He sensed her before he saw her as the hairs on his neck stood on end scanning the large study in search of his duchess.

Annie was standing silently watching them enter, a file folder in her hands. When Julien spotted her across the way, desire instantly flared inside of him at the sight of her.

She looked surprised. Watching him like a hawk.

He was pleased she was attracted to him.  Julien sensed the emotionless, cold, distant front she used to hide how she felt countless times. It was easy for him to see right through her—her eyes betrayed the emotions she dared not reveal.

The chemistry between them was there from the start, and it couldn't be hidden nor denied. Julien promised for every obstacle, for every wall she set in place, for every door she closed, he'd always be there to break them down.   No matter how hard she tried to push him back. 

Sending her a wink, he smirked to himself. He seated himself in one of the arm chairs in front of the fireplace, with a sizable view of her mouthwatering form. 

He never took his eyes off of her.

Annie sucked in her breath. She needed to act responsibly in front of these people she barely knew. Tucking the file away in one of the drawers, Annie adjusted her posture and slowly approached the small group.

The current company was oblivious of her presence except Julien. He watched every move she made. 

She cleared her throat. "Hello...Good evening," Annie started.

Everyone turned and spotted her.  Kate stood first and kissed her once on each cheek and gave her an affectionate hug.  Victor smiled and shook her hand formally. Phaedra squealed in happiness, engulfing her  in a warm embrace. Duncan stood to his full height and took her hand in his, bringing it up to his lips, kissing the back like a gentleman.

"It's a pleasure to see you again lass, you're more stunning than the last time I saw you, if you don't mind me saying,". Complimenting her kindly.

It was nice and unusual to hear someone ask for permission for the compliment.  The man had manners.

Annie smiled in response. "It's all right, thank you, you're very sweet."

Releasing her hand, Annie fisted her palms to her sides and silent,y ground her teeth.  With no choice, she directed her attention to last, but not least, Julien.

He was already standing awaiting his turn to be greeted.

His gray eyes captured her deep blue ones. Reaching for her hand, he unfurled her fingers discreetly as he brought it up to his lips and leaving a lingering kiss. Julien's eyes smiled as he took in her stiff stance.

Tingles ran from her fingertips up her arm.His hand was warm and his grip was strong, holding on a little longer than customary. Annie attempted to pull her hand from his grasp but Julien held on firmly.

Her parent's decided to make their grand entrance right then. She tugged harder before anyone noticed the close proximity. 

One second she was practically wrenching her hand, in the next he suddenly released her. She blushed slightly and turned away not before sending him a glare.

He was too bold, too obvious and it put her on edge.

Charlotte and Patrick started greeting their guests one by one as she and the whole room, once sizzling with electricity and static burst into chatter. Annie sat in the furthest seat across from Julien and ignored him focusing on the conversation her parents and the St. James' we're having. 

A few minutes later, Michael appears with Sheila and Cici in tow.

Patrick introduces them, "Let me introduce to you my son Michael, his fiancée Sheila and my eldest daughter Cici."

Greeting and pleasantries were exchanged. After finding no where to sit to accommodate the extra additions Charlotte announced, "How about we all move into the formal Living room, it's so much more spacious and we can have refreshments served there."

Everyone agreed, following Patrick and Charlotte. Julien was the last of his family to follow, while Annie and Cici stayed behind.   Julien watched them as if he wanted to say something but instead he reluctantly followed the current company, his lips turning into a grim line.

Cici looped her arm with Annie and gave her a wicked smile with a knowing glint in her eyes before they follow the small company. 

"He sooo wants you!" Cici whispered in Annie's ear, eyes widening in emphasis.

Annie frowned, shaking her head silently in denial. In response, Cici nodded and broadens her smile.

The living room held two side by side sofas. directly across the room was another set of matching sofas. A love seat was also in the corner facing the other pieces with a large marble coffee table in the center. Two large arm chairs were side by side at the head of the set up where Victor and Patrick were seated and talking casually.

