She Was Never Just the Billionaire’s Wife (Natasha and Chase) novel Chapter 203

(Julian)

I have started showing up once a week.

Not exactly invited, but Natasha hasn’t refused me entry yet.

Or asked me to stop coming by.

It helps that I’m not making any moves of a sexual nature.

Let’s be clear, if she initiated anything I’d be naked and doing cartwheels in a heartbeat, but that’s not happening, so my bits are safe from dangling upside down.

"Julian."

"Darling."

"What's this?"

"A flat white with the abomination you like to add to it."

"Honey."

"Yes. Disgusting."

She lets me in.

Lily is on her stomach on the living room rug, head up, gnawing on a yellow plastic ring.

She looks at me without interest.

I have done nothing entertaining to earn her interest yet and I respect her for withholding it.

Natasha takes the coffee and leads the way to the lounge. I follow enjoying the view from behind.

"How's it going with the garage? Day three today, isn’t it?"

"Three minutes today. Without Nathaniel in the car."

"Darling, that's wonderful!"

"It's three minutes, calm down."

"That's still good. Drink your disgusting coffee and let me celebrate your wins."

She pushes her hair off her face and takes a sip of her coffee.

She still looks worn down.

The skin under her eyes is bruise-colored and she hasn't bothered to hide it.

Before Jeffrey fucking Bauer she would have made an attempt to conceal it.

I wonder how much she’s sleeping.

This time when I hear a key in the door, I know to expect Chase.

He barely reacts when he sees me. It’s quite impressive.

"Julian."

"Chase."

I can also play at being a broody, silent macho man if I want.

"I brought you some chicken curry. Just wanted to drop it off. I’ll leave you to it."

“Stay. You always bring me a family pan of food, I can’t eat it all on my own. And I’m sure Julian would love to catch up with you.”

Impudent wench.

Chase looks at her uncertainly, then sits.

Something is up here. Chase Warren doesn’t do uncertain.

I'd quite like to know what's just happened. I keep myself from asking.

Good job, Julian. Great character growth.

I try to think of something to say.

Chase is a man who fills silence with leaving. I am, against my entire personality, trying to keep him here.

"Therapy yesterday?" I ask.

Natasha nods.

"How's that going?"

"It's going."

"That's not an answer."

"You're not getting a better one, Julian."

Even I can take that hint.

"Eleanor's invited me to dinner Sunday," I tell Chase.

He looks up, startled by this news.

"Has she?"

The why is unspoken, but very much heard. "She mentioned you'd be there."

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