The Heart of a Monster

ehind him.

”My deal is for you to stay here for the next fifty days. In those days, not just climb the social ladder, if you want to burn it down, I will help you. ”

Eliana swallowed. ”Why are you doing this? ”

”Mostly because I can. And partly because I want to. Before you agree, have a dance with me. ” Julian said, the same unnerving smile plastered on his face like he had taken an oath to keep it there.

He gave her his hand, and Cole watched, his eyes wide.

”Eliana. ” Cole whispered, against his own wishes.

Julians smile grew wider as he drew closer, and returned his hand to its former position. ”Are you the kind of woman who would pass a good opportunity for a spineless man? ” He turned slightly, so their eyes met.

There was resistance in her eyes. More resistance in her heart and even more in her head.

This man felt like a bad omen. Like bad news. He felt like someone who would get what he wants when he wants it. He was a man she should stay away from.

She turned to Cole again, his hand was still protectively around his other woman and she swallowed, then blinked her tears back.

”Fifty days? Why fifty? ”

Julian smiled. ”Because on the fiftieth night…that is when the stars will align. It will be one beautiful sight, you see. ”

Eliana took in another deep breath. ”And then? What if I live with you? What happens after that? ”

”That is…completely for you to decide. ” He leaned away from her, raising his head. ”Whatever you want. ”

Caroline studied him. She knew how much he had waited and it was crazy how it had come right to him. Wearing a maids uniform and a very weak resolve.

”I accept. ” She said. Maybe Lucas was right about her. She wanted everything this man was offering. To climb the ladders Coles father has climbed and burn it to the ground. The respect this mans words accorded him. She wanted it all.

Maybe she always had this gold digger inside her. Maybe both Lucas and Julian were just not blind to it.

It had been different with Cole for sure, but as she reached a decision, she knew it was the selfish part of her deciding.

She slowly nodded. ”I accept. Both your offer…and the dance. ”

Julian was not surprised. He saw it in her. No one with that piece would be completely pure, and he hadn expected her to be.

He slowly gave her his hand again, and she turned to Cole. With her eyes fixed on him, she gave her hand, slowly to Julian.

It felt like a change of blood when Julian held her hand, and Caroline did not miss how much darker his hair got.

She had watched him go from having dark brown hair to jet black, and she wondered if he could get any stronger.

”You made the right choice, Eliana. You can look forward to the next fifty days. ”

She bit down on her lip, then looked up at him. ”I intend to. ”