Kiss the Serpent's Fangs

Chapter 2 Trying to Seduce Him

Willow hadn't seen Julian for several days, but she wasn't in any rush. She knew that by allowing her to stay, Julian had silently acknowledged her role as his lover. Her job now was to play the part perfectly.

When he was around, she needed to keep him captivated, and when he was gone, she had to let go. Balance and discretion were the keys to staying by Julian's side for the long haul.

A week passed before Julian reappeared.

*****

Willow was reading in the second-floor bedroom when she heard the sound of movement downstairs. She stepped onto the balcony and saw Julian getting out of his car.

Their eyes met, and Willow offered a delighted wave before retreating into the room.

Julian expected her to come downstairs to greet him, but when she didn't, he made his way up to the second floor himself.

Pushing open the bedroom door, he found the space empty. Then, a voice from behind caught his attention.

"Looking for me, Mr. Lennox?"

Julian turned to see Willow standing there, no longer in the simple sleepwear he had glimpsed earlier on the balcony. Instead, she was dressed in a delicate white dress, clearly chosen with care.

Willow met his gaze and slowly approached, draping her arms around his neck. Leaning in close to his ear, she whispered, "Do you like it?"

Julian's eyes darkened with intrigue. His tone turned teasing. "Are you trying to seduce me?"

Willow chuckled. "Of course. You've been gone so long—I thought I'd help you remember what you've been missing."

"Label Mint?" Julian asked, his eyes flickering to her dress.

"Good eye," she said, smiling. "I had Rosalind pick it up for me. Do you like it?"

Julian nodded. "It's one of my brands. I'll have more sent over."

With that, he swept her up into his arms and carried her into the bathroom.

The white dress clung to her in the shower, turning translucent under the water.

Barefoot and drenched, Willow wrapped her arms around Julian's neck as they both slipped into the bathtub.

"You like water, Mr. Lennox?"

Julian's voice was rough, his breath warm against her ear. "I do now. Sweetie, you're full of surprises, and I like that."

*****

Julian didn't carry Willow back to the bed until late into the night. Half-asleep, she felt herself being gently placed down.

As his breathing evened out beside her, Willow opened her eyes, staring at the man lying next to her.

For a fleeting moment, the thought of taking Julian down surged through her. But she quickly dismissed it.

She wasn't ready—not yet. Julian's power stretched far beyond this room, and killing him now would be a death sentence for herself.

'Patience,' she reminded herself. 'You will pay for what you did to my family, Julian Lennox. I swear it.'

*****

The next morning, Julian woke Willow by lifting her effortlessly from the bed. Her mind cleared instantly as she adopted an innocent, sleepy expression, rubbing her eyes. "It's so early..."

Willow knew Julian too well. While he enjoyed her boldness in bed, outside of it, he favored the image of a gentle, sweet, and unassuming woman.

Julian, carrying her toward the bathroom, remained composed. "Get ready. Breakfast is downstairs." He didn't let her feet touch the ground the entire way.

Willow was momentarily stunned but quickly adjusted, falling back into her role as a lovestruck woman.

Julian was still intrigued by Willow—or rather, he was quite satisfied with her as a lover for the time being.

As long as she knew her place and didn't cause any trouble, he didn't mind indulging her a little more.

At breakfast, Julian suddenly recalled her candid remark on the first day—that she wanted money. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a card and handed it to her. "Five million. No password. Stay here. Rosalind will handle anything you need, and Ronan will drive you if you go out."

Willow accepted the card with a radiant smile. "Thank you, Mr. Lennox!"

*****

After breakfast, Julian left for work.

Willow knew he'd be preoccupied with the North District project, but she also sensed he wouldn't stay away for long.

At the office, Sebastian entered Julian's office with a cautious expression.

"There's been no movement from Theo Beaumont lately. I think he's planning something big—probably payback for how we blindsided him on the North District deal."

Julian frowned. "Handle it. I'm heading to Zephyros for a few days. Watch the company while I'm gone, and be careful."

"You got it. Trust me."

*****

That night, Willow woke abruptly, her instincts on high alert. A faint sound came from the balcony. Her years surviving the chaos of the borderlands told her someone was there.

To avoid raising Julian's suspicions, Willow didn't keep a gun nearby, but she had tucked a small fruit knife under her pillow as a precaution.

Quietly, she reached for the knife hidden under her pillow. Keeping her voice low, she called out, "Come out!"

Holding the knife in a throwing position, she watched the shadows for movement, ready to strike.

"Ms. Drayton," a voice drawled from the darkness. "It's been a while. Don't tell me you've forgotten me."

Willow's grip on the knife tightened, recognition dawning. "Theo Beaumont?" The familiar voice pulled her toward the balcony, her knife raised defensively as she approached the source of the sound.