Julian.

I couldn't stop staring at the messages between me and Ivy, my heart pounding in my chest, my entire body fraught with tension. I couldn't believe she could be so brazen, playing her cards like that. And the worst part is, I liked it.

The sultry pictures she had sent had my hands twitching and my mind angry, yet my body raged with desire and I was almost tempted to jerk off to them.

Control yourself, Julian, I scolded myself, gritting my teeth. She's your best friend's daughter.

But he's dead, another voice whispered, persuasive. Still, I shouldn't be having thoughts like this about her. I should be protecting her, not trying to sleep with her. I'm stronger than this.

Am I?

A knock came on the door, and I turned toward it. Turning off my phone, I schooled my features and told the person behind the door to come in. The door opened, and Clarissa peeked her head in first.

"Hey..." she called out cautiously, a hesitant smile on her face. The tension seizing my body immediately eased when I saw it wasn't Ivy. She walked in fully, and I saw she was dressed in a flimsy nightdress that left little to the imagination, hugging whatever curves she might have left. I almost frowned, feeling repulsed.

Since this little skirmish with Ivy had begun, any little attraction I had felt for Clarissa had vanished into thin air. It didn't help that in the past, she used to be all over Edward, Ivy's father, so I barely felt any pull. To me, she was just a close acquaintance, someone I knew. Her daughter, however...

Snap out of it, Julian!

"Why aren't you asleep yet?" I asked as she walked toward me, her gaze darting around the bedroom. She glanced at me, a slight flush staining her cheeks as she wrapped her hands around herself.

"Oh, I couldn't sleep, so I came to see you. Seems like you aren't either." She muttered, delivering a sultry smile. I pressed my lips together, keeping my distaste under cover. Taking a step back, I slipped a hand into my pocket. She kept moving closer until just inches separated us. Tilting her head to the side, she continued in a lower, more seductive tone.

"I was hoping you could keep me company tonight."

Her fingers reached to stroke my chest, but I tensed, shifting in discomfort. "Thanks for the offer, but no. You see, I have some work to do. It's rather important and has been piling up for some time." I said, keeping my tone even and respectful.

A slight frown appeared on her face at my words, and she straightened. "Still with that monk attitude, Julian?" she muttered sarcastically.

I let out a scoff, a corner of my lips curling into something that wasn't a smile. If only she knew the things that got me hard.

She tried again, pressing her entire palm on my chest and toying with the buttons. "You know I can make you feel good, right?" she murmured in a seductive whisper.

"I have no doubt that you can," I said, pulling her hands away from my chest. "I'm just not in the mood right now."

Clarissa was visibly disappointed as she let her hands fall to her sides. I hated myself a bit for causing such a reaction from her but immediately made it up by discussing other things instead. After a while, she announced she would like to go back to her room. I ushered her out, locked the door behind her, and rested my head on it. Letting out a sigh, I brought out my phone and unlocked it.

Ivy's pictures popped up again. And then I stared.

Longer than I should have.

Groaning, I closed my eyes.

By God's bones, I am fucked.

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Morning arrived, and I tried to pretend like nothing had happened, even if I didn't get any sleep. Clarissa had joined me at the dining table for breakfast, and we were mid-conversation when Ivy sauntered in, wearing a short sundress, her hair hanging loose over her shoulders, and her face beat to perfection. She looked absolutely gorgeous with the bright smile she gave to everyone before settling into her seat.

"Good morning, everyone!" she called out cheerfully, pouring herself a cup of tea. I mumbled a response, but when I glanced at her mother, she had a disdainful look on her face. Ivy ignored it as usual, waiting for the maid to serve her breakfast, and immediately dug in.

I went back to my food, my mind still replaying the conversations I had with her. For some damned reason, the image of Ivy in that damn lingerie wouldn't leave my mind, no matter how hard I tried to shut it down. Needing a distraction, I glanced at her when the silence became too heavy.

"Are you going job hunting again today?" I asked, and she glanced at me, licking the syrup off her fork.

"No, not really. I think I'll continue my job hunt online," she answered as she dove into her sausage.

"Okay..." I murmured. Just then, my phone dinged, and I looked at it. It was a cryptic message from one of my informants.

"We've found the base," it read, and I tensed, my eyes narrowing.

"Is everything alright?" Clarissa's voice broke through, and I glanced at her.

