[Juliette’s POV] For someone who reads lots of romance novels, I’d take the slightest detail and exaggerate it romantically. Worse, I’d catch the tiniest spark of response and interpret it as an attraction. I noticed the wavy top of his short dark hair in a nice, clean sweep to the back—which was different from the sexy mess it was yesterday—and was immediately flattered by the extra effort. Then I started admiring him—just as I did yesterday. Whether it was a boring business suit or a midnight blue tuxedo, he could easily pass for an exotic prince or an elegant British spy. Even with that fierce gaze, he looked nothing like a mafia or a devil. Pfft! I mentally rolled my eyes as my feet kept gliding along the plush carpet of the aisle. Now I know why Papa forbade me to peruse that form of literature—it makes your female hormones go wild unnecessarily; it would only be a matter of time before I was trapped in The Devil’s spell, thinking that I was in love

[Juliette’s POV]Doctor Rose slotted the chart under her right arm and casually tucked both hands into her robe pockets. “The bills aren’t cleared, and there’s another patient waiting for this bed. So, we’re out of choice, Miss Lux.”My eyes couldn’t grow any larger. “Are you telling me that you’re gonna take him off the machines and expect me to wheel him out of the hospital right now?”“Like I said, Miss Lux–.”“Don’t you ‘Miss Lux’ me! You've been my doctor since I was born! What’s gotten into you? Don’t act like you don’t know me!” I cried in anguish. These people, the ones Papa called friends, are now turning their backs on him. First, Uncle Jerry, now, Doctor Rose. Money seems to be the only thing that’s been keeping their friendships alive.Doctor Rose sighed and said, “Bills are bills, Miss Lux. The hospital needs funds to cure more people. Your father is not the only one here who needs medical attention.”“But he’s in a coma!” I protested strongly, my lips quivering in disbel

[Juliette’s POV] Papa? I called out to the silhouette. I know it’s my father. But he didn’t respond. He just stood there. I reached out a hand to grab something so I could haul myself over to him, but my fist was empty. My feet were working hard to get me to him, but no matter how hard I ran, I couldn’t seem to reach him. Papa! I yelled desperately. But there was only silence. Do it for me, Juliette… Honour my promise to the Virtus. Papa’s voice filled my head. Papa! I cried out to him, watching helplessly as his kind smile melted into the evil grin of a gargoyle. I jerked back with disgust and the devil’s face swirled into a cloud of vivid colours. I panicked and screamed, Papa! Wait, don’t go! What’s the truth? You didn’t owe Ralph Virtus anything, did you? Help me, Juliette…His pleading voice faded as the vibrant colours morphed into a giant ball of crystal white light that consumed me…. I pushed my lids open. A vast creamy ceiling greeted me. Realising that I was lying do

[Juliette’s POV] What the hell am I wearing?! I stared at the bathroom mirror, dumbfounded. Don’t get me wrong, I love LBDs, but this is a bit too ‘little’ for my body, which is already petite to begin with, and a tad too ‘dark’ for my taste—the leather and pointy studs crowding the straps and the waistband are giving off the biker girl's vibes, which is fine, until my petite-sized breasts are spilling from the deep neckline like mega size boobs, which makes me feel like… a fucking Dime Girl. Immediately, I thought of the black nightie—and then of course the amazing sex last night. Shit, I can almost feel him inside me now, lodged deep and hard…. An electrifying shiver shot up my spine, seizing my breath. I gripped the vanity counter to steady myself as the heat of desire coursed through my veins. Damn it, Juliette, get your shit together! You’ve done the deed, and his seed is inside you now. So move on! He already did, so you should too! I drew in stuttering deep breaths to coa

[Juliette's POV]"Put me down!" I cried, and I was dropped on the bed. The second my back hit the soft sheets, my hands were pinned above my head, and my body was pressed against the mattress with his. My anxiety skyrocketed. "Get off me!" I pushed at him, trying to conceal the fact that his masculine scent and body heat was turning me on. Did he hit the gym after work? How can he be in the office the whole day and still smell of fresh oak and spice as though he had a run through the woods? And his handsome face irked me too! It made my insides flutter…. "You want me, Juliette…," he muttered hoarsely, his eyes boring into mine. "No, I don't! And let go of me!" I spat and tried to wriggle free to prove it. "Yes, you do. Your eyes betrayed you." His grip tightened. Pain shot to my elbow, numbing my cries, freezed my movements. In that brief moment, he pulled off his tie in one swift motion and twirled it around my wrists"What the hell are you doing?" I cried out in alarm, twisti