"Agree to what?" Scarlett asked, her movements guarded as she recoiled from Julian's touch. "To wanting this marriage for real," Julian replied, the words careless and hollow. Scarlett let out a short, mocking laugh. "It's useless."
"Scarlett, come on... just once," Julian whispered, his voice thick with the gravel of sleep. He pulled her into his embrace, his body warm and damp against hers. Scarlett froze for a moment. The scent of soap and masculine cologne flooded her senses. This was the man whose photo she had kept back in Carmel, the actor she had adored from afar. But as their skin met, the memory of his sleep-talking from the night before pierced her heart.
"Let go of me, Julian!" Scarlett struggled, shoving against his broad chest with both hands. Julian smirked, a flicker of surprise at her resistance. "Why? Isn't this what you dreamed of in Carmel? Being my wife?" "Being your wife, not being Selena's replacement!" Scarlett screamed right into his face.
