The Temporary Boyfriend

Chapter 36: You are driving me crazy

"Sorry, the number you have dialed is not reachable. Please try again later."

​Eleanor frowned, pulling her phone away from her ear. She tried the number again, but the same robotic voice gave her the same response.

​"Catalina, I am certain there is a perfectly good explanation for this," Eleanor said forcing a calm expression, though her mind was racing. "It is obviously about business. Now tell me, how would you like to stay here for a while? We should spend some time together."

​Catalina smiled, clearly pleased. She knew she had just gained a powerful position in the house.

"I would be honored to stay, Eleanor."

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​"I can’t wear this," Lyvana said picking up a high cut cream bikini. "It’s too revealing."

​"Um, it’s a swimsuit, Lyvana," Emily said fishing through the pile to find one for herself. "It’s supposed to be revealing. That’s generally how they work."

"Ha ha," Lyvana said, eyeing her.

Once she finally put it on, the thin fabric was barely clinging to her body.

"This don’t work," she groaned.

Emily giggled.

"It works exactly how it’s intended to, Lyvana," Emily said, stepping out in a bold emerald piece and giving a playful twirl. "You just aren’t used to being the center of attention."

​Lyvana adjusted the thin straps of the cream bikini for the tenth time, feeling the soft, expensive fabric against her skin. It left very little to the imagination, hugging her curves in a way that made her feel dangerously exposed.

Lyvana stepped through the glass doors towards the massive infinity pool. The water was so still and clear it looked like a sheet of blue silk, appearing to spill directly over the cliff and into the clouds.

​At the far end of the deck, Julian and Ethan were standing by the edge of the pool. Julian was shirtless, the light catching the sharp lines of his physique and the dark ink of a small tattoo on his shoulders.

He was mid-conversation with Ethan, until he heard the glass door slide open.

​He turned, and the words died in his throat.

Julian didn’t move; he didn’t even blink. His gaze, usually so sharp and calculating, slowed as it swept over her.

The King of the North looked as though he had been hit by a physical force. The drink in his hand stayed frozen halfway to his lips, and for the first time since she had met him, his composure completely evaporated.

"This is insane!" Emily laughed, breaking the heavy silence as she ran past them and jumped into the pool with a loud splash.

Ethan cleared his throat. "I’m going to get in the pool before this becomes um... never mind."

He dove in smoothly, swimming toward Emily, who immediately splashed him.

​Julian didn’t even notice Ethan leaving. His eyes remained locked on Lyvana. He set his glass down on the stone ledge and took a step toward her.

"I’ve never seen anything more perfect in my life."

His voice was low and husky, sending a shiver down Lyvana’s spine. She felt her cheeks flush under his intense gaze.

​​"Race you!" she cried out, the words a mix of nervous energy and playfulness.

​Before he could respond, she turned and bolted toward the edge of the infinity pool. She dove in, and as she slipped into the warm water, it wrapped around her like a silk blanket. It felt incredible, the cool blue finally hiding her from his piercing eyes.

Suddenly, a huge wave of water crashed over her. She gasped, sputtering as she wiped her face — and found Julian right there.

He had plunged in after her. His dark hair was slicked back, water streaming down the sharp lines of his face. That rare, boyish glint of mischief lit his eyes, replacing the controlled intensity he usually wore like armor.

Julian wiped the water from his eyes, that reckless grin still there. "You cheated."

"I prefer strategic advantage," she shot back.

Julian laughed at her choice of words. Before she could say anything, he hit the water with his hand, sending a huge splash directly into her face.

​Lyvana gasped, wiping the water from her eyes. She stood there, dripping and shocked. She looked at him with a frown, acting like she was very offended.

​"Julian Blackwood!" she cried out. "You did not just do that!"

​"I believe the term was strategic opportunity," he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

​Lyvana looked angry for a second, but then an impulsive idea came to her. Instead of splashing him back, she rushed through the water toward him. freeωebnovēl.c૦m

​Julian braced himself, thinking she was going to tackle him. Instead, she reached up, put her hands on his face, and kissed him.

Julian was frozen in shock for a second. The kiss was intense, with Lyvana’s bold move catching Julian off guard.

He quickly took control, his arms wrapping around her waist, pulling her closer as he kissed her back with equal passion. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment.

That night after having dinner, Emily and Ethan had disappeared into the guest room, leaving Julian and Lyvana alone in the living room.

Julian sat watching her sipping a glass of juice, his eyes fixed on Lyvana. God, she’s perfect and sweet, he thought. All wrapped up in a body I would kill for.

"Come with me." He reached out and grabbed her. lifting her eeasily. Lyvana wrapped her arms tight around his neck, her skin pressing close to his chest.

Her mind continued to scream at her, but she felt so good being in his arms. She wanted to be close to him, damn the consequences.

He carried her outside and set her down gently on the bench at the cliff’s edge, then dropped into the seat beside her.

The view from this height was breathtaking, with the valley lights twinkling below like fallen stars, and the city on the other end.

​Just then, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen — it was his father. Julian didn’t answer. Instead, a dark grin spread across his face as he imagined the look on the old man’s face when he realized his son wasn’t showing up.

​There was no way he was going to marry Catalina. She was the most shallow person he had ever met, and far more dangerous than his father realized.

​He turned his gaze back to Lyvana. He was now completely obsessed with her at this point. To him, she was his queen.

She turned to him and their eyes locked.

​"Let’s stop pretending, Lyvana," he breathed. "You are driving me crazy."

​She didn’t say anything. Instead, she reached up, her fingers touching his face.

Julian leaned down and pulled her into a kiss.

​The kiss was a deep, desperate surrender. Julian groaned low in his throat, his arms locking around her waist to pull her onto his lap.