Kate, Charlotte and Duncan shared a sofa. Sheila and Sonny sat together in two separate arm chairs, directly parallel from Patrick and Victor.  Annie and Cici situated themselves in the love seat that was the closest to Phaedra and Julien.

It was the only choice available to Annie's dismay. The proximity was too close for her liking.  Feeling Julien's hard stare watching her every move made her squirm uncomfortably.

Phaedra smiled broadly and sat on the edge of her seat, scooting closer so she could talk to them. "Your home is beautiful and huge compared to ours!" Phaedra said.

"Thank you." Replied Cici. "How do you like it here in California?" Cici inquired.

"Oh it's been wonderful, the climate, the people, the shopping!"

Cici and Annie laughed at her enthusiasm and Phaedra quickly joined them. Julien shook his head in amusement hearing the exchange.

Oliver, entered holding a large silver tray with refreshments and began serving them immediately.

He offered Annie a glass of sparkling water and announced, "Excuse me Miss Annie, but the hospital just called.  They left a message wanting to know if you were able to cover for someone this coming Friday...?  They left their name and number for you to call back."

Annie listened intently as did those around her, especially Phaedra and Julien, their eyebrows rising in confusion.

"Okay thank you Oliver, I'll call them after dinner." Annie answered.

Oliver nodded turning around making his exit.

"What did he mean by 'the hospital'?" Phaedra asked curiously.

"Annie here is a nurse practitioner at the university hospital that our family owns. Sometimes she covers for the girls or goes to help out if they feel they're short staffed." Cici explained.

Both Phaedra and Julien eyebrows rose in evident surprise which they did not bother hiding.  Phaedra looked at Annie in awe.

"Wow, you're a nurse too, what else do you do?" Phaedra asked in wonder, making her sound like a Messiah.

Annie cringed internally. She wished Cici didn't supply them with unnecessary information, it was no one's business and they knowing or not, wouldn't change anything in their lives.  It only arises questions and disrupts her privacy.

Annie nudged Cici in the ribs, but Cici just ignored her.

"She knows 5 different languages, she has a masters in business and biology, she's our dad's right hand at work...And she's a warrior princess like Xena! She can kick a grown man's ass and make it look like nothing!" Cici proudly continued.

Annie wanted to cover her face with her hands and groan. What the hell does she think she's doing? She made her sound like a piece of jewelry being auctioned off to the highest bidder.

"That's quite impressive, Beauty and Brains all in one, how unique and rare." Julien commented, watching her with renewed interest, learning a little more about her than he already knew.

Annie glared at Cici, who just shrugged her shoulders and smirked.

Cici watched Julien and Annie interactions although they said nothing.  The looks they shared spoke volumes. She couldn't help but be happy about what she's witnessed. Annie deserved to be loved and wanted for a change....and Julien St. James just might be the one.
**********
An hour later, the Taverrons and St. James' gathered around the vast dinning room table with a variety of assorted foods to choose from.

Lobster tails, Tomato basil soup, grilled Shrimp skewers, beef shawarma, meat pies, spinach pies, hummus, Chicken escalope, seasoned rice, freshly grilled vegetables, an assortment of french cheeses, baked potato casserole, garlic bread, and garlic fettuccine Alfredo adorned the long and endless table. Everybody was seated and started helping themselves to the wide selection.

Patrick and Victor sat at the head of the table on opposite ends. Charlotte sat to the left of her husband. And Kate occupied Victor's right. Julien, Duncan, and Phaedra sat next to their mother. Annie, Cici, Michael and Sheila sat directly across from them. Julien purposefully situated himself in the chair across from Annie and kept stealing penetrating glances her way.

Light conversation was made and compliments were exchanged all evening. Victor raised his champagne glass and proposed a toast, "To a wonderful dinner and even better company, thank you for tonight. May this be the beginning to a prosperous relationship between our families."

Everybody raised their glasses in response and said, "Hear, hear."