"Yes. I have to go now," I said, rising to my feet and grabbing my phone and keys. Walking toward Clarissa, I kissed her forehead. "I'll see you later."

She beamed at me, but I was already exchanging looks with Ivy, who wore an expression of pure disgust. Straightening to my full height, I turned around and left the house.

In my car, I called my informant, placing my earpods in my ears. "Give me details. What exactly did you find?" I asked, driving across streets as I made my way to the highway.

"Well, I found our target's base here in Vegas. He owns a large warehouse, and he uses it as a base to store and transport hard drugs and illegal ammunition."

My hands tightened on the wheel as I clenched my teeth in rage.

"From the information I've gathered, he may be present in the area today."

"Okay. Give me the directions and have my men meet me there," I ordered, my voice like steel.

"Yes, sir," he answered, then ended the call. I brought my attention back to the road as I rolled onto the highway, pressing on the gas. Finally, the day of reckoning is here. After twenty years of hunting him down, I finally get to finish this once and for all. I began to drum my fingers impatiently on the steering wheel, anger and anticipation filling my system.

Luther sent me the details, and I immediately followed them, arriving at the warehouse-only to find it completely empty. Stunned, I rolled my car to a stop, looking around me. Did I miss my way? I crosschecked with the map. This was indeed the place. Why was there no one here? No cargo? Nothing?

My men arrived in their Range Rovers a while later, and I stepped out of the car. All armed and suited up, their faces mirrored the exact same shock I was feeling. I walked around for a bit, noticing the truck tracks littering the ground. I lowered myself, touching them. Still fresh.

They had just left. Suddenly. Did they know we were coming?

I directed the men to look around, cocked my gun, and walked into the warehouse, searching the space myself. A good number returned. They hadn't found anything or anyone.

"There's nothing here, boss," one said, his voice tinged with disappointment. This stupid game of cat and mouse all over again.

I kept looking anyway, eventually breaking into the control room in the warehouse. There, I found monitors left behind-though all except one had been smashed in and destroyed.

My heart pounding, I stealthily made my way into the room, looking around for any cameras. I raised my gun, a finger pressed against the trigger, poised for attack. Holding my breath, I flinched when the lone monitor began to flicker, turning on. Goosebumps rose on my skin, my blood growing cold.

A sentence appeared on its flickering screen: "The head you're looking for doesn't have a face. Valkaryon is everywhere."

Then, just as instantly, it flickered off-and beeping sounds filled the space, growing faster by the second.

"Boss, get down!" someone screamed behind me, and I ducked just as the monitor exploded, self-destructing, fragments flying everywhere, the smell of burning appliances assaulting my nose. My heart thundered, my ears ringing. I looked on, shocked.

What the-!?

Ivy

I stayed at home, entertaining myself by watching movies and dancing to songs until I suddenly became bored. My mom had left for work, so I was free to do whatever I wanted. Going through my phone, I decided to call one of my old friends, Sabrina Moore, asking if we could meet up at my house. She immediately jumped at the offer, informing me she'd be there in an hour.

While I waited, I arranged the things we would be having fun with. True to her word, an hour later, she arrived. I immediately jumped out of bed, skipped down the stairs, and rushed to the front door. I pulled it open before she had the chance to ring the bell again.

"Ivy!!!" she screamed excitedly, flailing her arms.

"Sabrina!!" I repeated, pulling her into a bear hug. She tightened her arms around mine and we twirled around, giggling.

"I missed you!" she said into my neck. "God, you were gone for so long!"

I chuckled, pulling away from the hug to look at her. "I missed you too. Come in, we have so much to talk about!" I said, and she squealed, walking in. I closed the door and led her up the stairs to my room. Sabrina immediately jumped on the bed and I followed after her, sitting at the edge.

Resting her chin on her hands, Sabrina glanced at me, a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. "So, tell me. How have you been these past few years? Anything major that you did?"

I let out a sigh, looking away from her. "Nothing really. I'm laying low at the moment. Taking a break from my acting career."

"Yeah... I saw that," she muttered, her eyes widening. "Blogs said you were in a scandal with a married actor."

"The bastard didn't tell me he was married at the time I was dating him!" I gritted through clenched teeth, anger flaring in me.

Sabrina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Typical with male actors," she muttered, and I hummed in agreement. "Anyway, that's in the past. I really missed you, you know? Imagine my surprise when I learned you'd moved to Russia for your high school education all of a sudden-from your mother. I thought it was a joke at first. I remember trying to reach you, but your number kept saying unavailable."

