28. Natalie
CHAPTER 28
NATALIE
T he weekend arrives faster than I expected, the days blurring together under the weight of my responsibilities at the Langford and the constant worry over what might happen next.
Julian’s invitation for a weekend getaway was a welcome surprise, and while the proposal brought relief, I wonder if I’ll actually be able to relax with everything I have on my mind.
Even now as Julian and I set off on our road trip up to the cabin, a part of me is tethered back to the town, to the ongoing issues and potential calls from the police with updates on the situation. Hopefully I can find a way to step back from all of it—just for twenty-four hours, at the very least—and focus on my relationship with Julian.
Julian seems to sense my stress as we drive. He reaches over, giving my hand a gentle squeeze, pulling me back to the present. "Hey, it’s just the two of us this weekend," he says with a reassuring smile. "Everything else will still be waiting for us when we get back."
His words, simple and sincere, start to ease the knot of tension in my chest. It’s been so long since I allowed myself to truly step away from my responsibilities, to enjoy a moment purely for the joy it brings. Julian’s unexpected confidence that we can afford this break, his insistence on it, gradually wears down my reservations.
As the town of Mariposa fades in the rearview mirror, Julian turns on a playlist of old favorites we used to listen to back in the day. The familiar melodies fill the car, weaving a calming spell that reminds me of a simpler time.
"I packed us some snacks," he reveals with a playful grin, nodding toward the back seat where he's packed a cooler and several grocery bags.
"What did you bring?" I ask, curiosity piqued, feeling the first real flutter of excitement about our getaway.
"You'll see," he teases, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "All your favorites, I promise. I want this weekend to be perfect for you—for us."
The landscape rolls by, a picturesque blur of greens and browns as we drive through the countryside. I let myself sink into the seat, the soft hum of the engine and the melody from the speakers lulling me into a rare state of relaxation.
Julian’s thoughtfulness, the effort he’s put into planning this escape, touches me deeply. He's been under so much pressure lately that I never expected anything like this from him, but somehow, he's thought of everything.
Feeling reassured that his care for me hasn't diminished under the weight of our stressful situation, I find Julian's hand again, tracing light circles on his palm while he drives. Hopefully during this time together, I'll be able to tell him how I truly feel. I find myself smiling, genuinely content for the first time in what feels like forever. Maybe I’ll tell him about the baby too, if all goes well.
As the road stretches before us, winding through hills and past serene lakes, I allow myself to fully embrace the escape. We sing along to the music, undeterred by our terrible lack of vocal talent, and munch on the snacks of our youth: Twizzlers, Nutter Butters, Cheetos. I can't remember the last time we had this much fun together.
As we pull up to the cabin, its rustic charm immediately strikes me. Nestled amid towering pines with a backdrop of rolling hills, the cabin is a gorgeous escape from the buzz of our everyday lives. The wooden structure, with its big windows and large, welcoming porch, promises a retreat that's both serene and intimate.
Heavy on the intimate. I can get behind that.
Julian parks the car, and we step out, stretching our legs while taking in the expansive forest. I can't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me; this is exactly what we needed.
“What?” Julian cocks an eyebrow at hearing me giggle.
“I think I actually hear a brook babbling.”
He stops in his tracks to listen, and I see the moment he hears it too.
“Perfect,” he grins, throwing our bags over his broad shoulder and taking my hand.
The inside of the cabin is even more beautiful, spacious yet cozy. Comfortable furniture rests around a stone fireplace neatly stacked with logs, and subtle decor adorns the walls, making the place feel like a home away from home.
I notice a basket on the kitchen counter, left by the owner, filled with a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries. I can't help but wonder if that was at Julian's request.
Julian picks up the wine, examining it with an appreciative eye. "Looks like we're in for a treat," he comments, waving the bottle slightly as he digs through the basket for a corkscrew.
Crap. I hadn’t even considered the possibility of alcohol. A fresh wave of guilt washes over me because I’m still keeping this secret from him. But I just need to find the right time to tell him.
Is there a right time?
I move to stand by the window, taking in the gentle stream surrounded by lush greenery, until I feel Julian’s presence behind me. I turn to find him holding two glasses of wine, his eyes locked on mine with an intensity that sends a thrill through me. He hands me a glass, but I hesitate, my heart pounding.
"Not drinking tonight?" Julian asks, a playful smirk crossing his lips as he takes a sip from his own glass, clearly confused but rolling with it. "More for me, then."
I manage a smile, setting the glass down on the counter. "Yeah, you enjoy it. Maybe later."
Liar.
His eyes search mine for a moment, as if sensing something amiss, but he doesn’t press me. Instead, he sets his own glass down, and in one smooth motion, steps closer to bridge the gap between us. His hands find my waist, pulling me into him, and the world seems to narrow down to just the two of us. His kiss is deep, intentional, stirring a warmth that radiates from the very point of our connection.
As the kiss grows more intense, more insistent, Julian breaks away just enough to whisper, his breath warm against my ear, "Should we check out the bedroom?"
