elena felt it coil around her ribs.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” Julian said.

“I’ve been busy,” she snapped before she could stop herself.

His eyes darkened not with anger, but something sharper. Interest.

He reached for her wrist.

She should have pulled away.

She didn’t.

His thumb brushed over the metal cuff, slow, possessive. “Does it frighten you?”

“Yes.”

“Good,” he murmured. “It should.”

Her pulse raced beneath his touch. “You can’t control me from three states away.”

Julian leaned in, lowering his voice. “You’d be surprised what distance does to desire.”

His hand slid up her arm, fingers grazing skin, sending heat spiraling through her despite herself. Elena’s breath hitched.

“This was supposed to be a mistake,” she whispered. “One night. That’s all.”

Julian smiled then a dangerous, knowing thing. “No. That’s what you told yourself to sleep at night.”

He stepped closer until her back hit the dresser. His presence boxed her in, familiar and overwhelming.

“You’ve been orbiting me for years, Elena. And you know it.”

“That’s not”

He pressed a finger to her lips. “Don’t lie to me.”

The room felt smaller. Her body betrayed her, leaning into him even as her mind screamed.

“You think I didn’t see the way you watched me?” he continued quietly. “The way your voice changed when you spoke to me instead of Chloe? You were hungry long before I touched you.”

Her cheeks burned. “And you waited.”

“Yes.”

The word landed heavy.

“I waited,” he repeated, “until you could choose.”

His hand slipped to her waist, thumb pressing into her hip. Not forceful. Certain.

“And you did.”

Elena swallowed hard. “I don’t know how to go back after this.”Chole is my best friend,i don't want to hurt her.

Julian’s gaze softened not kind, but intent. “You don’t and don't worry about Chole she'll understand later.”

He leaned down, brushing his lips against her ear. “You go forward.”

Her body responded instantly, a shiver racing through her. God help her, she wanted him again wanted the clarity of surrender, the simplicity of being claimed.

“This will end badly,” she whispered.

“All worthwhile things do.”

He kissed her then not desperate, not rushed. Slow. Deep. A reminder. She melted into it, fingers curling into his shirt before she could stop herself.

When he pulled back, her lips tingled.

“You’ll call me,” Julian said calmly. “When the nights get quiet. When the bracelet feels heavier. When you need me.”

“And if I don’t?”

His fingers tilted her chin up. “You will.”

A knock sounded down the hall Chloe’s voice calling Elena’s name.

Julian stepped back instantly, the mask snapping into place.

“Safe travels,” he said coolly. “Study hard.”

He opened the door and left without looking back.

Elena stood there, shaking.

The campus felt unreal.

Too loud. Too normal. Too bright.

Elena moved through lectures like a ghost, her body present, her mind elsewhere. She couldn’t focus. Couldn’t sleep. Every time her phone buzzed, her heart leapt and fell.

Days passed.

Then nights.

On the fourth night, she sat on her bed staring at her wrist, fingers tracing the metal.

She thought of his voice.

His hands.

The way he’d looked at her like she was inevitable.

Her phone lay beside her, silent.

She picked it up.

Typed.

Deleted.

Typed again.

Elena:

I can’t concentrate.

The reply came almost instantly.

Julian:

Come to New York this weekend.

Her breath caught.

Elena:

That’s insane.

Julian:

So is pretending you don’t want to.

She stared at the screen, heart pounding.

Elena:

Where would I stay?

Three dots appeared.

Then:

Julian:

With me of course.

Her hand trembled.

Outside her window, students laughed, unaware th

at her life was splitting cleanly in two.

Elena typed one word.

Okay.

The bracelet felt warmer against her skin.

And for the first time since leaving the East Wing, Elena smiled.