Julian's POV
I had never been so close to a woman before.
Never realized how delicate her wrist could feel beneath my touch.
Her skin felt like silk under my palm—smooth, flawless, and warm.
Impossibly soft.
The contact sent fire shooting through my hand, making my pulse hammer.
"Bellie." My voice came out rough, barely above a whisper.
Even my eyes, usually so controlled, now burned with want—like fireworks bursting behind my gaze, brilliant and wild.
Bella stared at me, looking dazed and breathless.
As I leaned closer, an unwelcome voice shattered the moment between us.
"Miss Fairfax, Mr. Sinclair, dinner's ready!" Penny's booming call yanked us back to reality.
Like lightning striking us awake.
Our stunned gazes locked for a split second before we both burst out laughing.
I cleared my throat, feeling heat creep up my neck. "Should we head to dinner?"
"Oh! Right, yes," Bella stammered, just as flustered.
