Julian once again

Aria's POV

.

.

My heart pounded, each beat echoing the shock reverberating through me. Julian's eyes, cold and piercing, bored into mine as he stood over me, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. "I have a score to settle with him. So I'm going for everything he loves. Starting with you."

I stared back, speechless, my mind reeling. Julian had just admitted he wanted to use me as a pawn in his twisted game against Ethan—but why? What score could be so dire that it justified this callous manipulation? I shivered, a chill running down my spine that had nothing to do with my damp clothes.

Julian seemed to read my thoughts, a satisfied smirk playing at his lips as he leaned closer, his warm breath mingling with my shallow gasps. "Ethan and I go way back, and he always had eyes for things I love—my position, my friends, my woman."

I bristled at his possessive tone, even as unwanted heat coiled in my chest. Julian's dominating presence stirred something within me, a feeling I couldn't yet discern. I shook my head, trying to clear the haze. I had to stay focused, couldn't let myself be swayed by his charms—I'd learned that lesson the hard way.

"I don't know what you think you're doing," I said, my voice trembling slightly, "but I won't be a part of your sick revenge plot. I'm not some object you and Ethan can fight over."

Julian's eyes flashed, something dark and dangerous glinting in their depths. He stepped back, his posture rigid with barely contained tension. "Is that so? And here I thought you'd jump at the chance to get back at Ethan for everything he put you through."

I flinched, his words cutting deep. Of course, Julian would know about my past, my humiliation—he'd probably watched the whole media circus unfold with gleeful satisfaction. I gritted my teeth, hating the sense of exposure, of vulnerability.

"Find another way to settle your scores," I snapped. "I want nothing to do with Ethan, or you, ever again." I stood up on shaky legs, ready to flee this suffocating room and the man who seemed to see right through me.

But Julian moved faster, his hand snaking out to grip my wrist, halting my escape. His touch burned like ice, sending an involuntary shiver through me. "I wouldn't be so hasty, Aria," he murmured, his voice low and seductive. "I have something you need."

I glanced down at his hand, then back up at his face, suspicion warring with curiosity. "What are you talking about?"

He smiled, a slow, predatory grin that made my blood run cold. "I know about your mother's condition, the money you so desperately need for her surgery. I can give you that...for a price."

My heart stuttered, panic rising like bile in my throat. How did he know about that? Had he been spying on me, digging into my personal life? The violation felt like a physical blow, leaving me raw and reeling.

"I don't want your dirty money," I spat, yanking my wrist from his grasp. "I'll find another way to help my mother, one that doesn't involve selling my soul to the devil."

Julian threw his head back and laughed, the sound harsh and grating. "The devil? Oh, Aria, you have no idea what you're talking about." His eyes turned cold, hard like chips of ice. "You have until tomorrow to decide. Think carefully—your mother's life hangs in the balance."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the dining room, leaving me alone with my chaotic thoughts and the remnants of his ultimatum. I sank back into my chair, my legs suddenly unable to support my weight. What was I going to do?

---

The next morning dawned gray and gloomy, a fitting match for my turbulent mood. I'd barely slept, tossing and turning in the unfamiliar bed, my mind consumed by Julian's proposal. Every fiber of my being screamed to reject it, to find another way—but was there another way? My mother's life was at stake, and I couldn't afford to be proud, not now.

I made my way downstairs, my steps heavy with resignation. Julian was already at the breakfast table, sipping coffee and reading the newspaper like he didn't have a care in the world. He looked up as I approached, a smug smile playing at his lips.

"Have you made your decision?" he asked, his tone light, almost conversational, as if he were inquiring about the weather.

I clenched my fists, hating him in that moment, hating myself for what I was about to do. "You know I don't have a choice. I'll do it, whatever it is, for my mother."

His smile widened, a predator's grin, as he set down his coffee cup and stood up. "Excellent. I knew you'd see reason." He walked over to me, his steps measured and deliberate, until he was close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "The terms are simple: you'll be mine, body and soul, for as long as I desire. In exchange, I'll ensure your mother receives the best medical care money can buy."

I swallowed hard, my throat constricting with emotion. "And if I refuse?"

Julian's eyes turned cold, his voice hardening with an edge of steel. "Then your mother will die, and you'll be left with nothing. The choice is yours, Aria."

It wasn't a choice, not really. He'd backed me into a corner, left me with no option but to submit to his twisted demands. I closed my eyes, taking a shuddering breath. "I agree to your terms."

"Say it," Julian demanded, his voice low and insistent. "I want to hear you say the words."

I opened my eyes, meeting his penetrating gaze with a glare of my own. "I'm yours, body and soul, for as long as you desire. You'll provide for my mother's medical care in exchange."

He smiled, a triumphant gleam in his eyes. "Good girl." He reached out, his hand tracing the curve of my cheek, and I fought the urge to flinch away. "We'll start tonight. Be ready by eight."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me shaking with a mixture of rage and despair. I had no idea what I'd just agreed to, what depths of depravity Julian would drag me into—but I knew, with a sickening certainty, that my life would never be the same.

---

I spent the rest of the day in a daze, going through the motions of eating, showering, and dressing without really registering any of it. My mind was consumed by thoughts of what the night would bring, of what Julian would demand of me.

At precisely eight o'clock, a sharp knock sounded at my bedroom door. I opened it to find Julian standing there, dressed in a crisp black suit that hugged his powerful frame. His eyes raked over me, taking in the simple black dress I'd chosen, and a slow smile spread across his face.

"You look perfect," he murmured, extending his hand to me. "Shall we?"

I placed my hand in his, trying to suppress the tremor that ran through me at his touch. He led me downstairs and outside to a waiting black limousine, ushering me into the plush interior before sliding in beside me.

As the car began to move, Julian poured two glasses of amber liquid from a decanter, handing one to me. I took it with shaking hands, downing the contents in one gulp, hoping the alcohol would dull the edges of my nerves.

Julian watched me, amusement dancing in his eyes, as he sipped his own drink. "Nervous?" he asked, his tone almost teasing.

I glared at him, hating his mocking demeanor, his casual cruelty. "Shouldn't I be?" I snapped. "You've given me no idea what to expect, what you plan to do with me."

He chuckled, the sound low and dark. "All in good time, Aria. All in good time." He leaned forward, his hand grazing my bare knee, and I stiffened. "For now, just relax and enjoy the ride."

I closed my eyes, trying to block out the sensation of his touch, the heat of his gaze on my skin. But there was no escape, not anymore. I was trapped, bound by my own desperate choices, and Julian held all the power.

As the car glided through the dark streets, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was hurtling towards something dark and dangerous, a path from which there was no return. And all I could do was sit back and watch as my old life receded in the rearview mirror, replaced by the looming specter of Julian's cruel desires.