Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 1461-1470

Julian noticed Jessie wiping her tears away, and he gave her an understanding look. If they weren’t in a church, he would have hugged her.

The priest came forth and officiated the wedding. Eventually, the couple on stage exchanged their vows and hugged passionately. All the guests gave them thunderous applause.

Queenie didn’t toss her bouquet. Instead, she turned around and gave it to Jessie. Jessie blushed, but she took it happily anyway. Thank you for the blessing, Queenie.

Jonathan made a speech to give the newlyweds all his blessings and hopes.

The banquet began, and the guests were served lavish, beautiful dishes. Willow had a great time eating them. The girl sat in a highchair and let her parents feed her. At the same time, she kept holding onto her candies.

Jared had grown into a handsome and dashing young boy. He stopped acting cute like how he used to. Now, he was more collected and mature. Once he was done eating, he took his sister away, leaving their parents alone so they could eat in peace.

Queenie switched into a dress proper for the banquet, and Jessie changed into a shorter dress as well. She and Julian accompanied the newlyweds as they went around raising toasts to everyone.

Queenie was a bit tired after all the toasting, so Jessie took her back to the waiting room. Nigel came in a while later with a drunk Julian tagging along behind him. He drank a lot. Most of those were supposed to be toasts for Nigel.

“Jessie, leave Queenie to me. You should take Julian back to his villa. He needs to rest. Look at him. He’s drunk.”

Jessie nodded. “Want me to hold you up?” she asked Julian.

“I can still walk,” he answered stubbornly, but the look on his face spoke otherwise. His fair-skinned face had a rosy hue to them, and she felt like biting him. They came to the corridor and made their way to the elevator. Then, he almost tripped over himself.

She held him up. “Let me help.”

Just then, Julian leaned down, and their faces were millimeters away. Jessie’s cheeks were set aflame. The moment the elevator opened, she dragged him into it.

A driver was tasked to take them back. She told him where Julian stayed, and the driver took them all the way there. She was already huffing and puffing when she painstakingly took Julian back home. He was nearly six feet two, and his size alone made it tough for her to drag him along.

She wanted to let go of him the moment he hit the couch, but all of a sudden, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her down. Caught by surprise, she fell into his embrace, and her heart skipped a beat. She raised her head only to be met by a pair of passionate eyes. Even without asking, she knew what he had in his mind.

“Stay with me,” said Julian hoarsely.

“I-I need to go back.”

“But Nigel told you to take care of me.”

“H-How should I go about that?” Jessie stammered. I can’t take care of you while locked in your arms.

“Just let me hug you for a while.” With that, he held her tightly, refusing to let go.

Quietly, she leaned on his chest. Silence swooped down on them, but her heart was still beating violently against her ribcage. This is my sister’s wedding. I can’t believe I’m making out with him here. A moment later, she thought Julian might need some water, so she said, “I’ll get you some water.”

“Sure,” he replied.

However, for some reason, Jessie’s hair was tangled with his belt. A pang of pain shot through her head the moment she stood up, and she gasped. Immediately, she fell back to him once more. “My hair got tangled.”

After saying that, she tried to untangle her hair from his belt.

Unbeknownst to her, Julian tensed up. Hoarsely, he asked, “Done?”

Not yet. Little did Jessie know that she was dangerously close to making him snap. The alcohol was already fuzzing his mind in the first place, and what she was doing now made things worse.

She kept touching his belt and untangling her hair. When she was done, Julian looked redder than a cooked lobster, and his throat was parched. She got him a glass of water, and he gulped it down in one go. He then asked for another glass, and she poured another for him. Only then did he feel the fire within him die down a little.

She put the cup down. “I should take you upstairs. You need to rest.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Sure.”

She took him upstairs. The alcohol was wearing off a bit, and his steps had more strength to them now. They entered his room, and Jessie noticed the curtains were open. Without much thought, she went over to draw the curtains, and the room went dim. Yet, Julian could still see the silhouette of her figure even with such poor lighting.

