Chapter 15: Chapter 15

Cassandra's POV

When he put me down finally, I was thoroughly flustered, hot and soaking, with swollen lips and a throbbing love bite on my neck. He covered me with his blazer as he caressed my swollen lip, his piercing eyes gazing into mine without batting an eyelid.

"This isn't over. I will make love to you completely till you're too sore to escape me," he said as his fingers trailed to the love bite that he gave me. I winced with pain and realized what he had done!

"What have you done Julian? I need to collect Max from Avery's house and Aunt Caroline's there. They will see this and pull my legs. It's so embarrassing," I said with apprehension, my face burning with embarrassment at the thought.

"So what? They will know that I love you, that I've branded you as mine," he said with a satisfied smirk as he started the car, making me roll my eyes at his high-handed attitude. "Tell me where to go," he asked as I gave him the address. It was no point arguing with him. He had all his answers at the tip of his tongue. We reached the house in 45 minutes and parked the car. Locking it, we went up to the front door and pressed the doorbell while I tried to conceal the throbbing mark on my neck with the collar of my dress. It was a futile effort and I wished I had worn a jacket with it or carried a stole. Julian seemed to enjoy my discomfort as he watched me with a permanent grin pasted on his face.

"It's not funny, okay?" I complained but his grin grew wider and I felt like wiping it off his face.

The door opened and Aunt Caroline peeped out, forcing us to stop our little fight. Her face broke into a wide smile upon seeing us, "Oh you're back so soon? Come in both of you," she said, moving away to allow us inside.

We went in and Max came running out into my arms, "Mommy, mommy," he said and my heart melted seeing him after so many days. I forgot my predicament and picked him up and hugged him tightly in my arms. "How have you been, my little one?'' I asked him, inhaling his baby smell as I rocked him in my arms. It was such a relief to see him after so long and I had been feeling guilty for leaving him.

"I'm Otay. See? I've glown up, mommy," he said, proudly. I looked at him and smiled appreciatively.

"I can see that. Did you eat like a good boy?" I asked him and he looked at me with disbelief, offended that I asked him such a silly question.

He nodded his head vigorously. "Yes mommy, That's why I glew big. Don't you know?" he asked incredulously, making everyone laugh. Then he looked at Julian who had been quietly standing behind me and watching us indulgently. "Daddy?" Max asked with a toothy grin as he tilted his head to one side to catch a better look at Julian.

"Yes, champ, I'm here," said Julian said as he held out his arms to Max. Max enthusiastically jumped from my arms to his, completely forgetting about me. I didn't mind. In fact, I was spellbound by the love Julian shared with Max. Their interactions were natural and spontaneous and anyone could say that they really did love one another.

"Daddy, daddy, wher did you go?" Max asked in his baby way but Julian seemed to understand every word he spoke.

"I had work but, now I'm back to Max. So tell me champ, do you love daddy?" Julian asked as he danced with Max in his arms excitedly while I chuckled at their interaction. I could see Julian's gaze upon me as if he was trying to show off to get me jealous although he had no idea that I was far from feeling jealous of him. In fact, I was glad that they bonded so well with one another.

"Yes, Max loves daddy," said Max laying his head on Julian's shoulder. I was touched and smiled at the two of them but Julian had a victorious look on his face as if he had proved to me how good a dad he actually was. But he had no idea that I knew how good he was. I knew that he indeed was Max's dad.

"Aww, who's this Cass? Where did you go daddy hunting? I thought you went to Anna's bridal shower," said Avery as she came forward grinning. I rolled my eyes, groaning inwardly. I now knew the type of teasing that I would be subjected to. She would now take her revenge for everything that I had done to her. Avery hadn't been able to take her revenge ever as I never dated anyone in my life or had any boyfriend, so I know she would never let this opportunity go.

My cheeks colored at her statement but thankfully aunt Caroline saved me.

"This is Julian Henderson, Cassie's boyfriend," introduced aunt Caroline. "Julian, this is my daughter and Cassie's best friend, Avery," said Aunt Caroline. "You all catch up. I'll be with you in a minute," said Aunt Caroline as she left the room.

"Ooo, finally you have a boyfriend. It calls for a celebration," said Avery, then turning to Julian, "Don't let her go, she's a gem, she's scared of relationships. Promise me that you'll win her trust. She never did anything for herself ever. Never bought anything for herself. Only for Max, mum, her father and me. Pamper her and make her feel special, Julian. She deserves it," she started her lecture right in front of my nose. I knew that she meant well but it was really embarrassing to have it said in front of you. I had to put a stop to it as there wasn't any filter to Avery's mouth.

"Avee, please, I'm here, what are you teaching Julian?" I said to Avery. "Don't listen to her," I said to Julian in embarrassment. He chuckled while I went forward towards aunt Caroline who had just come into the room carrying a packet. I could feel Julian and Avery discussing me in hush-hush tones! It was an important lesson for me. Never get your best friend and boyfriend together as they always land up plotting and planning behind your back! Before I could catch them red-handed, aunt Caroline called me.

"Cassie, dear, take these with you," she said, making me surprised.

"Aunt Caroline, aren't you coming home with us?" I asked and she shook her head.

"No, dear, I will come tomorrow morning before you leave for work. Will that do?" Aunt Caroline said.

"Yeah, yeah, then we'll take Max and leave. See you tomorrow then," I said kissing her cheek and hugging Avery.

"Here's some mince pie and red velvet cake," I made a lot so you both can have it for dinner," She said handing me the packet she had in her hands.

"Thank you, aunt Caroline," I said as Avery brought Max's stuff and gave the bags to me.

"I'll see you out," she said as we all exited.