I looked at him coldly.
"Listen carefully, Derek.
"We're long done.
"Whom I marry and whose child I have are none of your business."
His face darkened.
"Stop pretending to be so tough, Natalie.
"You used to love me more than anything.
"Feelings like that don't just disappear."
He turned to Julian, hostility filling his eyes.
"Mr. Cross, I don't know what kind of deal Natalie offered to make you play along.
"But this is ultimately between her and me.
"She is my woman."
Julian's gaze turned icy. Without warning, he lowered his head and placed one hand behind my neck.
Before I could react, his lips were on mine.
He looked at Derek over my shoulder, his expression unmistakably possessive.
"Do you need more proof?"
Derek froze, his pupils contracting.
My entire body went rigid.