His voice, low and urgent, sends shivers down my spine. I nod, unable to speak, caught up in the moment and the man who makes me forget everything but the here and now.
As Julian leads me by the hand, the wooden floorboards of the cabin creak slightly under our weight, the sound building the anticipation with each step.
We push open the door to the bedroom, and I'm immediately taken by the sheer beauty of it. The room is large for a cabin bedroom, yet feels intimate, thanks to the warm tones of wood and the soft lighting. What truly takes my breath away are the French doors that lead out onto the back porch, revealing a sweeping view of the lake.
It's stunning, the lake steady and silvery, wearing a cloak of fog that flows into the surrounding woods. The foliage is lush and wraps all around the cabin in a vibrant green, creating a sacred refuge that feels very much alive. I've never seen something so serene yet invigorating.
Julian doesn’t pause to admire the view, however; his momentum is gentle but insistent as he guides me toward the large, inviting bed at the center of the room. The kiss he plants on my lips as we stand beside the bed is deep and consuming, his hands trailing fire down my back, each touch igniting sparks that dance eagerly beneath my skin.
With a sudden lightness, he lifts me slightly and with a laugh—a sound that bubbles with the pure joy of the moment—he drops me onto the bed. The mattress yields beneath me, soft and welcoming. I can't help but laugh too, the sound mingling with his as he quickly moves to straddle me, his body a welcome weight that pins me in the softness of the bed.
His face hovers above mine, his eyes gleaming with a mischievous light that promises both trouble and delight. "Caught you," he teases, his breath warm against my cheek.
I loop my arms around his neck, pulling him closer until our foreheads touch. "I hope you plan to keep me," I whisper.
Julian’s answer is another kiss, demanding this time, a claim that stokes the fire within me. As our lips move together, his hands begin a more daring exploration. They map the contours of my body over the fabric of my clothes, each stroke drawing a line of arousal that pools deep in my core.
"I have big plans for you," he murmurs against my neck, his lips tracing over my racing pulse just beneath the skin. He begins to remove my clothes, piece by piece, kissing my newly exposed skin as he goes, until I lie completely bare beneath him.
“What if I have plans for you?" I manage to say, my voice husky as I sit up and grasp at his pants. He pulls his shirt over his head as I slide his jeans down over his hips. His hard cock greets me, and I take him in my hand.
Julian groans at my touch, his eyes closing. He grows harder with each stroke, his skin like velvet as it stretches tighter over his length. The look on his face is nothing short of beautiful, and an arousing pride surges within me to see the effect I have on him.
After a moment, Julian falters, leaning on the bed to steady himself. “Lay down,” I instruct.
His eyes snap open, but it doesn't take long before he follows orders, lying on his back beside me. Rising to my knees, I crawl to him, holding his gaze as I draw ever nearer to his cock. Julian twitches with anticipation as I bring the head to my lips, giving him a gentle peck. He shudders.
“I think it's time I returned the favor,” I whisper, before dragging my tongue up the underside of his cock.
“Fuck,” Julian hisses, throwing his head back on the pillow.
It's been a while since I've done this, but his reactions are encouraging, enhancing my own desire as I tend to his. I take him into my mouth, slowly at first, my lips stretching around his size. The answering clench of Julian's fists spurs me on, and I draw in more of him, relaxing the back of my throat to accommodate as much of him as I can.
Julian's quiet moans are punctuated by the occasional sharp gasp, a melodic accompaniment to the pleasure of having him in my mouth. I press my tongue against the seam on his head, and a growl tears from his throat.
“I can't take it anymore,” Julian snaps, knotting his fingers in my hair and pulling me off his cock. His eyes are wild, his expression desperate. “I need your pussy, now.”
His words send a jolt of tantalizing delight across my nerves. My core throbs, aching for contact, and I can already feel my arousal beginning to pool between my thighs.
Without a word, I pull myself up and position myself above him. Julian latches onto my hips as I align his cock with my entrance. Like a man crazed with need, he slams me down onto him in one hard motion, drawing a euphoric cry from me.
“Ah,” Julian groans as I stretch around him, adjusting. He fills me so deeply in this position, already pressing against my g-spot without the need to thrust. It’s an exquisite feeling, almost electric, and I have to take a moment to steady myself.
Julian waits patiently, letting me catch my breath despite how frantic he was just seconds ago. His fingers dance across my thighs as he slowly begins to rock his hips beneath me.
“Enjoying yourself”? He teases.
Instead of words, my answer comes in the form of a moan, my body responding to the delicious friction. I mirror his pace, lifting myself up and down, grinding forward and back, finding the pattern that draws the best reactions from him.
I lean down for another kiss, sliding my fingers into his hair and tugging gently. This kiss speaks of need, of a thirst only he can quench. His hands cup my ass possessively as he nips at my lower lip, making me feel equally desired, and the thought only makes me want more of him.
“Have I ever told you that you're beautiful?” I ask, my fingers tracing the patterns of ink as I press myself back up.
