He did not want to lose her. 

From the very beginning, this woman stole his heart with one look.

She was his life, his other half. 

Julien could not imagine his world without her. 

Now that he had her, he was never going to let her go no matter what happened. Not when he was so close to ask her to marry him and start their new life together.

Julien's frustration was reaching new heights as his thoughts darkened. The negativity was swirling inside his head, causing havoc and worry. He sat up in his office chair, shrugging his suit jacket off his shoulders, he felt too confined needing to breath openly without his clothing. His bunched muscles stood out against his dress shirt, as he flexed his arms, rolling up his sleeves.

It was nearly five o'clock in the evening.  Julien had plans to take Annie out to look for a dress for the bridal shower. Since what she wore turned out for her birthday, Julien offered to take her, wanting to spend as much time with her as he could. 

He also planned to take her out later that evening to dinner.  It was their first official outing as a couple. 

Last night he gifted the presents he choose for her outside along the balcony overlooking the ocean.  The view was spectacular.  The moon high and bright.  The stars twinkling in the black night...

**Last night, birthday scene**
Julien was brooding, he could not keep his eyes off of Annie, making sure she never left his sight.  He felt even more protective than ever before since the sliver of doubt the gypsy left inside of him.  He should know better and understand what that woman said was rubbish but he couldn't ease the seed of unease he felt.

Annie approached their table, a small smile lite her face when he looked up and caught her gaze trailing along his upper torso. Julien winked at her, making her grin spread wider. She had never smiled down at him with so much love shinning from her eyes. Julien held up his hand for her to clasp as she sat down beside him.

"Hi." She greeted warmly holding his hand in her lap, leaning her body closer to him as she looked deeply into his eyes. Julien smiled back, feeling his heart constrict in his chest.

"Ready love?" He asked.

"Yes, the last of the guests just left and the entertainment is packing up. We can go whenever.." Julien eyebrows furrowed together when he heard the entertainment. His gaze swept the ballroom and landed on the gypsy's tent that was being packed away. Annie followed in the direction of his gaze. "What did that lady say to you before, I never got a chance to ask you?"

Julien squeezed Annie's hand looking back to her. "Nonsense and rubbish. Nothing that I did not know already." He reassured her. "Let us go on our way, I have something to give to you." Changing the subject easily, clutching the small gift bag in his other hand.

Clasping Annie's hand in his, he lead her outside. 

They walked to the very back of the yacht where it was more secluded and private, away from curious eyes.

"It's beautiful!"  She exclaimed, taking the necklace out of the box and softly inspecting it.  The pink diamond necklace was unique and simple.  The chain sparkled in the light and the large diamond stood out brightly starring back at her.  Annie smiled up at Julien.  "This is too much Julien!"

"If you think this is too much, then you'll be pleasantly surprised...This is not the only item I bought for you..."  Holding a smaller black velvet box in his hands which he recently took out of his pocket. 

Annie's eyes widened.  She was speechless.

"But first, let me put this on you, turn around love."  Annie complied and held up her hair, holding her breath as Julien clasped the necklace around her neck with nimble fingers.  The coolness of the chain and the weight of the diamond hung in the center above her breasts.  Julien brushed his lips against her shoulder, his kisses lingering on her skin.  Annie felt her temperature rising in the cool evening.  "Beautiful."  He whispered as she let her hair down once more. 

Running his hands up and down her arms as he stepped closer, his chest flush against her back.  Annie leaned into his warm embrace.  Julien wrapped his hands around her waist, the black velvet box in his hands.  "I have this to give you.."  The black box laying flat in the palm of his hands, right in front of her. 

"What's this?"  Annie whispered reluctantly.  She was nervous of the answer.  Something so small could hold only one thing: a ring. 

Julien slowly opened the box, keeping the moment suspenseful.  He heard Annie suck in her breath when the box finally opened.  She exhaled and sagged against him further, feeling her knees weaken.  "I commissioned these to match the diamond on your neck.  I hope you like it."  Kissing her neck, smiling secretly behind her. 

