Chapter 570

Rosalind's gaze lingered on Julian Blackwood's chiseled features, a smug satisfaction curling her lips. The Blackwood dynasty was among the most affluent in the city - Julian possessed not just breathtaking looks but staggering wealth and legendary bedroom skills. Just remembering their last encounter made her knees tremble.

Julian remained silent.

With a bold move, Arabella unbuckled her seatbelt and swung herself onto Julian's lap in one fluid motion. Her fingers traced his jawline as she purred, "Cat got your tongue? Or would you rather skip the talking and take me right here in this car?"

She captured his lips in a searing kiss.

A week had passed since Julian last touched Arabella. At twenty-eight, his body responded instantly to her practiced advances. His arms encircled her waist, pulling her flush against him as the kiss deepened. Arabella's manicured nails scraped down his chest...

Julian's hand suddenly clamped around her wrist, halting her progress.

Arabella froze mid-motion. "What's wrong?"

His handsome face twisted in visible frustration. "Not tonight."

Her confident expression faltered. His body clearly wanted her, yet he was rejecting her advances.

Rosalind's name flashed through her mind. Whenever that woman appeared, Julian became distant. Arabella let her dress strap slip off one shoulder, revealing creamy skin. "Look at me, Julian. I know you want this..."

But Julian remained unmoved. Their initial flirtation had thrilled him - the stolen glances, the electric tension. But since making their relationship official, the spark had faded inexplicably. He couldn't pinpoint when Arabella had stopped exciting him, only that something vital was missing.

Now, all he could think about was Rosalind. Even with Arabella grinding against him, Rosalind's face haunted him. Julian adjusted Arabella's strap with deliberate indifference. "Enough. I said not tonight."

Recognizing genuine disinterest, Arabella reluctantly slid off his lap.

Julian exited the car abruptly, needing air. He leaned against the hood, lighting a cigarette with unsteady hands.

His phone vibrated.

"Update on Everett Sinclair?" Julian demanded.

"He's been running with the Iron Serpents. Dangerous crowd."

Everett had joined a gang? Julian barked a humorless laugh. As if Rosalind would ever lower herself to associate with such trash.

At that moment, Rosalind emerged from the building, clutching a small satchel of medicinal herbs. She was heading home.

Spotting her, Julian stubbed out his cigarette and intercepted her path. "Rosalind."

She regarded him with glacial detachment. "What do you want now? Still lurking around like some pathetic stalker?" Her tone could freeze molten lava.

Julian's chest constricted painfully. He missed the Rosalind who used to light up at his presence. "Since when do you talk to me like this?"

"I'd prefer not talking at all," she said flatly. "Move. I'm going home."

She attempted to brush past him.

Julian caught her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. "Wait."

Rosalind tried to shake free. "Let go! Don't touch me!"

With a sardonic smirk, Julian countered, "Since when am I forbidden from touching you?"

Rosalind's gaze landed on the fresh love bite marring Julian's neck - Arabella's mark. Disgust twisted her features. "You're revolting."