Wanted by the Billionaire and the prince

JULIAN FINDS ME

“Father, you didn’t tell me you would receive another guest today. I was under the impression that my daughter and I would have your maximum attention this week. So we could have enough time to pray over what I talked to you about.” Julian said, coming in, taking up all the air in the room with his sexy cologne that was melted into the air like wood and masculinity and mystery. He didn’t spare me a glance.

He’s still so angry at me. God! I hope Damien isn’t here.

“I did say that I always receive guests.” Father Jose replied, looking at Elijah. They were giving each other knowing glances. I wanted to know what they were about. But I would ask my brother later.

“Is this the woman who is Holland’s favourite teacher?” Jose continued, feigning ignorance, but I had a feeling he already knew who I was.

“Yeah, and she’s the reason we are here. So can I speak to you outside, Father.” Julian said. It was meant to be a request, but I could hear finality in his voice.

Julian loved to order people around a lot, even in bed.

“After I’m done with my guest.” Father Jose replied with a smile.

I could feel Julian’s rage-filled eyes boring into the back of my head.

“Holland baby. Let’s go.” He said to Holland, who was still clinging to my waist while I played with her hair.

“I’ve missed you, baby,” I told her. Saying it out loud made my heart crumble. I just realized how much I had indeed missed my favourite student ever. So much that all I just wanted to do was be with her. This would be the first time in a year since I started teaching that Holland wasn’t in class. I didn’t like that at all.

“Holland, didn’t you hear Daddy? I said let’s go!” Julian snapped.

Holland shook her head defiantly and started crying. “Daddy, please, I want to stay with Teacher Samantha.”

I turned to face Julian with pleasing eyes.

Julian looked at me with anger and frustration. “Father, this is what I didn’t want!”

“Julian, how about you calm down and give them some time together, okay? You don’t separate people like that.” Father Jose imputed.

“Please.” I mouthed to Julian, rubbing my palms together. “You are mad at me. Don’t take it out on her.”

Julian exhaled, which seemed to calm him down. “Fine. But I will need her back in thirty minutes.”

“Alright. Cool.” I said almost immediately.

Julian nodded, then faced Father Jose. “Sorry, Father, for my attitude. I’ll just wait outside.”

Father Jose nodded his acceptance, and Julian walked out, closing the door after him.

When he did, he kicked the door hard, letting out his frustration.

“BANG!”

My heart skips a thousand beats. Julian is really mad at me, and if Damien is here, he’s about to be angrier. Oh my God!

I forced a smile on my face. “Father, these paintings are extremely nice. Did you buy them?” I ask, trying to steer the conversation from the drama that just happened.

My voice came out hoarse, indicating I was extremely tired and frustrated. But I wanted to say something, anything to take me away from the misery I was feeling. I also didn’t want to be alone, or I might feel tempted to call my therapist, whom I had stopped seeing for a while now, or to rush after Julian, who was still mad at me.

I lift Holland and place her on my thighs. She hugged me and put her head on my bosom while playing with my dress. I wore a flowery long gown that hugged my waist with a belt I tightened behind. She was pulling on the strap and giggling. I couldn’t complain. She’s just five, anyway.

“No I didn’t__”he answered blushing

I cocked my head to the side, raising my eyebrows in obvious confusion.

“I didn’t buy it because I painted them,” he added.

“You painted them? “I asked, surprised but impressed.

“Yes, I did. I painted every painting in this house. It’s my escape___” he stopped talking, a hint of sadness evident in his eyes.

What’s his story? I really wanted to know.

“They are really nice,” I say with a smile.

“Thanks.” He smiles. “Your compliment means a lot to me.”

I nodded and returned my attention to the picture of the boy drowning. “You know, one day, I would love to paint too,” I murmur. “I’m not very good at it myself, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I also illustrated my own kid’s book, but I’ve been too scared to publish it.”

“I think you can and should publish your book. Whatever you paint with joy always turns out good.” Father Jose advised.

“Yea, sis, why didn’t you tell me about it? I would have published it myself.” My brother interjected.

“Because I want to do it in my own time, and I know you will add to the pressure,” I replied.

“Sis, you’ve always been a good painter.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I shrug, “I guess.”

“Samantha!”

“Let me take you to the room you will be staying.” Father Jose said, calling I and Elijah’s attention back to him.

“I was just about to suggest that,” Elijah interjects, standing up. I got up, too, with Holland in my arms, who was already almost falling asleep. “Lead the way, Father,” Elijah adds.

“Sure.”

When we went outside, he led us to the stone stairs. “Your room is on the third floor. The third floor is where all the guests stay.”

I clear my throat, “Does Julian stay there too?” I ask.

“Yes, across your Room. Would that be a temptation for you?” Father Jose asks, stopping in his tracks to look at me.

I didn’t even know what to say to him cause the answer to the question was obvious. Of course, it will be a temptation to me. Although all I wanted to do was rest and find out what my next course of action would be.

“Teacher Samantha. Will you tell me bedtime stories?” Holland asked drowsily.

Fuck! I almost miss when she was mute.

I don’t mean that, I promise. It is just I find it hard to say no to her.

Does she know telling her a bedtime story means I’ll be alone with her father when she falls asleep?