Chapter 10: Chastity and Chambers

Elsida wakes up with a loud gasp, she clutches her nightdress at the sides as she breathes heavily feeling the onslaught of a panic attack.

She sprints from her bed to the bathroom and turns on the shower immediately in an attempt to clear her mind.

Her breath comes out in heavy puffs as the hot water scorches her skin, she stays like that until her breathing calms.

Stepping out of the shower she wrapped a towel around herself, staring at her rattled reflection.

It seemed as though even in her dreams, she couldn't run away from Julien although she had to admit, the dream was a rude awakening her tumultuous feelings needed.

♡♡♡

JULIEN

“I’m glad of how you’ve handled the ‘exquisite chateau’ launch so far,” Armand Benoit said as he sipped his coffee.

“I would not have put so much effort if I knew you were coming to make a power move” Julien snarked.

Julien was deeply aggravated at his Father, the man could not catch a break, he handed over his Empire to Julien a long time ago but he always found ways to infiltrate any and every business endeavor.

For the hundredth time, he considered handing over the Empire back to Armand.

Armand cleared his throat deeply and snarled at his son. “As long as I'm alive, I will continue to oversee every aspect of the Empire, someone has to keep you in check.”

Julien’s fists clenched and his teacup fell to the floor, clattering to pieces.

“Well if that’s what you think, Maybe you should take over-”

“Am I interrupting something?” Elsida mumbled as she started retreating.

“Not at all Elsida, this is your home please join us,” Armand Benoit said with faked enthusiasm.

Reluctantly, Elsida walked back to the table and took a seat, avoiding Julien’s lingering gaze, she picked up a bagel and started to pick at it.

The moment Elsida announced her presence, Julien’s eyes trailed her every move like a hawk.

His eyes settled on her lips till she looked up at him and he placed her with a scathing glare.

He watched as she quickly went back to picking at her bagel.

How was it possible to loathe someone so much but want to feel their lips on you again?

He knew he’d be a fool to give in to his instincts so, he continued to glare daggers at her.

“Some flowers arrived for you Madam,” The maid said as she walked towards the dining room with a large bouquet of Lillies.

Julien watched as Elsida’s face lit up when she was handed the flowers, “Anne” Elsida rasped with a chuckle as she read the note that came with it.

Julien stood up abruptly leaving his Wife and Father to dine in peace.

♡♡♡

“Whiskey neat please” Julien rasped to the server.

“Yes sir,” the server said, leaving the chamber to get to his drink.

Julien had lost all sense of focus. Somehow, he had lost his sense of focus.

He spent three minutes at the office and stalked out, a grumbling mess.

Now, he was seated in a freaking private club watching women grind themselves in an attempt to eradicate all thoughts of Elsida.

It wasn’t working.

“How shall I serve you sir?” A fiery red haired woman said as she strolled towards him.

“You can start here” he murmured as he gripped the back of head, bringing her eye level to his zipper.

♡♡♡

ELSIDA

Elsida let out an excited breath as she entered a waiting BMW, and seated next to Anne.

“Well don’t you look lovely darling” Anne murmured, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Elsida let out a hearty laugh, she looked and felt good. When she received Anne’s flowers and her invitation to wear something sexy, she made up her mind that she was going to cut herself some slack and have the time of her life.

Albeit, she had no clue where they were headed to.

“Can you tell me where we’re going now?” Elsida asked cheekily.

“Oh you know, just the most exclusive private club in Milan” Anne drawled as she wrapped her arms around Elsida’s shoulders.

“Nooo….”

“Yes!” Anne cried.

“We’ll have the best time I promise and we won't drink too much!”

Elsida looked at her and Anne read her uneasiness, she couldn't remember the last time she went to a club.

“Live a little” Anne murmured, squeezing her shoulders gently.

The club was nothing like Elsida expected, as they entered a private chamber, she couldn't help but take in the private red cubicles, designed to fit two people comfortably.

Women danced around men languidly in the cubicles as they made their way to the bar area.

“You’re full of surprises Anne”

“Come on, this is nothing!” Anne mumbled as they settled on their stools situated next to the bar.

“We’ll have two shots of tequila to start” Anne rasped as she ogled the bartender. Elsida eyed her warily but her breath got caught in her throat as she noticed Julien coming out of a cubicle.

Their eyes locked for a fleeting second and she looked away, her heart fighting for freedom from her ribcage.

She downed her shot in one go causing Anne to smirk proudly at her.

“Yes girl” Anne whopped as they ordered more rounds.

A shot turned into three or four, Elsida had lost count as she stumbled into the bathroom, she dabbed her face with some water as and made up her mind that she was done for the night before she came out.

“What are you doing here El” Julien drawled.

Elsida stopped in her tracks and turned to face him slowly, anger and lust surging through her.

“I can go where I want to Julien”

“I didn’t know clubs were your thing” Julien drawled leaning leisurely against the wall opposite the bathroom.

“That’s none of your business is it?”

“You’re my Wife, it is my business.”

“You’re pathetic” Elsida scoffed as she walked away from him.

“And you’re avoiding me” Julien murmured as he pulled Elsida towards him eliciting a startled gasp from her.

“Why are you avoiding me El, don’t tell me you were affected by the kiss” he murmured as he gripped her chin, forcing her to look at him.

“I hate you” she rasped her gaze burning with ferocity.

“As you should” Julien retorted offhandedly.

“Let go of me Julien,” Elsida said as her heart thumped wildly anticipating his next move.

He leaned on her neck, letting out ragged breaths,” Have it your way then” he murmured before vanishing into thin air and leaving Elsida a trembling mess.

As her heart rate slowed, She schooled her face into what she hoped was calm before she made her way back to the chamber.

“Hello Mia Cara” a raspy voice murmured as two large hands grasped her waist tightly.