Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 233

**When The Ocean Learned My Name and Whispered It Back to You by Aurelia Novel 233**

**Chapter 233**

Julian moved through the apartment with an air of nonchalance, as if nothing was amiss, casually making use of her belongings with an ease that belied the tension simmering beneath the surface.

Perhaps it was the years they had spent growing up side by side, but their reflections in the mirror seemed to dance in perfect harmony as they prepared for the day. They moved with a grace that suggested a deep, unspoken connection—two souls intertwined in a way that felt almost intimate, like lovers who had shared countless moments of vulnerability and understanding.

The realization struck Sydney like a jolt of electricity, sending a flutter through her heart.

After a brief pause, they made their way back to Julian’s apartment, each following the other in a silent procession that felt both ordinary and charged with unspoken possibilities.

Being acutely aware of his fastidious nature, Sydney slipped into a fresh pair of slippers as soon as she crossed the threshold. However, before she could fully settle in, she felt the warmth of his strong arms encircle her waist from behind, a sensation that sent her heart racing.

As she turned to face him, she was met with a kiss that was both fervent and demanding, leaving no room for hesitation or retreat. The moment was so consuming that she didn’t even have the chance to protest or push him away.

When his hand slipped beneath the hem of her nightdress, she felt a flicker of surprise and instinctively flinched. Yet, instead of resisting, she allowed his fingers to explore, caught in a whirlwind of emotions that left her breathless.

In one fluid motion, he lifted her, and her legs instinctively wrapped around his lean, muscular waist as he carried her toward the master bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed, the soft fabric of the sheets contrasting with the heat radiating from her cheeks as her camisole strap slid down her shoulder. The embarrassment surged within her, and she dared not meet his gaze, feeling exposed and vulnerable.

With a gentle yet firm touch, he tilted her chin upward, his eyes locking onto hers as he captured her lips in another searing kiss that ignited a fire within her.

In that moment, Sydney thought to herself, “This is it. There’s no turning back now.”

But instead of pursuing further, Julian reached for the blanket, wrapping her snugly like a delicate cocoon before pulling her into his embrace. As he held her close, he met her wide, bewildered eyes and murmured softly against her temple, “Sleep.”

Her hair, dark and silken, fanned out across the pillow as her eyes glistened with unshed tears, giving her an aura of heartbreaking tenderness.

“Sleep?” she echoed, disbelief coloring her tone.

The arm encircling her trembled subtly, the muscles in his forearm taut with restraint.

“Don’t want to?” he asked, his voice rough around the edges, betraying the struggle within him.

“Yes, I want to sleep,” she replied, a mix of relief and confusion washing over her.

She had braced herself for something more, expecting him to take the plunge, but if he chose to stop here, she found solace in that too.

Elliot rolled his eyes so hard it felt as if they might get stuck. ‘Idiot.’ It was painfully obvious that Peter missed the indulgent tone in Julian’s voice. Separate beds? Julian would sooner separate Peter’s head from his body than entertain that thought.

As they made their way to the airport, Julian glanced at the time and decided to make a call. The world outside was still cloaked in darkness, yet Agatha picked up the phone almost immediately.

“Didn’t you say you have a girlfriend now? Why are you calling me at this ungodly hour?” she asked, her tone a mix of annoyance and concern.

Julian let out a soft chuckle, his mood lightening. “So now that I have a girlfriend, I’m not allowed to call you?”

“That’s not the issue,” Agatha sighed, her exasperation tinged with a fondness that only a close friend could convey. “It’s just that calling this early might wake her up. What if she thinks you’re inconsiderate and decides to dump you?”

Julian pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to suppress a smile. “Why are you so eager to make sure I don’t stay single?”

“Someone has to keep an eye on you. Now, spit it out. What’s on your mind?”

“Before, you wanted to introduce me to a young doctor. What was her name again?”

Julian wasted no time with pleasantries, diving straight into the heart of the matter.