"They're beautiful..."  She said gulping heavily.  Annie did not know if she was ready for what she originally thought was in the box.  The pink matching diamond studs twinkled back at her.  They were a creation.  The set he had gifted her was now one of her most favorites amongst her jewelry. 

"I have a third piece to add to this set, but I will give you more time to get used to us...I make good on my promises, love, remember that.."  Annie closed her eyes at the subtle hint.  He was waiting to ask her to marry him. 

Julien was giving her more time.

"I never knew somebody would be able to hold my heart, until I met you....I've never truly loved, until I met you...Real love is true and beautiful and I found it.  I love you my Duchess..." squeezing her against him, his arms circling her waist, making it difficult to breath, feeling his breath along her neck.  Annie's heart was going to burst from happiness as she closed her eyes savoring the moment.

"Thank You for the gifts... I hope you always see right through my walls and I hope you're always there to catch me because I've already fallen so deeply in love with you." She said bearing her soul to him.

Julien turned her around, smashing his lips to hers. Annie's arms wrapped around his neck as she kissed him back with all the love in her heart.

**End of flashback**

They walked hand in hand into the boutique. Annie could not take her eyes off of the mannequin wearing the most exquisite wedding dress she had ever seen. It was standing in all it's glory and finesse in the window as she and Julien passed it to enter the shop.

The dress looked magical and every girls fantasy. "A dream dress isn't it?" A sales representative asked, making Annie look in her direction.

"Yes, it is." She agreed. Annie noticed Julien gaze at the dress appreciatively.

"My name is Emily. How can I help the both of you today?" Eyeing them curiously, her brunette hair was tied tightly in a bun and she was dressed in smart business attire.

"I'm looking for a dress for a bridal shower party..." Annie trailed, searching around the boutique which held fine designer dresses for every occasion.

A few more mannequins stood in the center of the posh boutique. One was wearing a yellow snug glittering maxi dress, the other a black ensemble which Annie disliked immediately and the third one was wearing a light pink, beaded, studded, and artistically done with detail. It was off the shoulders with long sleeves and body fitting. It was dramatically beautiful and Annie loved it immediately.

"That's the one I want, the soft pink one." Pointing to the mannequin a short distance behind the sales lady. The woman glanced over her shoulder quickly.

"Well, that was exceptionally fast!  Excellent choice. What is your size? I'll check if we have it on hand. When do you need it by?" Emily asked with a smile.

"Size five. And I need it by tomorrow." Emily's eyes widened and then she frowned.

"Well...I hope we have it in your size then. It's short notice but before we start let me check. Please have a seat on the velvet sofa around the corner close to the fitting rooms." Annie nodded and looked longingly back at the exquisite wedding dress in the window. It sparkled, giving it a magical, enchanted look. It was glamorous as it stood magnificently confident, mesmerizing her. Annie felt herself being led by Julien to the fitting rooms. She reluctantly followed him, ripping her gaze away and moving forward.

They sat close together, patiently waiting for Emily's return. "What is it love, you seem preoccupied?" Julien questioned her, as he brought her hand into his lap never releasing her, their proximity was comforting, she loved how he never let her hand go.

"Nothing really. I hope she finds my size, I really like the dress..." She lied easily. Annie would never admit she wanted the wedding dress she just saw and loved instantly. She could see herself wearing it someday. It was a dream. She could never conjure up or design anything like it.

Julien kissed her knuckles. "I'm sure she will, don't worry. Where would you like to have dinner?"

Annie shrugged smiling up at him. "Anywhere you want, I don't have any preferences." Their faces close coming close together.  Julien eyed her lips hungrily. 

Emily appeared a second later with the dress Annie chose in her arms. "It must be your lucky day my dear, we didn't have it in stock, so I had to undress the mannequin, It's a size five. Please follow me." Emily breezed right passed her and into a fitting room with thick purple velvet curtains.

