Chapter 190 Sydney had let Caleb drape an arm around her shoulders in front of everyone. Thus, Julian kissed her in front of everyone. Downstairs, someone set off a massive firework, but to Sydney, her own pounding heartbeat was louder than any explosion. It felt like it might leap right out of her chest. Julian pressed her against him so tightly that she had nowhere left to retreat. "I told you, he's not allowed to touch you." His voice was muffled, almost sulky, like a child that was clinging to candy and unwilling to let go. Sydney managed a weak, breathless protest through his kiss.
"Through clothes doesn't count as touching." "Doesn't matter," Julian countered. "Wow!" A shriek from below made Sydney flinch. She clutched Julian instinctively and buried her face against his chest. "Look at that firework! It's so pretty!" 'Ah, so they were talking about the fireworks...' she thought in embarrassment. Sydney drew a shaky breath, yet her heart was still racing. When she looked up, she found herself staring straight into the brightness of his eyes. "You're only allowed to hold me like this. Do you hear?" "I hear," she whispered. He tilted his head lazily and feigned deafness.
His eyes were half-lidded as he studied her. "What did you say?" Terrified that the slightest sound might draw attention from downstairs, Sydney rose on tiptoe, braced against his strong shoulders, and pressed her lips close to his ear. "I said I hear you. Precious will only hold her brother like this. She's only ever held her brother like this." Julian froze for a heartbeat. Seizing the moment, Sydney slipped from his grasp and fled. Julian watched her dart away, swept slowly his tongue over his lips, and smirked. Of course she knew what he liked to hear.
His Precious was the cleverest girl in the world. Sydney entered the study and immediately noticed the pile of gifts on the desk, each tied with a neat ribbon. She gathered them up, ready to leave, when Victor suddenly appeared in the doorway. She had deliberately avoided him all night, sitting at a different table during dinner. With Caleb by her side, Victor had not dared act out, but he clearly knew how to pick his moments. Seeing her instinctively step back, he grinned. "Are you so scared of me?" "It's not fear." Sydney's gaze was icy.
"I just prefer to stay far away from people who can't decide whether they're men or women." "Sydney!" Victor's tongue darted over his teeth as his eyes roamed brazenly over her. "Don't worry, I've got plenty of ways to make you feel good. How about I give you a taste right now?" A cold, low voice echoed. 1/2 Sydney was startled as she realized that Julian had never left. He had been standing on the balcony the whole time. Ever since Julian had crippled him, Victor's fear had only grown. He spun toward the voice, stammering, "C-Cuz, what are you doing here?" Julian stepped forward.
"If I weren't here, how would I make you feel good?" "C-Cuz, I was wrong, I was just joking with Sydney..." The memory of that brutal kick still haunted him. Even now, his legs trembled. Julian tilted his head thoughtfully. "Still want to feel good?" "N-No. No, I don't..." Victor dared not rely on Eloise's protection here at the family estate to defy Julian. He hated Julian, but he feared him more. Julian cast a sidelong glance at Sydney. "You still standing there? Enjoying the show?" Clutching the gifts, Sydney hurried downstairs.
By the time she and Caleb left the Sterling estate, it was nearly 10:00 p.m. . 2/2