Chapter 12: I Won't Hurt You Next Time

Just when I thought he was going to walk away and leave me hanging, Arthur slipped an arm around my waist and flashed a slow, deliberate smile. "I might've gone a little rough last time. You feeling alright?" His voice was low, smooth as silk, and just loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. I blinked, stunned for a second. The way he said it, so casual and so intimate, made heat rush to my face. Was this man for real? "Um... better. Much better," I said, my voice cracking a little. I gave him the best awkward smile I could manage and kept my eyes glued to the floor. He leaned in close, his hand brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'll be more careful next time. Promise." Next time? My brain short-circuited. There wasn't going to be a next time. Absolutely not. I gave him my first time, and he was already talking about round two? I wanted to punch him. But in front of Julian and Monica, I had to keep up appearances. So I smiled like the happiest damn woman alive. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Julian watching us, jaw tight. There was something dark in his eyes, something that looked a lot like jealousy. Monica, clinging to his arm, looked like she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "You're telling me this guy is your boyfriend?" she said, voice high and sharp. Arthur looked better than Julian in every way. Sharper suit, cooler presence, more expensive everything. Even if she didn't know who he was, she could feel it. "What's wrong, Monica?" I said sweetly. "Regretting your life choices already?" Julian finally stepped forward, his face unreadable. "Mr. Sandlin." Arthur turned to him without letting go of my waist. "Mr. Shepherd," he said, calm as ever. "Big day for drama, huh?" Julian looked like he wanted to melt into the floor. "Just... personal stuff. Nothing to do with work." Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I didn't ask about work." Julian laughed awkwardly. "Right. Yeah. What brings you here today?" He was trying to change the subject. He looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. "Julian," Monica said sharply, stepping forward, "who is this guy really? There's no way Serena's dating him. I've never even heard her mention him before." She gestured at Arthur like she was accusing him of fraud. Her voice was filled with disbelief, but her eyes… those were all jealousy. I didn't blame her. Arthur made Julian look like the bargain bin version of a man. "Monica, enough," Julian muttered, tugging her arm. But she shook him off and kept staring. And I just stood there, tucked under Arthur's arm, smiling like I'd already won. Because honestly? In that moment, I had.