Page 51 of The Strength Of A Woman

Just like me.

I don’t know what his father did to him or to his mother before he married my mother, but something happened in that family.

Just because Everett York wasn’t a strong man didn’t make him less dangerous.

Weak people are just as effective in inflicting damage on other people as strong ones are, and they’re often more driven.

So Julian isn't the source to rely on, but what he said just made sense to me. This is more about my gut than his words.

“Julian York.”

He purses his lips, his eyes promptly moving away from me. I’m staring at his back while he pours himself a drink.

“Do you want some?” he eventually asks as he sets his glass of wine down and glances over his shoulder.

His expression is clear of any clues.

“No. I can’t drink right now.”

He studies me for a second before shifting his eyes away from me and taking his first sip with his back turned to me.

Calmly, he pivots to me.

Honestly, this is not what I expected from him.

I thought he'd find the news useful and maybe provide me with some additional information.

Not to mention the fact that he might give me some guidance on what to do next.

“You’re nervous,” he says, tilting his gaze down, a barely there smile arching his lips.

“Wouldn’t you be? Do you know this man?”

He takes another sip of wine, and I’d love to taste the ruby drink on his lips.

“Sadly, I do.”

“Is it good? Bad? How is it?”

I become frantic by the second.

His eyes finally lock with mine, and the darkest shade of sternness colors his gaze.

“It’s unexpected. And yes, it’s bad for you and…me.”

My eyes widen in surprise.

“What do you mean?”

He dismisses me casually with a flick of his hand, his eyes trailing down.

“How did it all come about? Your conversation with Julian York about your future husband?”

My cheeks burn as if engulfed in flames, my long silence disturbing and suspicious.

“Lani?”

That beautiful husky voice calling my name like that. It’s a dream come true.