He paused at the threshold, hand gripping the brass doorknob so tightly his knuckles went white. Looking over his shoulder, he saw that his father had risen to his feet behind his desk.
"I know this is difficult," Duncan said, his voice softer now. "But it's time to step up. To be the man I know you can be."
Julian didn't trust himself to respond. He gave a nod, then yanked open the door and stepped into the hallway, closing it firmly behind him. The click of the latch echoed in his ears like a prison door slamming shut.
The hallway stretched before him, suddenly feeling endless. His breathing came shallow and quick as he loosened his tie with fingers that didn’t want to function.
As he walked away from the office, his gaze went to the open doors of the library. The pull to just pop in there for a quick drink was strong.
So strong that he came to a stop in the doorway. Just one drink wouldn’t get him drunk. His tolerance for alcohol had risen over the years. But one drink might help him deal with the situation.
He took a step into the library, then paused. Would taking that drink prove Duncan right?
That thought was enough to make him turn from the temptation. He had to do this with a completely clear head.
When he neared the stairs, he changed directions and headed for the breakfast room.
As he’d hoped, he found Angela and Jude still there. Angela was carrying a mug to the table and glanced over as he walked in, her eyes widening. “Hey, Julian. Do you want a cup of coffee?”
Being offered a cup of coffee in the midst of his life falling apart felt a bit ridiculous. Unfortunately, he didn’t think he could stomach anything right then. Although he would have made an exception if she’d been offering him alcohol.
“Not right now,” he said. “Is Kiara in her room?”
“Uh… yes, I think so.” Angela glanced at Jude, then back at Julian. “Why?”
“Why?” Julian lifted his brows at her. “I just came from talking to Duncan, and now I need to speak with Kiara.”
“I don’t know if that’s the best idea,” Angela said, gripping the mug she held in both hands.
“Maybe not,” Julian agreed. “But if Iamthe father of her baby, I need to know.”
“Oh.” Angela’s shoulders slumped. “Can I go talk to her first? Just to make sure she’s feeling okay?”
“Sure.” Julian was happy for a reprieve, however brief it might be.
Angela set her mug on the table, then scooted out of the breakfast room, leaving Julian with Jude.
“How are you doing?” Jude asked. His tone was measured, but surprisingly, it didn’t seem to hold any judgment.
Julian walked over and sat down at the table. He shrugged out of his jacket and laid it on the chair next to him.
“I’m not sure, to be honest,” he confessed. “It’s not every day one finds out they might have fathered a baby.”
“I’m kind of surprised you haven’t had it happen before now,” Jude said.
Julian gave a huff of laughter. “My exploits have been exaggerated.”
“Have they?” Jude asked. “Really?”
“A bit. Ask Anthony. He’d tell you.”
“Do you think Kiara’s baby isn’t yours?” Jude asked.
“I don’t remember being with her,” Julian admitted. “But I can’t deny that we spent a lot of time together. And that time wasn’t just spent talking. We drank more than we should have.”
“Kiara remembers,” Jude said. “So I don’t think she was drinking as much as you were.”
Julian shifted on the chair. It felt weird to know that someone had memories of him that he didn’t share.