I smiled sadly at her, remembering how traumatic that period had been for me. I had gone halfway across the world with no knowledge of how to navigate it. I still bore deep scars from it-scars I didn't want to address at the moment. When I glanced at Sabrina, she was looking at me with concern and curiosity in her eyes.

"So, how was your life there? Did you have any fun?"

"I don't want to talk about it right now, but it did eventually end up becoming fun after I learned the language. Moved to New York right after," I said, and she grinned.

"Damn... I can only imagine. You're fluent in Russian now?"

"I guess. I haven't spoken it in a while," I said.

"Aww... Maybe you can teach me someday. So, what are you doing now? Just chilling or what?"

"I'm supposed to be looking for a job, but I want to have fun first. Do you know any cool spots in Vegas?" I asked, glancing at her.

Sabrina shrieked in excitement, immediately jumping to sit, clasping her hands together as her eyes gleamed in delight. "Oh, I know tons of spots in Vegas!"

"Tell me about it!" I answered, interested.

She went on to give me a list, based on so many criteria it became a struggle to keep up. Eventually, she was done, and she took in deep lungfuls of air, trying to catch her breath.

"That's a lot of places to check out. I'll definitely check some out," I said, and she giggled.

"I'm happy to be at your service," she muttered, delivering a mock bow, and I giggled.

We discussed other things that caught our fancy until Sabrina perked up again. "By the way, I saw a post of your mother announcing that she'll be getting married. Is that true?" she asked, and I nodded. Her eyes grew wide. "Really?"

"Yes."

"To who?"

I shrugged, rolling my eyes. "His name is Julian Ashford."

There was an odd silence for a bit as Sabrina stared, gaping at me.

"THE JULIAN ASHFORD?!" she parroted, and I was taken aback by her shock.

"Are... there any other Julians?" I asked in confusion.

Sabrina brought out her phone, scrolled something on it, and showed me a picture. "This guy?!"

I glanced at the picture. It was my stepfather-to-be, alright. "Yes..." I murmured.

"No way! He may be old, but he's such a hot cake. He's got a shitload of money too!" she rambled on, squealing excitedly. "He owns so many tech and telecommunications companies and is always listed in Forbes every year! How did your mom bag him?!"

I furrowed my brows at Sabrina's words. "I don't know. I'm actually curious about that too. Anyway, he's my new stepfather now. I'll have to learn to accept it," I said with a shrug.

Sabrina gave me a suspicious glance. "You? Learn to accept this kind of man as your stepfather?"

"Why can't I?" I asked, and she let out a chuckle.

"Yeah, right," she muttered in a dismissive tone. I peered at Sabrina, finding her actions uncanny. Letting out a breath, I looked away.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore," I mumbled, suddenly pissed off.

"Me too. I'm hungry. What's for lunch?" Sabrina announced, glancing at me. I rolled my eyes.

Glutton.

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.

Sabrina ended up leaving by early evening and I was left alone once again. I spent most of my time scrolling through social media and researching Julian. He was truly wealthy like Sabrina had said, owning a lot of tech and telecommunications companies, but there was nothing about his personal life other than the fact that he was marrying my mother. That in itself was strange. It looked like he had wiped everything about himself off the internet. Just what kind of man is Julian Ashford?

My search continued until it was time for dinner. My mother arrived then, but Julian was still nowhere to be found. I had dinner alone with her, and even she seemed distracted throughout. She wouldn't stop calling him, though he didn't pick up any of her calls. Eventually, she had to leave a voice note.

"Maybe he's with another woman," I muttered under my breath.

"Don't you dare finish that statement!" my mother snarled at me, her eyes narrowed into slits. "Julian is not that kind of person."

"Really? Okay."

I continued with my meal until I was done and retired to my bedroom, but I couldn't sleep. I guess a part of me was waiting for Julian to return as well. It was well past midnight when his car finally rolled into the house, and I immediately slipped out of bed, quietly sneaking out of my room. Surprisingly, my mother was still awake, and the two of them seemed locked in a heated conversation.

No matter how I tried to listen in, they were both talking in hushed tones, so it was hard to make out what they were saying. Eventually, they broke apart, and I immediately fled to my room before I was caught. Waiting for a while, I brought out my phone and began texting him.

I: Hey, why are you so late tonight? Were you running away from me?