Right then, he couldn’t take it anymore. All he wanted was to rail her. He pulled her into his embrace, and when she turned around, he pressed his lips against hers.

Time stopped for a moment for Jessie, her eyes widening with shock. However, she couldn’t resist the kiss, not from him.

Slivers of sunshine slipped into the room, lending it an element of warmth. With a voice barely counting as a whisper, he asked, “Can I do you?”

She remained silent as she was overwhelmed with embarrassment. How do you expect me to answer that? Well, I’d say yes, but I’m a lady. I need to keep up appearances, she thought to herself. She wanted him to do her, but she lacked the courage to ask him so. Before she could say anything, Julian pressed on deeper with his kiss, his hand touching her supple lower back. At that point, Jessie surrendered herself to him, letting him take her for a ride. For a moment there, she forgot her sister’s wedding was still ongoing.

Jessie could taste the taste of alcohol in her mouth. It came from Julian. Every breath he exhaled was filled with his almost scalding warmth.

The alcohol still lingered in his system, so he spoke in a way that was out of his usual character, “Oh, you feel hot. Did you have too much to drink as well?”

No, I am hot because you’re making me hot and bothered!

“N-No, I didn’t,” she stammered. Just then, his phone rang, and she pushed him quickly. “Hey, someone’s calling you.”

However, he didn’t stop kissing. He huffed, “Ignore it. It’s nothing important.”

Unfortunately for him, the phone wouldn’t stop ringing. The only way to make it stop was for him to take the call. It must be important. Or else it would’ve stopped ringing by now. “You should take the call.” She shoved him away, huffing and puffing. If it’s important and he misses it, it’d be bad.

Julian stared at the phone with hatred and fury in his eyes. For a moment, he was seized by the urge to toss it out the window. Dammit. This has better be important, or else… He eyed the caller ID for a moment and took the call impatiently. “What is it?”

“Young Master Julian, someone just informed us your car got scratched,” Ashley said, apparently panicking.

Goddammit. “Next time, you settle this yourself. You call me because of something inconsequential like that again, and I’ll cut your pay!” he roared and tossed his phone away after hanging up.

Jessie blinked. Oh, was that Ashley? No, I can’t let him cut her pay. She’s a nice lady. She approached him and wrapped her arms around him. Softly, she consoled, “Alright, calm down now.”

Julian sobered up a little just then as he was afraid that he might have frightened her with his shouting just now. He pressed his forehead against hers. “Did I scare you?”

“What? The fact that you kissed me, or the fact you yelled at Ashley?” Jessie smiled.

A chuckle escaped his lips. “This is all your fault.” NôvelDrama.Org © content.

“How is that my fault?” She blinked innocently. You kissed me, and that’s supposed to be my fault? How?

“Because you’re too pretty. I couldn’t hold myself back.”

“You’re not cutting her pay. She’s a hardworking assistant, alright?” Jessie said solemnly.

Julian gulped slightly at her serious tone. “Fine, I won’t cut her pay.”

She heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that. “Get some sleep. I’ll head back and see if they need my help.”

I almost crossed the line. If Ashley hadn’t called me, I might have left a bad impression on Jessie. Darn, I shouldn’t have treated the first time so rashly. I don’t want her to remember her first time as some sloppy sex during someone else’s wedding, after all.

He nodded after snapping out of his thoughts. “Sure. I’m fine now. You should head over and help them.”

Once Jessie was gone, he lay on the bed and called Ashley, who was still shocked after the call. “Young Master Julian?”

“Don’t worry. I won’t cut your pay. Orville can deal with the car problem.”

“I see. Did I interrupt something, sir?” Her guess was correct.

“What are you talking about?” he snapped.

“You were with Miss Jessie, weren’t you?”

Julian was speechless. She knows me well, huh? He snorted. “If you ask one more stupid question, you’re not getting paid this month.”

