Chapter 223

Cassie

The tips of Julian's fingers brushed against the hem of my panties and my body tensed as I held my breath.

Did I want this? My body did. There was no doubt about that. Anytime he was close to me, I ached with a need that was indescribable and I couldn't deny that. But did my heart?

I was just learning to live in this world where he didn't choose me. Could I really do this.

No, I knew I shouldn't. It would all end up in my tears but goddess I wanted to.

I wanted to feel his hands smooth down my body, followed by his hot mouth and tongue. I needed his fingers stretching my body for his cock to bury deep inside.

Julian's mouth nipped at my ear, as he stroked one finger over my panties. And my pussy wept for him. My hips rolled on their own. Ignoring my brains order to stop and go back to my own seat.

One more time, a small voice seemed to scream. One more time wouldn't hurt. Only I knew that it would.

I was lost when it came to him. Weak-

Someone cleared their throat loudly behind us and Julian stiffened under me. Twisting in his lap I saw Ian standing there. Filling the doorway. His eyes narrowed and a line between his eyebrows.

"What is it?" Julian asked in a curt voice. He didn't move his hand from up my skirt but his fingers stilled. My pussy fluttered with his hand still so close and I had to force myself to stay still and not grind against him.

Biting my lip, I raised my eyes to find Ian staring at me. There was a look in his eyes that I didn't understand.

"There was a report that-" At his side Ian's hands clenched into fists. His eyes swept around and the tension in his shoulders was palpable.

Julian's hand slipped from my thighs. "Are we in danger here?"

Ian nodded once and Julian was standing without another word. Using his body he swept me towards Ian who then took over. They sandwiched me between them.

"What about the children?" Nerves prickled up my spine.

"They are fine." Ian mumbled. "Let's just get you and Julian somewhere safe."

With the two burly wolves on either side of me, we swept through the now empty restaurant. I looked around, half to look for any kind of threat and half to say goodbye to the elderly owner.

I wanted him to know that his wife's food was indeed delicious but there was no sign of him. The place was eerily silent.

"What kind of threat was it?" Julian asked.

"Let's talk about it somewhere more private your highness." Ian said , his eyes darted to me and I sucked in a breath.

It was a threat to me then.

Of course it was.

Stay behind me now Cassie." Ian's eyes met mine with an unreadable look. There was something going on here that I didn't understand. It was like he was trying to communicate something with me that he couldn't speak out loud.

But what was it.

"I'll go first." Julian made a dash towards the open car door. Disappearing into the shady back seat.

"You next, Cassie." Ian took my elbow , his fingers tight.

I turned without moving a step forward. "If I am in danger then so are my children. Where are the boys."

A look passed across Ian's face, his eyes widened for a second and then narrowed back into slits.

I didn't get what was happening or what he was trying to tell me. I needed him to use his words.

"They are perfectly safe and with security at a hotel. I'll be taking you straight to them." He gave me a pointed look.

My heart sank. If he was taking us to a hotel then it was bad.

"When did the threat come in? What-"

He lowered his voice. "There is no threat Cassie." He hissed and I stared at him in shock. What did he mean there was no threat?

"I'll explain, I promise." For a moment Ian stared into the car where the king had just disappeared and glared. He was furious and all of it was all directed at Julian.

What had my husband done to make his best friend and closest confident so mad.

I raised an eyebrow at him

"You will thank me for stopping you this evening Cassie, when you know the truth. You will thanks me. Now let's move and don't say a word to him." Arm around my shoulders he pulled me forward. Bundling me into the back of the car and shutting the door.

Julian pulled me into his arms, trying to sooth me. I fell against him completely confused.

What the hell was going on here?

Sliding into the drivers side, Ian peeled out of the parking lot and onto the empty coastal road.

"Take us back to the palace and have the boys brought from school-"

I stiffened at Julian's tone but I didn't say anything. He didn't know that the boys weren't in school. Ian hadn't told him and he didn't tell him now.

"I don't think any of the palaces are good right now your highness."

"The security there isn't as secure there as you believe. As head of your security. I think the best thing for you both is to separate you."

Next to me Julian bristled. "Is that really necessary?" The first hint of anger was making his voice growly. It was like he was beginning to suspect something.

In the rear view mirror Ian's eyes met mine for a second and then slid back up the road.

"Of course, the choice is yours Julian." He said tartly. "But if this threat was levelled at my family then I would do whatever it took to keep them safe. I would hide them away."

Julian's eyes narrowed. "You don't have a family."

"And neither will you if you don't do the right thing."