Chapter 41

Julian stepped up to Anna, eyes scanning her face for a moment before calmly reaching out to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His voice low and even, he asked, "You all just let her sleep here like this?" The young maid, clearly new, looked panicked under his gaze. She stammered, her English still laced with a faint accent, "Mrs. Blake said she wanted to wait here for you." She sneaked a glance at Julian, hesitated, then awkwardly tacked on, "She must really love you. You two seem... really sweet." Julian paused, fingers still resting near Anna's face. A faint smile curved his lips, but he didn't bother to correct her. Without a word, he leaned down, scooped Anna up into a bridal carry, and headed upstairs. He figured Anna probably just wasn't comfortable moving around on her own yet. As for loving him? That was a damn joke. Honestly, he was just thankful she wasn't cursing him out right now. The maid, clueless to the reality, was totally caught up in the moment. Everyone al