Annie catches Julien starring at her again. He tipped his glass towards her and winked taking a sip of his champagne, studying her over the brim of his glass. 

Annie looked away. He's so cocky and arrogant, she thought, taking a sip of her champagne, she placed it back on the table and continued eating.

Cici nudged her under the table. Annie gave her a questioning look.

Cici just smiled.

Dinner ended on a good note and everybody grouped outside on the patio. A burning fire was lit in a large pit with chairs and built-in seating outlining the warm fire. Annie decided to take a minute and call the hospital.

She made her way down towards the study leaving the door slightly open. Taking a deep breath she strides across to her father's desk and grabs the cordless phone.

The sounds of the door closes behind her.

Annie whips around in sudden surprise feeling the same grey eyes that have been searing her skin all evening. Her breath hitched in her throat as he leisurely folded his arms across his chest, leaning casually against the now closed door.

"You've been avoiding me all evening." He declared, unfolding his arms. He looked like his black panther, dark and dangerous, stalking his prey as he closed the small distance between them.

Annie couldn't move her legs. 

"Is there something you want from me?" Annie confidently taunting him back. She put the phone back on the receiver. Julien came right up to her, face to face.

"As a matter of fact there is...you."

Annie backed away.  He continued to stalk her until she was forced to stop in her tracks, the wall behind her halting her steps.

She was trapped.

Leaning forward and caging his hands of either side of her, there was no escape now. Instead of looking as defeated as she felt, Annie tilted her head up defiantly.

"What are you doing? Someone might come in and catch us in this position and make the wrong impression." She informed him with a demanding angry voice.

The smell of his sweet cologne now that he was close enough made her nerves come alive. The five o'clock shadow evident on his jaw since yesterday darkened, giving him an even more darker, dangerous appeal.

"Worried I might take liberties with your virtue, love?" He taunted, leaning closer.

She smelled like heaven as he inhaled her scent, taking his full. It was like she was his own personal drug, the effect left him lightheaded, making him want her more.

"Well, don't worry, I would never do that. I have too much respect for you."  She heard the sincerity in his voice. It made her resolve chip away even more.

"What do you want?"  She asked cautiously. 

He smiled down at her. "What do I want???"  Pretending to ponder.  "I want you to admit the attraction between us. I feel it in every fiber in my body and I know you do as well."

Annie was shocked at his boldness. He wasn't hiding anything at this point. But Annie didn't dare admit her feelings to him, she still held doubts. She didn't truly know him, she wanted to learn more about him before she could allow him in her little circle of trust.

Annie shook her head.

He smiled at her in response. "You're an innocent, I can see that. But I want you like I've never wanted anyone or anything in my life." He told her seriously his forehead now touching hers.

She brought her hands to his chest, holding the lapels of his suit jacket. What she should have done is push him away but she couldn't, giving in to her deepest need.

Julien grasped her waist, bringing her closer to him, reading her need with her actions. Annie could taste his breath on her mouth as his lips hovered above hers.

"We can't do this in front of anyone or let anyone know." She whispered closing her eyes, giving up the facade. Whatever was happening felt right, although she shouldn't give in and allow the contact.

But she's never felt this way for anyone.

"It'll be our little secret, love." He promised using his endearment again.

She liked it as shivers ran up her spine. Annie looped her arms around his neck and he pulled her even closer as he pressed her back against the wall. 

His head went to the crook of her neck kissing her pulse. It beat erratically and he smiled to himself. He's never felt more content then he did with her in his arms.

"My sister is already suspicious of your intentions. You're not trying hard enough to hide your interest in me, and if she noticed others will too eventually." She told him uneasily.

"I'll try to be more elusive. It's difficult not to look at you...." He said looking into her eyes once more. "...Or touch you." He kissed the tip of her nose and she closed her eyes relishing the moment.

This was all new to her and so far she liked it and welcomed it.

"This will be our little secret." He whispered in her ear. Annie melted in his embrace and tilted her head to the side as he kissed the pulse beating wildly against her skin.

If only it were real...

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