Annie squeezed Julien's hand and he gave her a sexy smile. "I will be waiting for you here." He said as she stood pecked his lips and disappeared behind the curtain.

Emily helped Annie into the delicate dress. She stood in front of the mirror and watched herself. It was body hugging, simple yet elegant. It was as if it was made especially for her.

"Stunning." Emily observed, a small smile lifted the side of her face. "That man out there waiting for you, will not be able to keep his hands off of you!" Annie blushed. "Ready to show him?" Emily asked.

"Yes." Emily pulled back the heavy curtain, hooking it as Annie stepped out. Julien was sitting where she left him. His legs crossed and his arms draped on either side of the large sofa. When he saw her he uncrossed his legs and stood up. His eyes devouring every inch of her. The smoldering warmth of his gaze warmed her up.

"No words can describe how exquisite you look. You're a vision to behold and I am one lucky man." He said as he approached her slowly. "We'll take it." Julien directed to the sales lady but his gaze never left Annie's.

Emily nodded eagerly and vanished giving them privacy.

Annie flushed crimson from his compliment. Julien entwined their fingers together and he gently laid a soft kiss to her inviting lips. She opened her mouth to his insistence kisses. He devoured her with his need, wrapping his strong arms around her waist and walking her back slowly into the fitting room. While not breaking their passionate kiss, Julien skillfully unhooked the curtain allowing them privacy once more.

He cornered her against the wall breaking the kiss to trail more kisses to her beating pulse and down her neck. "Where is the zipper located?" He asked in a desire filled voice. Annie arched against him as her head rolled back to give him better access.

"In the back, in the middle." Annie panted.

"Turn around, love." Annie obeyed, placing her hands against the wall as Julien fiddled with the zipper. His member enlarged against her bottom, feeling his hardness and desire. He slowly released her from the confines of the zipper, slowly unzipping it down. She wore no bra underneath the dress. Julien kissed her exposed back as the dress slowly skimmed down her arms. Annie's nîpples hardened, feeling her breasts swell and enlarge.

Julien's hands were groping her exposed skin, hungrily kissing her back. His deft fingers caressed her sides, working his way to the front. Her hair was pushed forward on either side of her shoulders, falling in waves over her chest, barely veiling her brèasts.

Annie's hands laid flat on the wall, holding her breath in anticipation. She knew she should not let this go on for long. As much as Annie's body begged to be taken she could not allow Julien to continue.

The muscles of her abdomen bunched under his hand. Julien's fingers caressed his way up between her brèasts, stroking the inner swells of round flesh. He wanted nothing more than to cup her large brèasts in his hands and suckle the sweetness from them but before he could make well on his fantasy a throat cleared from behind the curtain, interrupting their heated moment.

Annie stiffened against him.

"Bloody hell." Julien tried to reign in his frustration with a groan.  "You are unraveling my self control...I can't get enough of you.."  He said while biting her right shoulder playfully. 

Annie tugged up her dress to cover her upper torso and turned to a very handsome and very disappointed Julien.  Cupping his face she softly kissed his lips.  "Now go before we get kicked out of here.."  She said smiling at his expression of suppressed desire.  "Tell the lady I won't need any help undressing anymore..."  Julien stepped away while clenching his teeth and just nodded, sweeping his gaze one last time at her sagging dress, barely covering her upper torso.

He reluctantly left. 

Poor Julien, Annie thought.  He looked to be in pain.  A bubble of laughter erupted from her lips.  She couldn't help it.  Although she was going to stop him from continuing their passionate moment, Emily saved her from stopping him herself.

Julien retrieved his wallet and pulled out his black card.  "The gown she just tried on is $2,500 and the dress you choose, is $135,000.  For  two pieces, the total is $137,500."  Handing her his black card, Julien spied the direction of the fitting rooms. Annie was still changing which was perfect for Julien.  He did not want her finding out what he just did.  It was going to be a surprise. 