Quickly, Ashley said, “Please, no, sir. Pretend I said nothing. You two have fun.”

He hung up soon after. His mind was still replaying the scene of the earlier kiss, which sobered him up completely.

Jessie returned to the ballroom, still looking red. Though, she composed herself once she got inside. However, she would still feel a little embarrassed every time she was reminded of that kiss.

Queenie was enjoying her desserts when Jessie entered the waiting room. “Jessie!” Queenie invited her to share the sweet stuff. “Come. I need someone to help me out with these.”

Jessie obliged. She sat down and enjoyed the desserts as well. Eating desserts is the happiest thing to do, she thought.

Everyone else was in the ballroom, chatting the hours away.

Jared and Willow were playing on the field outside with a group of bodyguards keeping an eye on them.

“Birdie…” Willow could make out some simple words now. She pointed at the birds flying overhead as she spun around in delight.

Jared crouched down beside her, smiling. “Do you like them?”

The girl nodded, grinning toothily. A gentle breeze whispered across the fields, and her hair clasped her chubby cheeks. It was an adorable sight to behold.

Anastasia came out a while later and watched her kids play. They were her whole world. Now, she no longer wanted to expand her company. It was big enough and was running well. Because of that, she now had more time with her family.

“Mommy!” Willow ran toward her the moment she saw Anastasia. She waddled like a little duckling as she ran.

And then, she fell. Jared tried to pull her up, but Anastasia stopped him. Willow expected her brother or mother to come over and pick her up, but she realized Anastasia was looking somewhere else while Jared wasn’t coming either. She puckered her lips and got back up herself, feeling a little miffed. However, that feeling went away with the wind. The girl clapped her hands and bravely went to her mother once again.

Anastasia pretended she just saw Willow. She picked the girl up and kissed her cheek. “Well done, Willow.”

The girl raised her hands. With the best effort she could muster, she tried her best to recount how much the grass had hurt her hand, trying her best to get her mother’s consolation. “Oh, did you hurt your hands?”

“Here, I’ll blow on it for you.” Anastasia blew the girl’s chubby hands and kissed them.

Finally, the girl cracked a happy smile, and her slight grievance was finally sent off to the sea.

The island felt particularly languid in the afternoon. Clear blue skies and vast calm seas. Lots of the guests took the chance to have fun in the ocean. The older guests took a nap and prepared for the wedding dinner.

Queenie wanted to play as well, but she was in no condition for that. The first trimester was one of suffering as she couldn’t eat or sleep well—things were hard on her. Nevertheless, she told Jessie to seize the chance to have fun. It wasn’t every day she had a vacation, so she should make the most out of it. “Get Julian. He can go with you. Dad and Mom are chatting with their friends as well.” That was what Queenie told her.

Jessie was in a sprightly mood. Sleeping was the last thing on her mind—she wanted to have fun! The moment Julian got her call, he came to see her. They took a stroll through the area with coconut trees before emerging on the beach. Since everyone was far away from them, they had the whole beach to themselves. Jessie gasped in surprise and charged to the beach like a happy child. “Gilmore, you have to come down here!” She called his last name by accident. The girl was too happy to notice that.

Oh, I never did tell her how to address me. Guess that’s why she thinks she can call me whatever she wants. I need to change that. He followed her onto the beach. Then, he crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes. “What did you just call me?” asked Julian.

Sheepishly, she said, “Sorry, I was a little too excited.” She never called him by his last name. Most of the time, it would just be ‘Mr. Gilmore.’

“From now on, you’re calling me Julian,” he said imperiously.

“But I think Mr. Gilmore sounds good, too.'”

“No. You’re calling me Julian.”

Proudly, Jessie nodded. “Okay, Julian.”

Julian patted her head. “Good. From now on, you’re calling me that.”

Oh, he can be so bossy about everything when he wants. She nodded in acknowledgment. Then, she scooped up some seawater. “Wow, it’s not cold at all. It feels warm.”

