Into the Darkness

“Sound like fun,” I said. “I’m in.”

…

Bull’s and I brought in a major client this week who took up most of our time. I was barely functioning, juggling meetings and getting through my case load not to mention court hearings. When Friday rolled around I was pooped. I was having one of those TGIF moments, until Julian walked into my office.

“Charlie,” he said. Shit, there was no gorgeous?

“Julian,” I answered with a smile. I stood up and walked over to him and placed my arms around him. He allowed me to hug him before pulling my arms off him. He was calm. He didn’t appear angry but then again men were born with the poker-face gene.

“Where have you been?” he asked quietly.

“At work, at home.” I laughed.

“Why haven’t you called me?

”

“You said you needed space.”

“Charlie, I said you needed to think about what it is you want,” he corrected. He stood up and walked over to me, my heart was beating so loud that I could have sworn it echoed throughout the room like a surround sound system. Placing his hand on my chest, he picked up the phoenix that I still wore. “How did he know to get you a phoenix?” Fuck!

“Excuse me?” I asked, my pits prickling with nerves.

“You have a tattoo right here,” he says as he pointed to where I was inked, covered by the clothes I was wearing. “How would he know that?”

Quick Charlie, answer him!

“He doesn’t know that. My Facebook profile pic is of a phoenix. That’s how he knew,” I answered calmly, but my insides were screaming at my vagina to go sit in the naughty corner for fucking Lex behind Julian’s back.

“Have you fucked him?”

“No Julian, I haven’t touched him.” I could have easily ended this right now. Been honest and moved on with Lex, but I loved Julian. He was my fiancé and Lex was nothing but an ex-boyfriend right now. I was scared of making the wrong decision. I didn’t want to lose either of them.

He pulled my hand towards him and examined the ring. After a few moments he pulled me into him and kissed me. That Hollywood movie type of kiss, the ones that were slow yet went on and on. It was good but I only allowed it for one reason, he was getting too close to the trail and I needed him to think he was on the wrong track.

“Gorgeous…I love you…Let’s skip this whole wedding thing and just take off to Vegas. You and me.” His eyes lit up.

“Julian, don’t be ridiculous. We can’t just run off and get married tonight.”

“Why not?”

“Because we aren’t ready. Our friends and family will want to be there. Please just calm down.”

“Well this weekend I want to take you to Vermont. Just you and me.”

“I can’t, Julian. I have plans.”

“With Lex?” His tone stiffened

“No, he won’t be there. I’ll be at the Hamptons. How about next weekend?”

He continued to stare at me, waiting for me to crack under the pressure. I was a lawyer. I spent years learning how not to crack under the pressure. He leaned in, grabbing my arm with a slight force. I jumped slightly, unaware that this possessive Julian existed.

“I believe you, but you listen to me Charlie. Lex is not who you think he is. He’s a ruthless man. You don’t get where he is today by playing nice. This ten million-dollar deal he is wrapped in right now, there’s plenty of strings attached. You think he is the Alex you knew back in high school? Think again, Charlie. I have no doubt he won’t stop till he has you, but if you choose him, don’t expect to be the only woman in his life.” With that he released his grip on my arm and walked out the door.

…

It was Saturday evening and Elijah and I were sitting at a coffee shop waiting for Adriana who claimed she needed to grab some stuff for our weekend away. I reminded her that there were shops in the Hamptons but she was adamant that she could only find what she needed in the city. I didn’t ask any more questions, it was probably some sex toy. Bull’s, Rocky and Will drove up with a friend of theirs that was staying a few houses away from us early this morning. Bull’s had texted me saying that the place was gorgeous and so was the weather considering it was October. I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend away especially after what Julian said to me. I decided to push those thoughts aside. He was just jealous and wanted to scare me. At least that’s what I kept telling myself.