My Husband Wants An Open Marriage (Julie and Ryan)
Open Billionaire 46

ER 046: On Your Side

CHAPTER 046: On Your Side

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When they disappear down the hall, the echo of Javier's laughter fades, leaving a silence that feels deeper, more profound. It's as if all the energy he brought into the room has vanished, replaced by an air thick with everything left unsaid between Luke and me. Luke reaches across the table, his hand hovering just a second before it lands on mine. "Julie," he says. "I just want you to be okay."

For a moment, I let his touch calm me, but the anger still simmers beneath my skin. I pull my hand away, looking him straight in the eyes.

"If you really wanted me to be okay, you wouldn't make decisions for me," I say. "I don't need protection, Luke. I need honesty. I need you on my side."

"I am on your side, Julie. More than you realize. And as much as you keep saying I made this decision for you, it doesn't make it the truth. I told Adeline to talk to you about it. And if you agree, then I'm in. That's why I didn't say anything before now. I wanted her to reach out first, see if she's serious. Don't you want peace? Don't you want to be happy with me?"

I stare at him, feeling the tension ease under his gaze, but only slightly. My mind is a jumble of thoughts, the conflicting urges to trust him, to believe him, and to demand more. And then, like the release of a clenched fist, I feel myself relax, a smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.

"Do I want peace?" I say. "I'd love it more than anything. But as long as these people are involved, peace is just this... distant, mythical thing. It's like trying to sleep with sirens wailing right next to your bed. And yes, Adeline called me a couple of minutes ago." "She did?"

"Mmhmm."

He leans back, still watching me like I'm some mystery he can't wait to solve. "Did you... talk to her?"

"Technically, yes. Technically, I also just... bounced it." I shrug. "One of the most satisfying moments of my day, to be honest."

Luke laughs, a warm, rich sound that seems to vibrate straight into my chest. "Now that sounds like the Julie I know," he says. "Did you at least give her some colorful words before cutting her off?"

"Nah, I saved those for you," I say, smirking. But my voice softens, and I add, "Look, Iwant peace, Luke. I want that with every fiber of my being. But if they're still pulling the strings, it's never going to happen. Javier was right all along." "Right about what?"

"He told me I'd just end up dragging you into my mess. I look down, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. I don't want him caught up in my world of deception and manipulation.

Luke reaches out, tilting my chin up so I'm looking into those intense brown eyes. "Hey. I'm willingly stepping into this mess. It's not like you tricked me into it. I'm here because I want to be. You're worth it."

"Oh, so you're agreeing there's a mess?"

He leans in, his face so close I can feel his breath. "Sure. But you're my kind of mess, Julie."

1/3

CHAPTER 046. On Your Side

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My face flushes, and I roll my eyes. "Stop saying these things."

"What things?"

"These... things that mess with my head." I look away, trying to suppress the smile forming, but it's useless. He knows what he's doing.

"So the voodoo's working, then?" he murmurs, leaning even closer, his voice a low whisper that sends a shiver down my spine.

"Shut up."

"There's only one way to shut me up, Julie."

I don't have a chance to respond before his lips replace mine, warm and soft, and the frustration and anger fade into something sweeter, something that makes my heart race and my mind blank. His hands are in my hair, his touch firm and sure, and it feels like every worry I've had tonight is melting away, one kiss at a

time.

He pulls away, resting his forehead against mine, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Still want me to shut up? I could do that right here."

I laugh, but I can't hide the blush in my cheeks. "I do. But I'm afraid Javier or Denise are going to walk out

at any moment.

"Want me to get rid of him?"

"Oh, I could never." I smile. "I like Javier. He makes me laugh."

Without warning, Luke hoists me over his shoulder, and starts carrying me up the stairs. "Guess I'll just have to take you somewhere no one can walk in on us."

"Luke!" I yelp, half-laughing, half-scolding, pounding my fists against his back. "Put me down! This is

ridiculous!"

"Oh, really? So you want me to take you back downstairs?" he asks with mock seriousness, spinning around as if he's about to turn back down the stairs.

"Don't you dare!" I gasp, gripping his shirt as the motion makes me dizzy. But secretly, I love the playful side of him, the way he doesn't care if we're being loud or if we look like a scene out of some bad

romance movie.

Finally, we reach my bedroom, and he sets me down, brushing a stray hair away from my face. For a moment, I let his touch calm me, let it wash over me like cool water on a hot day. But deep down, I want to be lit on fire by him.

I pull away, looking him in the eyes, feeling the courage I'd lost earlier. "I think now's the right moment for that shutting up thing."

Luke smiles, and the next second, his hand is in my hair as he kisses me.

His lips are rough and demanding, and I can feel the stubble on his cheeks scraping against my skin. I gasp, and his tongue pushes into my mouth, exploring every inch of it. I moan, and he deepens the kiss, hands moving down to my shoulders, then my arms, pulling me closer. Then he tears his mouth away from mine, leaving me breathless.

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"You've been driving me crazy all right he grows is yes rating with a wild intensity. "I've been wanting to tear this dress off you since your cameras Hie hande move to the top of my dress, and he yanks it two with a harsh rip. The fabric splits and feat the cool air on my skin as it falls to

the floor

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