Chapter 247:

Julie’s POV

The air between us was thick with tension, and I knew Carlos was gearing up for an interrogation. "I just wanted to go out for a while," I said, trying to soften the blow.

"Is that so?" he replied with a mocking sneer, looking away.

"It was a disguise so no one would recognize me," I added, pointing to my clothes.

He stopped in his tracks and turned to me with suppressed rage. "You know you were just kidnapped, yet you go out again?"

"That’s exactly why I dressed like this!" I defended myself.

He slammed his hands together. "And that’s exactly why you got into trouble again!" he shouted.

"Stop it," I sighed in frustration. "You’re making me regret asking for your help." 𝕗𝚛𝚎𝚎𝐰𝗲𝗯𝗻𝚘𝚟𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝕞

His gaze shifted to Max, who was standing silently behind me. "Who are you?" he asked sharply.

"He’s a guard at the club," I answered quickly before Max could speak.

Carlos narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "And what are you doing with him?"

"I went out with him! What is this, an interrogation?" I snapped, losing my patience.

He looked at Max coldly and gave an order that brokered no argument. "Go back to the club."

As Max turned to leave, I tried to follow him. "Max, wait! I’m coming with you!"

Suddenly, Carlos’s powerful fingers clamped around my arm, yanking me back. "You’re coming with me," he said sternly.

Max left, leaving me alone with him. I wrenched my arm away angrily. "Why should I go with you?"

He stepped close until our faces were inches apart, his voice a low, sharp hiss. "Do you realize what you just did in there, Julie?"

"What?" I stammered.

"You told him in there that you were my girlfriend!" he said with a mix of shock and agitation.

"It was just a lie so he’d let me go," I replied with faked nonchalance.

He punched the frame of the car. "That lie will spread like poison, Julie! Everyone will know now that Carlos Mendoza has a girlfriend."

"So what?" I asked coldly.

He grabbed my shoulders and shook me gently, his voice rising. "Do you have any idea the level of danger you’ve put yourself in?"

"Fine, Carlos, enough!" I shouted, turning my face away. "I don’t want any more lectures."

He took a deep breath, seemingly trying to curb his anger. He pointed to the car. "Get in."

I got in, and he took the wheel, driving off at a speed that made his knuckles turn white from gripping the steering wheel so hard. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye. "Why didn’t you say you were Robert’s girlfriend?"

I swallowed hard, staring out the window. "Robert is injured. Also... he’d be furious if he knew I left the club."

"He’d be furious?" Carlos barked, hitting the brakes sharply at a red light. "Yes, well, I’m furious too because of what you did!"

I didn’t answer. I chose total silence to end this futile argument, watching the city lights reflect off the glass. When we finally reached the club, he asked suddenly in a strange tone, "Do you love him?"

"What?" I turned to him, stunned.

"Robert," he repeated coldly, keeping his eyes on the steering wheel.

"Why are you asking that?" I asked, trying to hide my nervousness.

"Answer me," he demanded.

I lowered my head and whispered, "Yes."

He nodded curtly. "Fine. Get out."

"Thank you for saving me, Carlos," I said sincerely as I opened the door.

"Don’t mention it," he replied without looking at me.

"Goodnight."

I hurried into the club, headed straight for my room, and stripped off Max’s annoying clothes in frustration. I took a shower, hoping the cool water would wash away the night’s tension, then collapsed onto my bed and fell asleep instantly.

The next morning, I woke up to find breakfast waiting. I ate quickly and put on jeans and a simple top. I headed toward Robert’s room; no, I wouldn’t tell him "I love you," but I couldn’t stop loving him. I was just going to check on him.

I opened the door and walked in. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, wearing a full blue suit. He looked powerful, as if he hadn’t been shot at all. Axel ran toward me, and I stroked his face affectionately. "Good morning," I said quietly.

"Good morning," he replied in that deep, masculine voice.

"You look like you’re doing well," I noted, scanning him.

"I am."

"Are you in pain?" I asked worriedly.

"No," he said flatly.

Damn! He looked so handsome. I felt a powerful urge to kiss him, but I restrained myself. No, I wouldn’t. I’d make him beg first.

"Come here, Julie," he said suddenly, gesturing with his hand. "Come closer."

I took slow, cautious steps. "What?"

In a flash, he grabbed my arm and pulled me into his lap. I suddenly found myself sitting on his thigh, feeling how tiny my body was compared to his massive frame and rock-hard muscles.

"Are you angry with me?" he asked, looking into my eyes.

"No," I said, trying to stay composed.

He placed his large hand on my waist, pulling me against him with possessive force. "Well, I’m angry."

"Angry?" I raised an eyebrow.

Suddenly, his hand moved to grip my breast, squeezing it ruthlessly. I let out a gasp of pain and surprise. I tried to push away, but he held me like a shackle. "Angry because you’re avoiding me," he growled.

"Let me go, Robert," I said, resisting the tremor in my body.

My tongue said let go, but my body was betraying me, wanting him desperately. He trailed his fingers slowly down my neck, and I involuntarily tilted my head back a silent signal that I was ready for his kiss. He pressed his lips to my neck, and my entire body shuddered.

What’s wrong with you, Julie? Didn’t you plan to make him beg? Didn’t you plan to make him say ’I love you’ first?

"Robert..." I whispered, my voice breaking.

"What did I tell you to call me?" he asked, his face still buried in my neck.

"Robert, let me go," I said, trying to find my strength.

"Wrong answer," he whispered menacingly.

Suddenly, he slid his hand under my top and pinched my nipple hard. "You aren’t wearing a bra," he noted.

I pushed against his chest with all my might. "What is wrong with you, Robert? I said let me go!"

He squeezed my nipple even harder, making me stifle a cry. He looked me in the eye defiantly. "When you say my name correctly... I’ll let you go."