CHAPTER 7: JULIAN
I LAY INbed replaying the kiss.
Not just replaying it. Reliving it. Over and over like my brain was stuck on a loop it couldn't break.
The moment Elio's control had snapped. The way he'd closed the distance between us like he couldn't help himself. The feel of his mouth on mine—demanding, intense, nothing like I'd imagined a first kiss would be but somehow exactly right.
His hands gripping my shirt. Pulling me closer. The heat of his body. The taste of coffee and mint.
The way he'd kissed me like he was starving and I was salvation.
Then the way he'd pulled away like I'd burned him.
I should probably feel used. Confused. Angry that he'd kissed me then immediately called it a mistake.
Instead I felt alive.
Like something inside me had woken up that had been sleeping my whole life. Like every nerve ending was suddenly aware of sensation in ways I'd never experienced. Like I'd been living in black and white and suddenly the world was in color.
I wanted more.
Wanted to feel his hands on me again. Wanted to learn what it felt like to be touched by someone I wanted. Wanted to explore this thing between us that Elio kept calling inappropriate but felt more right than anything in my entire life.
I rolled over and stared at the ceiling.
The clock said 2 AM. Elio hadn't come by tonight. Hadn't brought dinner. Hadn't done any of the things that had become our routine over the past two weeks.
He was avoiding me.
I understood why. Didn't agree with his reasons, but I understood them.
Elio Marino was a man who'd built his entire life on control. On discipline. On maintaining perfect order in a chaotic world. Kissing me had been a crack in that control. A moment where want had overpowered discipline.
And now he was terrified of what might happen if it cracked again.
I closed my eyes and tried to sleep.
Failed completely.
***
Day one of the silent treatment, meals were delivered by kitchen staff.
A young guy I'd seen around brought breakfast. Said Elio had sent him. Wouldn't meet my eyes when I asked where Elio was.
Lunch came the same way. Dinner too.
I waited all evening. Watched the door. Expected Elio to show up eventually because that's what he did. That was our routine.
He never came.
I checked my phone. No messages. No explanations.
Just silence.
Day two, I got a text message at 8 AM.
Elio:Schedule change. Stefan will pick you up at 9 for work. Security briefings will be sent via email going forward. Let me know if you need anything.