I clicked send, pacing around the room as I waited for his reply. The bubbles appeared and I held my breath.

J: No, I was busy. Got caught up with something.

I: Really? What is it?

J: It's none of your business, really.

I: Touché. Anyway, I missed you.

There was some sort of delay this time. Then, the bubbles appeared.

J: Oh, really?

I: Yes. In fact, I'm about to touch myself thinking of you. Using the dildo, of course.

J: Ivy, stop this right now

I sent him some laughing emojis, tumbling back onto the bed. Ending the conversation, I stood back up and went to the wardrobe, pulling out the cabinet that held the sex toys. Bringing out the dildo and lube, I placed them on the bed. Masturbation wasn't really something I did, but I needed to take my seduction game up a notch. Luckily, I knew how to fake moans and orgasms. Through a recording, it wouldn't look any different.

I poured the lube over the dildo and began to stroke it with my hands, getting the sounds just right before hitting record. I recorded an audio clip of myself moaning and muttering his name, ending it with a fake orgasm, and sent it to him.

I: Goodnight. Have sweet dreams.

I added afterwards and waited. I watched with glee as he viewed the recording.

That's right. Think of me.

Julian.

I stared at the screen of my phone, my grip on the device so tight I'm surprised it didn't shatter into pieces. Loosening the tie around my neck, I gritted my teeth, trying to control the storm of emotions swirling in me.

What the hell?

What the actual fuck?! Is Ivy crazy or something?

Against my better judgment, I clicked on the recording, listening to the obscene sounds Ivy made, forever etching them into my mind. Once... twice... thrice, the audio played over and over again until I was heaving, fighting a war between lust and self-loathing.

I knew it was fake, I mean the signs were all over it. The controlled breathing, perfectly timed moans, and whispered words but it didn't stop my body from responding nonetheless. I already had a bulge in my pants and, coupled with the events that occurred earlier today, I wanted to take the edge off.

For a moment, I considered jerking off to the audio but instantly changed my mind the moment the thought took root. That was beyond appalling, even for me. With a growl, I deleted the audio, discarded the phone carelessly, and scrubbed my face with my hands in frustration. Shooting to my feet, I paced around the room, my body still taut with tension, then poured myself a glass of whiskey.

Taking several swigs of the potent liquid, I stared out the window, feeling the liquor burn its way down to my stomach. The audio still lingered in my mind - tormenting, ensnaring me. For the first time, I hated the feeling it caused in me. Wanting something I shouldn't have. She was forbidden fruit, far from reach, yet I still craved her. She's playing me like a flute, and like a fool, I'm dancing to her tune.

Should I perhaps drop all this act and cancel the engagement? This is more than I bargained for. No, I thought to myself as I gritted my teeth in determination. I won't let her get to me. She won't win this battle. If this is her tactic to get me to crumble, I won't give her the satisfaction.

Picking my phone back up, I phoned Luther, tapping my foot impatiently as I waited for him to pick up. He answered on the third ring.

"Yes, boss..." he answered, his voice professional as always.

"What have you gathered about Valkaryon?" I asked, taking another swig of the whiskey.

There was some hesitation. "Unfortunately, sir, there isn't any information about them anywhere. Not online or even in the dark web. Even our sources don't have any information concerning that name."

My brows furrowed - that didn't sound good. "How come they know about us? Is it a code name, perhaps?"

"I suspect so, but I'll need to look into it and keep searching. I'll inform you if I discover anything," he said. I let out a breath, rubbing my forehead. If only that monitor hadn't self-destructed immediately, I might have found the chip that gave it its signal and used it to track that fucker.

"You think we have a mole within us?" I asked, my voice quieter this time. Luther's heavy breathing filtered through the phone and I held my breath.

"I... don't think there is, boss. But I will run a check right away."

"Do that immediately," I said.

"Yes, boss." He answered and I ended the call, slipping the phone into my pocket, racking my head to try and find any leaks that may have compromised us. Could it be Clarissa? It was too soon to tell.

I have to keep digging.

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.

I finally managed to sleep in the early hours of dawn only to have X-rated dreams of Ivy, tangled in my arms. When I jerked awake, I discovered I had gotten my release that way. I scowled in disgust at the smear in my briefs. I couldn't believe I was acting like a pubescent teenage boy because of a girl - my stepdaughter and late best friend's child, to be exact. I quickly got dressed and headed to the dining table, where I met Clarissa giving instructions to the chef.

