Chapter 158
Julie’s Point of View
He placed his lips on mine so suddenly that a chill ran through my limbs, and the blood froze in my veins from shock. I never expected him to dare kiss me like that! For a few seconds, my body went limp as if I were completely drugged; I surrendered to his kiss under the weight of sheer surprise.
But I quickly regained my senses, realizing I had to push him away immediately.
I shoved him back with a force that made him stagger. "What is wrong with you, you madman?!" I panted, wiping my lips with the back of my hand.
He looked at me with eyes full of passion and agitation. "I am mad about you, Julie," he said hoarsely.
I shook my head in flat refusal. "Stop, please... I don’t want to hear this nonsense!"
He took another step toward me, asking bitterly, "You consider my feelings nonsense? Do you really think I’m deceiving you? Look at me... do my eyes lie, Julie?"
I stared into his eyes for a moment, but I was no expert at reading the gaze of admiration. Yes, I’m brilliant at studying, at languages, at singing I have many talents.
But matters of attraction and love? I’m completely ignorant, and they leave me flustered. "I don’t care if you’re sincere or not," I said, trying to keep my voice sharp. "I have no feelings for you whatsoever!"
A cryptic, lopsided smirk played on his lips. "I felt you surrendering to my kiss, Julie... admit that you like me too."
I felt my face go ablaze with embarrassment and fury.
Damn it! How did he know? How did he feel my body softening in his hands? "You kissed me unexpectedly!" I said, trying to justify my weak position. "I was so shocked I didn’t know what to do! That’s all there is to it, Carlos... nothing more, nothing less."
His eyes sparked with a strange glint. "Very good..." he said triumphantly. "You spoke my name without formalities. That means there’s hope."
My eyes widened in shock. I hadn’t even noticed I’d called him by his bare name! "Mr... Mr. Carlos, please, you’re making things difficult," I stammered.
He shook his head with mock dignity. "Julie... I’ll give you time to realize your feelings for me. I will never pressure you."
"What feelings?!" I shouted in frustration. "I’m telling you I don’t feel anything!"
"Because you’re just in denial," he replied, heading for the door.
He stopped at the threshold and turned back for one last look. "Your kiss will bring me luck today, Julie... goodbye," he said with sudden gravity.
He left and closed the door behind him, leaving me to wrestle with a storm of conflicting thoughts and emotions.
My God! He actually kissed me... and instead of slapping him hard, I surrendered at first! I began pacing the room like a madwoman, tugging at my hair and whispering frantically, "No... no... this can’t be happening! I’m not attracted to him... impossible!"
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Robert’s Point of View
I finished my call with Daniel after giving him the instructions with absolute precision; the plan must unfold exactly as I’ve envisioned it. We will hack the surveillance cameras of the Don’s warehouse, turning their screens blind to every movement.
Meanwhile, my men will slip through the darkness like shadows, taking out his guards in total silence and recovering the shipment. Yes, that simple. And I, in the meantime, will be sitting with the Don, exchanging cold conversation without him having the slightest suspicion that I am pulling the rug from under his feet at that very moment.
"Are you sure?" I whispered skeptically.
"Yes," she insisted.
"You know the consequences, Julie," I said with a veiled threat.
"But I didn’t do anything!" she said, her voice filled with fear.
I cornered her with my body, listing her sins. "You stole the key... you entered Sarah’s room... you spied on me... is all this not enough for one punishment?"
"What are you going to do?" she asked, looking at my lips in terror.
I leaned toward her, unable to take it anymore. I missed her lips, their scent, tasting their sweetness once again. I was on the verge of kissing her when the door suddenly burst open and Olivia walked in! I pulled back immediately, sparks flying from my eyes. "I apologize... I didn’t know you were here, Mr. Robert," Olivia said with cold, fake remorse. "I’ll leave."
But Julie, in an unexpected move, rushed toward Olivia and grabbed her arm. "You’re finally here!" she said eagerly. "Don’t leave, I need you."
I looked at them in utter confusion. "You need her for what?" I asked Julie.
She looked at me boldly, pointing toward the door. "Women’s matters... can you leave us alone?"
"Fine," I said curtly.
I walked out of the room, rage boiling in my gut. Damn that wasted moment! I couldn’t kiss her, and that cursed Olivia ruined everything at the last second.

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