Wanted by the Billionaire and the prince

JULIAN TAKES HOLLAND

The tension in the air could be turned into a grenade. There was sexual tension, angry tension, anxiety, hurt, defiance, withdrawal, jealousy, desperation, vengeance all floating in the air between me and Julian.

He had been rude to me, too, at the restaurant yesterday. Only Damien had looked out for me. I was supposed to be hurt, too! Right? But I could see in Julian’s eyes that he did not know why I should be broken, nor would he acknowledge his fault.

If he was so serious about me, perhaps he should have spoken to me better on Saturday and not driven me away because I dared to question Aaron. He should not have stood me up, either.

“Look, Julian! I know you are mad at me, but it doesn’t have to affect Holland. You don’t have to withdraw her from this school just because of me. I don’t mean to sound so important, but Holland still needs me. I know you to be a good father, Julian. Don’t change that because you are mad at me.” I spoke softly because Holland’s well-being meant more to me than being right.

“Who said anything about withdrawing her?” Julian asked, a note of irritation in his voice. “I know she still needs you, and that’s what I’m about to find the solution to. By the time I’m done, Holland will not need you anymore, Samantha.” Julian said, his eyes boring into mine with intense rage.

“That’s too petty..”

“Petty, you say?” He scoffs. “How about the fact that we were having sex today, and the next, I find you with another man? And you dared to imply before him that I had no reason to be mad. How about that?”

“Did you ask me to be your girlfriend? Let’s start from there. You asked for a nanny, and you wouldn’t even trust me to do my job the way I wanted. How was I supposed to know you wanted exclusivity!” I almost yell out in frustration. “How many times do I also need to tell you that my date with Julian was just a casual hangout, which he begged me for!”

I looked back to check on my students and saw them all playing.

I was so upset now my hands were shaking.

“And I had asked Aaron to step back because of you. The truth is that Jacob is my ex-fiance’s nephew and the only tie Holland has to her mother. That’s the truth. That’s why Holland cares for him.”

“Oh,” I said in sudden realization.

“Why not let Holland see her mother then? That could help?”

“Because she doesn’t want to see her! My fiance has cut all ties with me!” Julian shot back, his tone clipped.

I thought back to a lot of questions that I’ve had. Could this be the answer to all of them? I still had the picture of the woman saved on my phone. A woman, I need to know who the hell she was and why Holland drew Candles on her frame.

“I’m going to try to get my daughter to reconnect with someone else who isn’t you. So you can be out of our life for good.” Julian said, and for the first time, I heard the hurt past the venom.

I bit my lips and forced myself to look into his eyes, and I saw it, too. His grey eyes mirrored his disappointment, and he looked like he hadn’t taken care of himself in a while. However, he was still undoubtedly very handsome.

My heart ached as I finally accepted that I was the only one to blame for this drama.

“Julian, I’m sorry okay….” I started to say, but he cut me off almost immediately.

“Sorry cannot cut it. When I saw you, my heart broke into a million tiny pieces. And you made me embarrass myself in front of a very important client. I just hope I don’t lose a half-a-billion dollar contract I’ve been fighting for for years because of you.”

I started moving back and forth in nervousness, not knowing what to say or do. If to continue to look at him or not.

“What can I say to make this better? What can I do?”

“Nothing! You…”

His voice trailed off when Holland ran to him. “Teacher Samantha. I’m done packing my bags.” Holland said, holding her pink Barbie bag.

“Come, baby.” Julian gestured to her with his hands. She hugged him, and he lifted her to his waist. “Say goodbye to your teacher. We will be spending the week in a whole new place, okay?”

What does he mean by that? I wanted to ask, but I knew he wouldn’t answer. I’ll just have to find out myself.

Holland waved at me with a smile. “Bye, Teacher Samantha.”

I just realized how much I would miss her. I can’t be away from her for a whole week.

“Did you get permission from the principal?” I asked Julian just as he was about to turn and leave. “If you didn’t, I can’t let you take her.” I confined.

“Yes, I did.”

“Goodbye.” He added.

I nodded as I helplessly watched him take Holland away.

Immediately, he was out of sight; I took out my phone from my pocket and texted my brother.

Elijah, please, I need a Favour from you.

What is it?

Elijah replied almost immediately.

I need you to trail someone.

I walked back to the centre of the field to continue from where I had stopped before Julian interrupted me. I didn’t want my other students to feel left out.

As I instructed them on what to do, I waited patiently for Elijah’s reply. My brother could be prom and proper like my mother, so I was anxious to know if he would accept to do me this very unethical favour.

My phone beeped, and I took it out of my pocket immediately.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

Who?

Does this mean he’s ready to do this for me?

Julian. I want to know where he’s taking Holland to.

Okay. I’ll get back to you. I hope I do not get in trouble for this, Samantha.

I bit my lips, knowing we might both get into trouble for this. But I was willing to take the risk.