“Do you want to swim?”

She blinked. “Can I?”

“As long as you want it.” Julian nodded.

She was in a short dress, and they had no swimsuits lying around. Awkwardly, she said, “I’ll do it later.” She returned to the beach and had all the fun she wanted. She frolicked around and kept kicking the waters. Eventually, she lost her footing and fell. Right away, she backed away and plopped onto the sand. Well, this is super awkward. “Oh, no! I got sand all over me.”

“Wash yourself in the waters, then,” Julian suggested. Something twinkled in his eyes, and he gulped slightly. He thought she looked alluring when she was drenched.

Jessie took that advice and slowly stepped into the sea. She stopped when the seawater got to her waist level. Then, she let it wash the sand on her body away. When she came back up, her dress was

already sticking to her, accentuating her legs. “We should go back now.” I need to get changed.

She’s not wearing any shoes. Julian made a mental note to himself before crouching down. “Get up. I’ll take you back on my back.”

She held her heels and let him take her back to the villa.

It was a peaceful stroll. The sun was shining; the birds were chirping. Jessie was leaning on Julian’s back, feeling safe. They ran into a few waitresses and were recognized immediately. “Oh my gosh!” The waitress gasped. “It’s them!”

“They look so good together.”

“He’s taking her on his back. I envy her.”

Jessie thought it was a bit daunting for Julian since he had to take her back to the villas. They were a few hundred yards away. However, instead of taking her back to her villa, Julian took her to his.

She asked Lexie to get her a set of clothes. She was staying in the same villa as her parents, and she didn’t want them to see the state she was in right now. That’s why she asked for Lexie’s help. “I’ll use your bathroom for a bit, Julian.” She took her clothes and headed for the bathroom.

“Sure,” he replied in acknowledgment.

She wondered why he wasn’t looking at her. Why is he looking away?

In all honesty, he wanted to look at her. However, she would notice the desire in his eyes if he did.

Jessie entered the master bedroom. Julian realized his phone was dead, so he went upstairs to get the charger, and it was then he heard Jessie showering in the bathroom. A current of electricity coursed

through his body, and he took a seat on the couch, waiting for her. Then, he noticed something interesting. She forgot to take her clothes. Oh, does that mean I get to see something nice, then?

She only realized she had forgotten her clothes after she was done showering. Oh, god. But thank goodness that Julian’s downstairs. He’s not here, so there’s nothing to worry about. She covered herself with a towel and darted out of the bathroom. The moment she turned the corner, she saw Julian on the couch, and her clothes were right beside him. She exclaimed in her mind, Holy moly! I thought he was downstairs. Why is he here? “I-I need to take my clothes.” She held her towel tightly, worried it might slip.

He stared right at her, enjoying the beautiful sight in front of him.

He picked her clothes up and handed them to her. Thinking he was just being nice, she happily took the clothes, but then he suddenly held her hand and pulled her into his embrace. She caught a whiff of his scent and felt everything around her spin a little. Didn’t know he could be so cheeky. “Julian—” she started, though she never got to finish that sentence.

He held the back of her head and pressed his lips against hers. She’s so charming. I’d love to gobble her up right now. This is killing me.

Jessie was holding her towel with both hands, which made things easier for him. She can’t even push me now.

Julian didn’t push her any further, though. Once he had enough, he picked up his phone and charger. “I’ll be waiting downstairs.”

Even at night, the island glimmered and shimmered beautifully. The lighthouse and neon lights glowed the landmass up. The wedding dinner was a merry event as well. Everyone gathered and feasted with their friends. Some drank with their friends on the field outside.

The guests who had families stayed with their families, while the younger people took this chance to date a little.

Nigel and Queenie were talking to the elders while Jessie had run off. She wasn’t someone who could sit still. Naturally, she went straight to the place of her lover. He was waiting for her at the corner where it was dimly lit.

