When Blaine explainolphe simation, Julie hesitated upon learning it was to accompany blin to an auction. “Isn’t that a hisinappropriate? What if your girlfriend find out? she might
misunderstand”
Maine herr, caught off guard. “oldfulend? Who said have a pilti tend?–
Palestinely glanced at Lucian, and Blaine puffed up his chest in frustration Lucel Are you spreading tumors again? When did I ever get a girlfriend?”
Langat him with feigned disinterest. “I she’s not you gli li lend, then what is she?”
Maine was speechless. It monder weren’t illegal, he’d strangle Lucas right then and there. He turned back to julle, flashing a nervous grin. “It’s not true. Don’t listen to him. I’m still very
pable raised an rychten, unconvinced.
Blaine played at Lucian “Aren’t we supposed to be hien? clear this up to me!”
Lincian didn’t even look up. “Clear up what?”
“That I’m single!”
“Oh, you’re single. But that doesn’t stop you from acting like this, does it?”
Blaine was dubtounded
Julie looked at Lon. “What auction? Why do you need a date?”
Before Luciano
ammer, Flaine eagerly stepped in to explain. After hearing him out, | De Enally understood it was for Lucian’s welcome party.
Shemed to Lasan, surprised. “You’re going too?”
Blaine scoffed “Him? Looking like this? If he doesn’t go
“Who said I’m not going? Lucian interrupted, his tone cold. “It’s my welcome party. How can I not po“”
Blaine looked comed. “But you said you weren’t going before. What changed
Lucia’s expression darkened. “Shut up.”
Julie sighed at the two of them. “Enough You’re both acting like children. How old are you? Why are you still Her words immediately silenced the ward.
Realizing she might have owerstepped, alle looked down, awkwardly adding, “I just meant,”
Before she could finish, Lucian wwwed a band “Alright, no more arguing”
Jule was taken aback. She hadn’t expected him to actually liste
Blaine and toward her with a shy grin. “Jules, jest agree to come with me. It’ll be boring go alone.
“I’Lucian going with you?” she asked.
Blaine sorted. “He’s not a won. What I need a proper date.”
Julle besitated, toon
Lucian said in his usual calms voice, “Go ahead. It’ll be fun for you.”
After a moment, Julie softly agreed.
wing over nothing
Blaine’s Lips tched in annoyance. So, after all this effort, he was just the unnecessary third wheel? Lucien hadn’t even spoken word in his favor “What does it start? Do I need to do anything?” Julie asked.
meine leaned back and gave her a quick once–over. She was dressed casually in a pulty jacket and tight jeans–not exactly suitable for an upscale event.
“Jules, let me take you to get styled. The auction starts at 2:00 pm, so we’ve got time,” Blaine said decisively. He didn’t wait for Lucian’s input before dragging her out of the hospital ward Though Julle had attended such events before, this one was shaping up to be the most formal.
Blaine whisked her off for a skincare treatment, helped her pick out a suitable gift, and arranged for her styling. By the time they were done, less than an hour remained before the auction, They returned to the hospital to pick up Lucian
“Luce, check this out isn’t the tuning!” naine announced, grinning as he pushed julie into the ward like he was showing off a treasure.
Julie felt embarrassed by his over–the–top antics and muttered, “Why is main such a weird? He’s saying so much just to make an entrance.”
Instinctively, she glanced at Lucan. He wasn’t in bed anymo44
essed in a patently rared suit and crisp white shirt, he sat on the couch, looking as composed and sharp as someone out of a magazine. The dignified air about him made Julie pause for Hearing Blaine’s vale, Larian looked up, his gaze landing on Julle.
