She hadn’t meant to end up here.At least, that’s what she told herself.But after Tony’s callous dismissal, she’d started putting pieces together.That woman in the pink dress—Lexie—had been the center of attention at the party, and not just because of her ridiculous outfit.Max’s interest in her had been unmistakable, and Julianne wasn’t blind to what that meant.If Max wanted Lexie, she had power.Influence.And if Julianne wanted to climb back into the circles that mattered, she needed to find a way to use that for her benefit.
As she drove past the house, a flicker of movement caught her eye.She slowed, her curiosity piqued when she spotted George Thermopolis standing on the sidewalk, deep in conversation with a blonde woman in a short skirt and tacky, high heeled boots that a hooker would adore.Julianne pulled over a few houses down, parking her car discreetly behind a row of shrubs.
What was George doing here?Her stomach tightened, suspicion curling through her.She didn’t know him well—just that he was running for governor.A politician.And politicians were always scheming, always working some angle.But why show up in one of the city’s older, sleepier suburbs?And who was the blonde at his side?
She watched as George leaned toward the woman, his polished politician’s smile in place, but there was something calculating in his posture.The blonde seemed tense, her body language defensive—crossed arms, shifting weight, and occasional wary glances toward Lexie’s house.Julianne’s eyes narrowed as she tried to piece it together.
It has to be about Lexie.Why else would George be here?And if that was the case, Julianne needed to know what, exactly, they were planning.If George was sniffing around Lexie, it meant she was even more valuable than Julianne had realized.Valuable enough to be part of a plan, or maybe even the key to one.
As George and the blonde shook hands, Julianne’s lips curled into a faint smile.She waited until they began walking toward their cars, keeping her head low.When they pulled away—George leading, the blonde following—Julianne started her engine and eased onto the street.
She followed them at a safe distance, her mind racing.She needed to find out whatever they were plotting.Lexie might be the key to more than just Max’s approval—she might just be Julianne’s ticket to finding another wealthy, powerful man.One who wouldn’t dare reject her.
But as she followed the cars, her smile faded.An unsettling thought crept into her mind.If Lexie could be used, she could also be removed.Power like Max’s didn’t come without risk, and women like Lexie didn’t just slip in and out of that world unscathed.
Julianne’s grip tightened on the wheel.Poor Lexie,she thought, though the sympathy was hollow.Whatever happened to her, Julianne would make sure she got what she needed.At any cost.
Chapter 25
Thefeminineofficewasabsolutely beautiful, like something out of a dream.Soft eggshell blue tones dominated the space, accented by cheerful pops of soft yellow.A large, plush chair sat next to a window so expansive it practically framed the outdoors like a living painting.The chair even had a matching ottoman and side table, perfect for curling up in with a book or brainstorming ideas with a cup of tea.
An elegant desk stood nearby, with a brand-new laptop just waiting to be used.Behind the chair, built-in shelves lined the wall, offering ample storage and a touch of sophistication.But the best part?The fireplace.It wasn’t as grand as the one in Max’s office, but it didn’t need to be.This one exuded warmth and coziness, making the space feel more inviting.She’d counted four fireplaces in the house already, but this one was easily her favorite.
“This is beautiful,” she whispered reverently, her fingers trailing along the top of the desk as she took it all in.
“You like the colors?”Max asked from behind her, his deep voice breaking the quiet.She turned to find him leaning casually against the doorframe, watching her.
“I love the colors,” she said, her gaze softening as it met his.“Are you sure you won’t mind if I use it for a while?”
Max shrugged and stepped further into the room.“I designed it specifically for you, Lexie,” he admitted quietly.
She froze, her eyes widening slightly.“For me?”
“Yes.”He reached out, his finger brushing over the bruise on her cheek.The touch was featherlight, but his expression was anything but.His dark eyes burned with fervor as he added, “I’m going to ensure that Enzo enjoys a bruise on his body for every single one he placed on yours.”
Her breath hitched at the raw promise in his voice.She reached up, pressing his finger more firmly against her cheek.“No!”she gasped, shaking her head.“Please, I don’t want him hurt.I just… I just don’t want him to blackmail me again.And you’ve already done that by taking his phone.”She looked at him carefully.“You’re going to destroy the videos, right?”
Max’s jaw tightened, his arm sliding around her waist as he pulled her closer.“I will never destroy them,” he replied.
Her stomach dropped, and her eyes widened in alarm.“Why not?”
“Because I love them.”His grip on her tightened, his other hand curling against her lower back.
Her breath came in short, sharp bursts as she stared up at him, trying to process what he’d just said.“Max…” she began, her voice trembling with both disbelief and something she couldn’t quite name.
Max lowered his lips to hers.“I’ve watched a few of the videos over and over again.”His arms tightened around her.“In fact, I’d love it if you’d pleasure yourself while I watched.”He kissed her, starting at her lips and then trailing his way along her jaw until he was nuzzling her neck.“Would you do that for me?”
The thought of doing so, of touching herself while Max watched was so hot, she could barely breathe.“Yes,” Lexie answered automatically.Because there wasn’t any other response!But she was startled that she trusted him enough to do something so revealing while he watched.
“Now?”he rasped.
Lexie laughed, her eyes sparkling.“Later,” she promised, patting his chest playfully.“I really need to get these essays graded before Monday.My students are counting on me.”
Max sighed dramatically, but his arms loosened.“I suppose I can wait until later tonight,” he said with mock resignation.Then he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head before letting her go.But as he stepped back, Lexie couldn’t help but notice the prominent bulge in his pants.
The look he gave her—a slow, smoldering mix of amusement and promise—made her heart skip a beat.“Don’t think I’m letting you off easy,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing.
Lexie almost caved right then and there, but before she could speak, a knock at the door interrupted them.A servant entered, carrying Lexie’s well-worn tote bag.