"Good morning," she greeted cheerfully when she caught sight of me, coming closer to give me a peck on the cheek.

"Good morning to you too..." I greeted, my voice not as light as I would have liked. Clarissa's expression wavered slightly, but she soon plastered a smile on her face.

Food was soon served, and while we were eating, Ivy came to join us. Tension immediately set in as she took her seat, dishing out her meal - but as always, Ivy ignored everything.

Clarissa cleared her throat, breaking the silence. Clapping her hands, she glanced at me. "Um, Julian? I'll be attending an event later today, and I would love for you to come with me. Do you think you can make the time?"

I chewed and swallowed the morsel in my mouth, scrunching my brows in thought. "I'll consider it and let you know if I'll be able to make it. I need to check in on my companies first."

"Great. I'll be expecting your message then," she said, giving me a genial smile. I nodded, finished eating my meal, and caught Ivy's gaze.

It cut through me like a blade, and I looked away, standing to my feet. Bidding them goodbye, I turned on my heels and left the house.

That girl unsettles me.

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After my routine checks with my companies and several meetings with investors and stakeholders, I called on Luther to get an update.

"The search is leading nowhere, boss. We might have to lay low for a bit , let the dust clear. But one thing's for sure, they know we're tracking them and are doing everything possible to avoid any confrontation. I've also run a check on our men, so far, no mole."

I let out a sigh, feeling disgruntled. "Thanks, Luther. Continue to keep me posted."

"Yes, boss," he said and ended the call. That was disappointing. Not wanting to dwell on it further, I decided to ask Clarissa if the event would just be a regular one.

C: Yes. Would you be coming?

She replied almost instantly. I shrugged. Perhaps I should go with her. Maybe I can find something.

J: I'll be on my way.

I made to go home to pick her up so we could go together, but unfortunately got stuck in traffic, making me arrive even later. When I entered, however, I couldn't find Clarissa only Ivy, who was sitting in the living room, presumably watching TV.

"Where's Clarissa?" I asked, glancing around the house.

"She already left," Ivy answered, turning her head to look at me. "She didn't tell you?"

I checked my phone then and saw she had left a message. Shit.

"I have to meet her there then. Sorry for interrupting..." I started to say but cut off when Ivy stood to her feet, walking toward me.

"What are you sorry about?" she asked, cocking her head to the side, her steps slow and steady. *Seductive.* "You're here, aren't you?"

I almost took a step back. "Yes, but I'm supposed to be with Clarissa..."

"Shh..." Ivy murmured, placing a finger on my lips. I froze, my heart beginning to pound. "I don't want to hear another word."

Smiling coyly, she leaned even closer. "It's just us now. How about we have a little fun?"

Bad idea, Julian. Bad idea. Retreat. Get out.

Evacuate.

"What are you talking about?" I asked, trying to feign ignorance but of course, she saw right through it.

"Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about. You want to tell me the audio recording of last night didn't get you all hot and bothered?"

I chuckled. It held no mirth. "It wasn't even real." What the hell am I saying!?

"Oops. You caught that. You're right, it wasn't real. How about we do the real thing?" she asked, her fingers threading up my jacket.

"Stop it," I growled, seizing her hands and stepping away. She gave a sinister smile and pressed her body against mine.

"You're poking me with your dick."

Damn it all!

Then, her expression turned sultry, almost pleading. "Five minutes is all I ask. Maybe ten. Take the edge off, then you can go back to your pretty little party and some pretty little fun," she murmured, sniffing my clothes. My grip on her hands loosened at the act.

Before I could say another word, she reached up, grabbed my collar, and kissed me. All my senses evaporated as her tongue pushed into my parted lips, and before I knew it, I was kissing her back, a hand encircling her neck and pulling her closer.

There was nothing gentle about the kiss, nothing tender. It felt possessive. Dominating. I've never felt such intense desire kissing someone before. We both devoured each other, taking and giving and taking, until we were both out of breath, trembling with desire.

"We should not be doing this," I groaned, trying to pull away, but she grabbed onto me, pressing her feverish body against mine.

"It's okay... no one has to know," she whispered, rubbing her lips against my neck and breathing me in.

"What about your mother?" I muttered, an undercurrent of panic in my voice.

"Forget about her," she murmured before slamming her lips on mine again, kissing me deeply.