She trotted over to him like a little fairy who couldn’t wait to date her lover. Her hair billowed in the air, her dress dancing with the breeze. Eventually, they met, and she tilted her head. Adorably, she asked, “Guess what I got you?”

“What is it?” Julian narrowed his eyes.

“Aww, just take a guess.”

“Fine. Candies?” he said.

Jessie’s nose scrunched up. “How did you get that right on the first try?” She thumped his chest lightly.

He burst into laughter. That was just a random guess. He never expected to hit the mark, but he did. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her cheek. “Alright, I’m sorry. Shouldn’t have guessed it.”

He’s so sweet. She loved that he was apologizing for something this trivial—it meant he cared about her feelings.

He pushed her head closer to his chest, and she leaned into his embrace, enjoying the scent of flowers brought in by the gentle breeze.

“So, this is what bliss feels like.” Jessie sighed. We can see the Milky Way from here, and there’s the moon up there. It feels like I’m in a painting.

Bliss, at least to Julian, was to have whatever he loved. He caressed her hair softly. “Yeah. And I’m feeling blessed to have you beside me, too.”

Right then, someone on the boat out on the ocean started the fireworks. A delighted Jessie hugged him tightly. “The fireworks are starting.”

He happily wrapped his arm around her and watched the fireworks show with her. It went on for half an hour, and most of the fireworks would create different shapes and patterns after they went off. Eventually, they got tired from standing up for too long, so Julian took her to an open-air coffee shop to continue watching. He could watch the fireworks, have a cup of coffee, and date the woman he loved. A candle burned before them, and roses surrounded the table. What bliss.

On the other side of the field, Willow was riding on her father’s back, watching the fireworks happily. She would start to gurgle from time to time. Anastasia, on the other hand, leaned on her son. He’s grown so tall. I’m so proud of him.

The newlyweds were also enjoying the fireworks. Queenie rested her head on Nigel’s shoulder. We’re married now. He’s the one I’m spending my whole life with.

Eventually, the fireworks came to an end, but everyone wanted more. Yet, that was not to be. It was getting late, and the older guests needed their rest. The young ones, however, could stay up and have more fun.

Jessie wondered where Julian was taking her. Eventually, they came to the port, and a yacht was waiting on the sea. She froze for a few moments. Oh, right. He did say we were going out to the sea.

They got onto the yacht and sped toward the moon hanging over the horizon. Eventually, they came to a stop in the middle of the ocean. The couple had some wine and enjoyed the view of the sea. Just the sight of it carried all their worries away, washing them into the depths of the ocean. Julian held Jessie in his embrace. “Do you like this?”

She nodded in approval. “I love it.”

He kissed her ear, and it triggered something in her. She turned around and held his face before leaning in and kissing him. It was a deep, passionate, and beautiful kiss. Even the air had turned hot and heavy from the intensity of their kiss. However, they pressed on. It wasn’t until Jessie felt herself perspiring did she let Julian go.

Julian was sweating as well, but he couldn’t help but tease, “What’s wrong? You’re sweating.”

“It’s hot.” She fanned herself with her hand. “Don’t you feel anything?”

He felt it, alright. Everything inside him was screaming and begging him to give them some release. “We should have some water.” He entered the cabin and got her a glass of warm water while he gulped down a bottle of cold water.

Wow, he’s gulping it down. As she was worried, she said, “Slow down. You’re going to catch a cold at this rate.”

He choked on himself and coughed. Awkwardly, he asked, “How did you know I was down with a cold last time because I drank too much cold stuff?”

“That’s not the only reason. You took an ice-cold shower, too, didn’t you?” Jessie smirked. “I’m not a kid, you know. I’m an adult now. I know a lot of stuff.”

Julian kept quiet for a few moments before he broke into a smile. “So, you know everything, I take it?”

She cocked her eyebrow. “Of course.”

