Julian's POV
I stood at the entrance of the event hall, the cold air hitting my face but doing nothing to lower the temperature of my blood. My chest felt tight. Every second I stood there, I felt like the floor was falling out from under me. I wanted to turn back around, find that guy, and finish what I started, but the noise of the gala behind me reminded me I was still a prisoner of this event.
"Julian! There you are!"
Lucy appeared out of the crowd, her face lit up with the fake, practiced glow for the cameras. Before I could move, she threw her arms around my neck, pulling me into a hug.
"Where have you been? Everyone is asking for the man of the hour," she whispered into my ear, even as a whisper, her voice still made my stomach turn.
I didn't hesitate. I grabbed her forearms and shoved her away from me. It wasn't a gentle push; she stumbled back a step, and her eyes flashed with shock. I stepped toward her, my voice dropping into a low tone.
