Finished
Julian caught her the second she lost her balance, steadying her with one hand while setting everything else aside, and before she could react, he had already bent down and lifted her into his arms like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Quinn let out a startled gasp as her feet left the ground, her body going light for a split second before she found herself pressed against his chest, completely supported.
“I can walk,” she said quickly, her face flushing almost instantly as she grabbed lightly at his sleeve, trying to steady herself. “I’m really okay.”
Julian glanced down at her, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly. “Those shoes are practically falling off you. Just stay still, we’re almost there.”
To Quinn, the place already felt huge, easily the size of a luxury penthouse, and the distance from the entryway to the bedroom suddenly felt much longer than it had any right to be, especially with the way he carried her so effortlessly, like she weighed nothing at all.
By the time they reached the bedroom, she was already hyper–aware of everything, of how close they were, of the steady rhythm of his breathing, of the warmth that made it impossible to think clearly.
Julian set her down carefully on the bed, his movements controlled and unhurried. “Sit for a minute. I’ll grab your things.”
Quinn’s fingers curled slightly against the edge of the mattress as she looked around, and the realization hit her almost immediately.
This was his room.
The bedding was a deep charcoal gray, clean and understated, the kind of space that felt intentional without trying too hard. The closet doors stood slightly open, revealing rows of neatly arranged shirts in black, white, and muted tones, all perfectly aligned. Even the bathroom, visible through the open doorway, carried the same unmistakable detail, everything inside clearly his.
Julian came back quickly with her bag, setting it down within reach.
Inside were just a few changes of clothes and basic toiletries, things Lucy had packed for her at the hospital.
Quinn hesitated before speaking. “This is your room, right? I shouldn’t stay here.”
Julian remained standing beside her, his gaze dropping to meet hers. “What, you nervous?”
She didn’t answer, her eyes fixed on the floor instead, avoiding him completely.
From where he stood, the angle gave him a clear view of her neck, smooth and pale, the delicate curve leading down to her collarbone, and the small shape of her ear that looked almost too soft to touch.
Before he thought it through, his fingers brushed her earlobe, gently pinching it between his fingertips.
Soft, warm, and just a little too easy to linger on.
Chapter 217 Staying Over
Finished
Quinn immediately tilted her head away and shot him a quick look, her eyes wide. “What are you doing?” Her voice carried a mix of embarrassment and irritation that only made her look more alive.
Julian lowered himself in front of her, shifting into a crouch so he was no longer looking down at her but up, closing that invisible distance in a different way. “I’m not doing anything. So what are you nervous about? Or do you not trust me? Because from what I remember, the last few times, it wasn’t me who-”
“Stop,” Quinn cut in immediately, her voice sharper now, “I’m not nervous. I just think this isn’t appropriate.”
Julian tilted his head slightly. “What exactly isn’t appropriate?”
“It’s just the two of us,” she said, forcing herself to stay steady. “We’re not in any kind of relationship, so staying like this doesn’t make sense.”
A flicker of amusement passed through his eyes. “You don’t actually think I’m planning to share the room with you, do you?”
Quinn looked up, caught off guard.
The expression on her face made him laugh under his breath.
He reached out and tapped her lightly on the nose. “What do you even think about all day? Do I look like that kind of guy, or are you the one imagining it?”
“I’m not,” Quinn said immediately, almost too fast. “I never thought that.”
“Relax,” Julian said, his tone easy. “You take this room. I’ll be next door.”
“But this is your space,” she said, still hesitant. “You’re used to it. I’m leaving tomorrow anyway, I can just take the guest room.”
“My room’s more comfortable,” Julian replied without hesitation. “If you’re staying, you might as well stay somewhere that actually feels good.”
She opened her mouth to argue again, but before she could say anything else, the doorbell rang.
Julian straightened and reached out, casually running his hand over her hair like it was second nature. “Stay here.”
Quinn froze for half a second.
Why does everything he does feel like that?
Even something as simple as that made her heart react in ways she couldn’t control.
Julian returned quickly, holding a pair of soft pink house slippers, already unboxed.
He crouched beside her again, one hand wrapping around her ankle as he guided her foot into the slipper, then the other, his movements steady and natural, like this kind of closeness didn’t mean anything.
Chapter 217 Staying Over
“Stand up, see how they feel,” he said.
Quinn did, testing her weight carefully.
Finished
They fit perfectly, soft and warm, cushioning her feet in a way that immediately eased the lingering chill.
“They’re good,” she said.
Julian nodded. “Alright. Put your things away. Clothes go in here.”
He opened another section of the closet, revealing neatly arranged suits in dark tones, all clearly tailored, the kind of pieces that carried quiet expense without needing to show it.
Quinn hesitated.
Her clothes suddenly felt out of place there.
When Julian reached toward her bag, she reacted instantly. “I’ll do it.”
There were things in there she wasn’t letting him anywhere near.
Julian didn’t push. He straightened. “Fine. Put everything away, and just leave your toiletries in the bathroom. I’ll start dinner. Come out when you’re done.”
Quinn nodded.
Before leaving, he reached out again and ruffled her hair, just as casually as before.
Quinn clenched her teeth slightly.
This is getting out of control.
Why did I agree to stay here?
How am I supposed to not get pulled in by someone like him?
Her things didn’t take long to organize, but she still moved slowly, dragging out every step.
When she finally placed her toiletries beside his, the contrast made something tighten in her chest.
It looked like they shared a life.
That thought made her uneasy in a way she couldn’t explain.
By the time she finished and stepped out, nearly half an hour had passed.
And the first thing she saw was Julian in the kitchen.
518
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.

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