Without shame, he asked, “So, tell me, why did I take the cold shower?”

Her cheeks lit up when she heard his question. She bit her lip and hung her head low sheepishly. “You can’t expect me to go into detail.”

“If you’re not saying, then we might need to be a bit more… hands-on with our approach.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

If there were a hole somewhere, Jessie would have buried herself in it. I can’t believe they call this guy innocent. His fans think he’s an honest-to-goodness saint and that he’s not interested in anything lewd. If only they could see the current him. If she had the chance, she would tell the fans they got it all wrong. He’s a perv, through and through. And he even knows how to talk dirty. “Perv.” She clicked her tongue, but in all honesty, she loved this.

Julian’s fans would have killed to have a chance to date him, yet all Julian cared about was Jessie. All he wanted to do was flirt with her, make out with her, and eventually gobble her all up like she was a nice little meal.

He stopped teasing her after that, and she asked him to take some pictures. This was the couple’s privilege. He would do anything to take the best pictures of her. A few hundred photos later, Jessie found herself going through each and every one of the photos, smiling at the sight of them. And then, it was her turn to take his photos. He was handsome, and the shadows hung over his eyes, making his eyelashes look longer than usual. He’s so hot.

It was already 2.00AM when they came back. A drizzle fell, covering the island in a layer of humidity. They got into a car and headed to her villa.

Since Jessie was staying with her parents, she couldn’t make out with Julian too much, and she went to her room soon after. Still, it was a memorable night. Many years down the road, she would remember this night, and it would make her smile.

Back in Averna, Eva fell asleep in Louie’s arms. Louie was still awake, and his eyes trained on her. He refused to shift his gaze, for she was his whole world. Wonder whom our first child will take after. But I bet they’ll be cute. A smile curled his lips, and he pecked her cheek before he finally fell asleep.

The couples were fast asleep, but there was someone who was still wide awake. The lights in Lucy’s room were still on. She was on her couch, holding a magazine and staring at the photo of a certain man. It was one of the rare shots anyone had of Louie. In that photo, he was sitting on a regal couch with his legs crossed. He gleamed like the most beautiful diamond in the world, and his eyes shone like obsidian. Behind those eyes resided the wisdom of Solomon.

She was addicted to him as a junkie would toward substances. She had seen this photo countless times, yet she didn’t find the photo any less appealing. If she could, she would’ve married Louie right away. Yet, he’s sleeping with another woman right now. Most women would kill to sleep with him. And now, I have an arrangement that can legally make me his wife. I’m not going to let this chance slip by.

Lucy’s father told her that Louie had control of that plot of land their family wanted to invest in. Louie had proposed an exchange. The arranged marriage’s cancellation for his plot of land. It was an enticing offer, and her father brought it up with her. He would like to see what she thought of it.

However, she wouldn’t agree to it. Lucy couldn’t care less about that plot of land, not when her marriage was at stake. She would never let her father agree to the deal, and Louie was someone who cared for nothing but profit, or so she thought. I know him. Everything he does, he does for profit. He only likes Eva for her looks. If she loses that, he won’t stay with her anymore.

When it comes to that, he’ll never let go of his shares for a woman who has lost the only trait he likes. Maybe he’ll agree to the marriage then, and I can finally be his wife, staying with him forever. I might get to enjoy all the perks of marrying him. She looked at his photo once more, the sight of it stoking the flames of desire within her. Just a look at his photo was enough to make her shiver. “I won’t let anyone else take you,” she muttered.

Most of the guests were already leaving the day after the wedding. The Presgraves were among them. It had been four days since they came to the island, and Jared had school to attend.

Nigel and Queenie sent them off after breakfast. Before they parted ways, Anastasia told Queenie to call if she needed anything. Anastasia was a mother of two. She knew how to handle most problems that would arise during pregnancy.

“Of course, Anastasia,” Queenie said gently.

“We’re a family now. You and Nigel should come and visit us when you have time.”

