That guy he wasn’t even as good–looking as Julian, was ?


    With that thought, Tessa’s gaze toward Julian softened noticeably.


    She took his hand and guided it to her waist. “Alright, I’m ere now, aren’t I? All yours.”


    Julian’s eyes followed her every move, the message in her actions far from subtle, and he understood it perfectly.


    His gaze darkened.


    He w


    was a <b>man </b>in his prime–how could he possibly resist such open temptation?


    Especially when he did, in fact, like Tessa.


    The thought alone stirred something in him, <b>and </b>his grip on her waist grew firmer,


    Tessa gasped softly, their bodies pressed close.


    Julian pulled her into a deeper kiss, trailing lower with increasing urgency.


    Tessa could feel his desire, his possessiveness–it pleased her.


    In her mind, that was what sustained a rtionship.


    If a man had no desire for <b>her</b>, how could any feelingsst?


    She had no doubts about her own allure.


    But then her thoughts drifted to what she’d seen at the restaurant that day.


    This visit–she’de for one reason: to get answers.


    “So,” she said, narrowing her eyes as she pushed against Julian’s chest to stop him.


    “Why were you having dinner with Aurora that day? Or are you going to tell me the two of you nned it all along? Because I can’t think of another exnation.”


    Julian stiffened, clearly caught off guard. He hesitated, unsure how to respond.


    What was he supposed to say–that he’d actually gone there intending to confess his feelings to Aurora?


    If he said that, he could forget about walking out of this house in one piece.


    And Tessa? She’d be gone from his life before the night was over.


    There was no way things between him <b>and </b>Tessa could continue–not after this.


    Julian knew it <b>too </b>well, which was exactly why telling the thith was never an option.


    Tessa kept her eyes locked on him, watching intently, waiting to hear what kind of excuse he’de up with next.


    She’d seen everything that day. Whatever had happened between him and Aurora at the restaurant, she hadn’t missed a thing. She knew exactly what had gone down.


    She was here now for one reason to hear what he had to say for himself.


    <b>Julian </b>grew more uneasy under her stare.


    <b>“</b>Tessa, didn’t youe over today because you wanted to be with me<b>…</b>” His voice trailed off, but the implication


    hung thick in the air.


    Tessa tilted her head slightly. “Did I ever say that?”


    “Then you…” Julian paused again, ncing meaningfully at her, silently urging her to recall just how heated things had gotten between them moments ago.


    Surely, she hadn’t expected him to believe she didn’t want to take things further?


    If that were the case, Julian wasn’t buying it.


    Tessa walked over to the edge of the bed <b>and </b>sat down, crooking a finger at him with a smile Julian couldn’t quite read.


    He didn’t understand her intentions but obediently followed, ying the part of the ever–agreeable man-


    Watching him, <b>Tessa </b>couldn’t help butugh inwardly.


    She’d never seen Julian <b>this </bpliant before.


    It hadn’t even been that long <b>since </b>theirst meeting, yet he seemed to have changed entirely.


    Or maybe… he was just feeling guilty.


    Her smile didn’t fade as she looked up at him, <b>amused </b>and unreadable.


    Julian, growing more unsettled under her gaze, quickly tried to change the subject. “Tessa, this is a perfect moment. Why don’t we focus on… other things? No need to waste such a good opportunity, right?”