"If you could, I would like not a single soul knowing what I purchased.  Especially, my lady.  I need it taken out of sight and securely hidden and boxed until the time is right.  Can I count on you to do this for me?"  

Emily's eyes rounded and nodded eagerly. 

"Yes, sir.  Don't worry.  As soon as I pack her dress I'm going to remove it from the display and store it.  I'll make sure to relay the whereabouts to my fellow associates just incase I wasn't here when you decided to come in for it." 

"Excellent."  Julien signed the receipt and was handed his card back.

"If you don't mind me asking sir, have you asked her to marry you?" 

"Not yet but very soon." 

"How wonderful!  Well, I'm going to fill out a purchase invoice and tape it to the outside of the box.  Now when your ready, we'll take it out for her to try on and make the necessary adjustment to fit her properly for the big day!"  Emily informed, genuinely happy for them.  She continued to fiddle with paperwork while Julien checked emails on his smartphone. 

Recognizing her delicate soothing touch,  Annie's hands wrapped around his upper arm. Kissing his cheek, Annie noticed his wallet was on the counter and frowned. "Did you just pay..?" Annie pursed her lips unhappily, knowing the answer before he replied.

"Yes, is there a problem? If there is get used to it duchess, this is the first of much more to come, and I will hear nothing of it." His tone authoritative and held no room for argument.

She could see he was not pleased. But Annie decided to let the issue go not wanting to argue.   The independent streak that ran through her was slightly agitated.  It was going to take time to get used to, having Julien take over her life.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead tenderly while Emily finished her paperwork.  "I left the dress hanging in the fitting room."  Annie informed her.

Emily nodded. "I'm going to wrap it up for you in a bag, I'll be right back." 

Annie glanced at the beautiful wedding dress in the window behind her longingly.  It was fit for a queen, wanting to desperately stake her claim on the fine piece.

"Ready love? We need to be on our way."  Placing his hand on her lower back, he startled her out of her trance.  She blinked rapidly, and shifted from one foot to the other, uncomfortable being caught starring at the wedding dress. 

Annie found her gown securely in the dressing bag, hanging from Julien's fingers.  "Yes."  She said, leaving the shop and never looking back again.
*******
"Beware of that young man, he has feelings for you. I don't like the way he looks at you. You're mine and nobody else's." They were talking over dinner having Chinese food. Annie just informed Julien her plans to work in the hospital on Saturday.

It took great restraint from Annie not to roll her eyes in annoyance, putting down her chop sticks and carefully dabbing her mouth with her napkin. Taking a deep breath Annie took her time to respond to his egotistic remark.  Men, she thought.

"Julien, we've known one another for years. I am well aware of Mark's interest. If I wanted something more than friendship from him, I wouldn't be here sitting with you..." Quirking a finely arched eyebrow at him.

He looked incredibly jealous and angry now, internally smug she got under her skin. He deserved it, sometimes people needed to be put back in place or they get carried away.  Annie felt like he was being a bit too over bearing lately.  

"You belong to me!"  Fisting his hands and hammering them down atop the table.  The force made the table tremble and the glasses of water sloshed to the sides. 

They were receiving curious and startled stares but Annie just ignored them, staying calm and collected and leaned forward, "I belong to no one.  Relax."  Not effected by his sudden outburst, she desperately attempted to stifle a giggle with her hands but failed miserably. 

The merriment in her eyes melted his rage as Julien witnessed the contagious giggle that burst from her inviting lips.  She purposefully provoked him.  The side of his mouth lifted into a half smile. 

He was being extra possessive he knew, but he could not help his actions. The protectiveness he felt intensified, no thanks to the gypsy's discouraging words.

He could not lose her to anyone or anything. No force on earth would be able to separate them if he had anything to do about it.

_________________________________________________________
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-Shaz