Nigel was playing with Willow. The girl even kissed him, much to his delight. “Oh, we’ll visit you a lot,” he said. He then looked at Jared. “Woah, Jared’s tall now. Bet he’ll be six feet tall in a few years. Time flies, huh?”

Jared held Nigel’s hand and looked at him with anticipation in his eyes. “Can I have your gaming system, Uncle Nigel?”

“You won’t give up until I say yes, huh? Fine, you can take it.” Nigel’s focus was on his wife now. He lost interest in games, so Jared could have his gaming gear.

Anastasia said, “It’s fine to play games, but remember not to neglect your studies, Jared.”

Elliot didn’t mind Jared playing games. He was confident his boy had enough discipline to control himself. And this is good for discipline training.

“Don’t worry, Mom. Two hours on the weekend. That’s all.”

The newlyweds saw them off and returned to their villa. They were going to stay for a few more days. It was a nice place. Fresh air and a quiet environment. It was a perfect place for a pregnant woman.

Eventually, Julian and Jessie had to leave as well. They, too, had work to do. After saying their goodbyes, they hopped onto the helicopter and enjoyed the sea view as the chopper flew across the air.

It was 3.00PM when they returned to Averna. Julian asked Louie and Eva out for dinner, and Jessie went with him. Her parents were still on the island, so she had the freedom to do whatever she wanted.

“Why don’t you stay at my place tonight?” Julian suggested.

She nodded. “If you want me to, then sure.”

“Of course, I want you.” He chuckled. “I’d love for you to stay.”

“Not up to anything cheeky, I hope.” She could see right through him.

“Nope,” he denied. Not like you can do anything about it once we get home.

Jessie shrugged it off. Eva had called her, inviting her over for dinner. The Gilmore brothers met up at 6.00PM, bringing their partners along. This meeting was a cheery one, and the ladies became good friends. It was only a matter of time before they became family.

That fact was not lost on the Gilmore brothers, either. They took great care of the ladies throughout dinner.

And then, they parted ways at 8.30PM. Jessie followed Julian home, and Lexie had already made sure Jessie’s suitcase was sent to the house. Before she left, Lexie inched closer to Jessie’s ear and whispered, “Hey, Jessie, I got you two sets of pajamas. Make sure to use them tonight.”

Wait, what? Jessie was confused for a second before she was reminded of the days she spent with Lexie. Lexie’s kind of a perv, too. But I’m not! I might be able to talk dirty, but I’m not one for actions!

Jessie had seen Julian’s house once. She thought his house’s decor was simple, stylish, and manly. She loved it. The simplicity caught her attention, and the French window was set at the one place where they could see the best of Averna.

While she was enjoying the view, Julian handed her a glass of water. “Here, have a glass of water.”

She took it and asked sheepishly, “So, where am I going to sleep tonight?”

“I have one master bedroom and five guest rooms. Make your pick,” he said.

She pursed her lips as she mused over her choice, but then he smirked. “The master bedroom is on the list as well, you know.”

His comment made her blush. “I’m not going to sleep in the same room as you.”

“Make your pick, then,” said Julian.

Jessie then went around his house. It was a duplex measuring about a thousand square meters. She went upstairs and looked outside the French window. The view is so beautiful here. She looked around the bedrooms and kept walking down until she came to a bedroom decked out with a suite and a mini living space. Curious, she entered the room and had a look. And then, she entered the closet room. Glass cabinets stood inside, which held nothing but men’s suits. Also, she saw a watch inside. “This can’t be the master bedroom, can it?” She blinked. Someone opened the door, and it made her leap with a start.

Julian was holding his jacket. He noticed her in his bedroom, and he chuckled. “So, you’ve made your choice, I see.”

“This is your bedroom?” Jessie felt a bit awkward. His house is big. Too big.

“Yes.” He nodded in affirmative.

