Once a Doormat, Now Untouchable

That one line crushed Sydney's dignity underfoot . In truth , she would not yield . If pushed far enough , she might crawl back to Caleb or Adeline . If she drained herself dry , she could still find a way to shield Tiffany . But now , staring into Julian's fathomless eyes , her stubborn streak flared . She would not lower her head , Sydney let out a bitter chuckle . " Maybe Caleb . Or maybe Victor ? Or if some old man takes a liking to me , I'd agree to that too . " The bathroom door slammed open , crashing against the wall and cutting her words off .

Julian strode in , scooped her up , and carried her to the living room sofa . Then he turned back , fetched a soft towel from the bathroom , and returned . His expression remained blank , but cold waves of displeasure radiated off him . Sydney shrank back instinctively . He sat anyway , caught both her ankles in one hand , and laid her feet across his knee . Wrapping the towel around them , he dabbed away the water with deliberate , steady strokes . His long , well -boned fingers moved over her skin with an unexpected , almost beautiful precision .

, he set the towel aside and glanced at her , unhurried . " Your period's over ? " Her whole body stiffened . She had not expected him to cut to the point so quickly . She shook her head and replied in a rush , " Not yet . " At her

lap , and added coolly , " Cover up . " She could not hold back . " And Tiffany ? " " Sleep . " Without waiting for her reaction , he stepped onto the balcony with his phone and slid the soundproof door shut behind him . That was his answer . Sydney's chest finally eased as she watched his tall , straight figure silhouetted against the dawn . She clutched the warm cup , drank in gulps , and

him as capable of anything . Even so , worry gnawed at her dreams . Her sleep was shallow and fitful . Barely two hours later , she stirred awake . The blanket against her cheek smelled of sandalwood . The familiarity made her frown before her eyes even 121 1/2 opened .