Sheepishly, she said, “No, I was just looking around. Not going to take your room.” She didn’t leave right away, though. She went around for another look. The room was painted gray, and the French window in his room almost showed the full scenery of Averna. Our taste in aesthetics matches. “Gosh, you have a beautiful house,” she praised.

“You can stay for a bit if you want,” he purred.

Jessie would love that. “Really?” She turned around to look at him.

“Yeah. We don’t have to go back to work right away. Stay around and have fun.” A smile tugged at his lips. If this were a cartoon show, the shadow of Julian would have a tail slowly swaying behind him. He looked like a wolf trying to trick Little Red Riding Hood into getting eaten.

“Sure.” She wanted to stay at his home as well. It’d be a blast. She kept looking around his house, and Julian followed. Eventually, she came to the cinema room. God, I must watch a movie here. Anticipation filled her heart as she made a mental note to herself. A tour around the house showed her a gym room, a kitchen on the second floor, and there was even a bar counter.

Finally, Jessie picked the bedroom closest to Julian’s, and Julian came back with her suitcase. When she realized it was already 11.00PM, she said, “You must be tired. Get some rest.

“Holler at me if you need anything.” A smile curled Julian’s lips, and he left.

I am not going to holler at you. Jessie opened her suitcase, and the first thing she saw was the sets of pajamas Lexie had prepared for her. One was pink, while the other was purple, and both were almost transparent. She held them up, thinking, Can you even call these pajamas? Wonder where she got these. Jessie wanted to take a shower, but she couldn’t find her normal pajamas.

“Lexie!” Jessie gasped. “Why did you take my normal pajamas away? What are you doing?”

Oh my god. Are these the only PJs I have now? Man, I might have to hire another assistant. Darn you, Lexie. I bet she’s laughing her socks off right now.

Jessie wanted to scream, but she had no choice. In the end, she picked the purple lace pajamas. At least it looked slightly more modest compared to the pink one. She finished showering and came out wearing the purple silk nightdress. She felt shy, but she thought the night dress showed off her curves perfectly. Good thing I’m alone here. It’d be embarrassing if someone else were here.

Hm, it’s really quiet, though. Something’s missing. Oh, right. My phone. She was used to the sounds of text notifications coming from her phone, but that was missing right now. It was then she realized her phone was in the living room. Should I go out right now? I’m in a nightdress. I wonder if Julian’s in his room.

Jessie was having an internal struggle. Hm, but it’s already late. He must be in his room by now. She opened the door slightly to take a look, but before she could even look around, she saw Julian standing before her door. He was wearing a black silk robe, and in his hand was her bag. Apparently, he was planning on giving her bag back. Jessie took a deep breath, wondering which part of her she should cover.

Julian was staring in earnest as well. Oh, that’s a nice night dress. Just what I like.

In the end, she thought she should cover her chest, so she put an arm over her breasts. Shyly, she said, “Can I have my bag?”

Julian handed the bag over to her. “Here you go.”

Jessie kept her eyes on the bag, ready to dart out of her room to take it and dart back in right away, but just as she grabbed the bag, Julian tugged on it and pulled her into his embrace. Oh gosh. I fell for it. However, she didn’t mind. She was fine with getting tricked as long as the trickster was Julian. She closed her eyes, leaning on his chest. “So naughty,” she whispered.

Julian placed the bag on her chest and carried her in his arms. “The main bedroom is big enough for the two of us. You can sleep there.”

“S-Sure,” Jessie stammered. She was willing to share a room with him. After all, he was her lover, and lovers were supposed to share the same bed.

Besides, Queenie’s going to be a mother soon, and I’m going to be twenty-five in November. I should start thinking about raising a family now. Moreover, my boyfriend is the man of my dreams, she told herself. Jessie caught a whiff of his scent and prepared herself. Anything that happens tonight, happens. She finally accepted her fate and leaned cozily in his embrace.

Julian put her down on the bed gently, and a smile tugged at his lips. “Sleep.”