I'm not sure if the flush on Julian's cheeks is from my words or his arousal, but I revel in it, finding myself growing dizzy with the intense sensation of riding him like this.
Julian's hands are deliberate as they rove over my body, appreciating every inch of skin they can reach. “You've got it backwards,” he murmurs, his voice strained with his own pleasure.
Suddenly, Julian increases the pace, guiding me to thrust down on him with urgency. His movements are confident, dominant even in this position, and yet there's a tenderness in his control; a protective quality that makes me feel safe and cherished even as our passions spiral higher.
My breaths come shorter as my heart rate skyrockets, my arousal peaking. I can feel myself beginning to come undone around him, my body pulsing as the muscles of my core tighten, desperate for the impending release.
Julian's jaw clenches as my thighs squeeze his hips, and then it hits—an explosion of fire that burns white hot through every fiber of my being. An all-consuming heat, an unbridled ecstasy that carries Julian to his own orgasm. He fills me with warmth, spilling inside of me and leaking down my thighs, and time seems to stretch and bend around us, the outside world fading to nothing as we’re stripped down to pure feeling.
And then, as the world sharpens again in the aftermath, Julian eases me down beside him on the bed. His movements are slow, almost reverent as he gathers me against his side. I curl into him, my head resting against his chest where I can hear the steady beat of his heart—a reassuring rhythm that anchors me.
His arm wraps securely around me, his hand stroking my back in a gentle rhythm that soothes and expresses the depth of his feeling. In this quiet afterglow, I feel safe, cared for, loved. The warmth of his body is a balm, healing the splintered edges of my heart that has been hurt so many times before.
Here, with Julian, I find a sanctuary not just from the world but from my own swirling thoughts and fears.
All at once, I am overwhelmed by a sense of completeness. I am home.
Then, the sharp ring of Julian’s phone cuts through the tranquility, painfully pulling us back to reality, to the world that exists outside of our little sanctuary. Julian’s body tenses beside me, and with an irritated sigh, he rolls out of bed, searching for his phone in his jeans. He takes one glance at the caller ID before rejecting the call.
Tossing the phone onto the nightstand, he makes his way back to me. His arm slides effortlessly beneath my head, wrapping around me, pulling me close as if to physically hold the outside world at bay.
Just as his lips brush mine with an almost painful gentleness, his phone rings again. The persistence of a second call feels ominous, and a serious pall settles over us. I can sense Julian's reluctance as he pulls away, his expression shifting from annoyance to concern.
“I’m sorry angel, I need to take this,” he murmurs, kissing my forehead quickly before slipping out of bed. He grabs the phone and steps into the hallway, leaving the bedroom door slightly ajar behind him.
From the bed, I can hear the muffled tones of his voice but can't make out the words. My heart starts to race, each unintelligible murmur from the hallway amplifying my anxiety. The warm cocoon of the bed no longer feels comforting; it feels isolating as I strain to hear any clue, any word that might explain what’s happening.
“Julian?” I call out tentatively after a minute that feels like an eternity. There’s no response, and the one-sided conversation in the hallway continues—a bad sign. I sit up in the bed, drawing the blanket close around me and hugging my knees to my chest.
Finally, after several long, heart-pounding minutes, Julian reappears in the doorway. His face is grave, the easy relaxation that had defined our afternoon completely erased. He looks at me, and I can read the apology in his eyes before he even speaks.
“We need to go back,” he says, his voice steady but his eyes revealing the seriousness of whatever news he just received. “It’s urgent.”
The finality in his tone leaves no room for questions, not yet. I nod, pushing the blanket back and swinging my legs out of bed, suddenly cold despite the warmth of the room. Whatever bubble we had been in has burst, the real world rushing in, demanding our attention.
“Aria?” I ask. “Is she?—”
“Aria’s fine,” Julian’s response is quick, a dismissal, but I’m relieved all the same. I barely know the girl, but I would lose it if something happened to her. And Julian… he’d never forgive himself.
As I hurriedly dress, my mind races with other possibilities, each more worrying than the last. Julian is on his phone again, speaking in quick, clipped tones as he coordinates what I assume are our rapid departure arrangements.
As we pack up our few belongings and prepare to leave the cabin, disappointment and anxiety battle each other for control in my mind.
We rush out of the cabin, each of our movements hurried and tense as we throw our bags into the back of the car. The silence between us is heavy, filled with the unspoken fears of what we're heading back to face.
It's only once we're in the car and pulling away from the cabin that I find the courage to ask the question that’s been clawing at my insides since Julian walked back into the bedroom with that grim expression. "Julian, what happened?"
The engine revs as the car accelerates, tearing down the road with alarming speed. "There was another break-in at the Langford," he starts, his voice low and controlled. "Except this time, it wasn’t just a break-in. Jack was there—he was attacked."
“Oh my God,” I croak, my hands flying to my mouth as my heart drops to the floor. “Is he okay?” The image of Jack, always so strong and protective, now vulnerable and hurt, is almost too much to bear.
Julian nods, trying to offer a reassuring smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. "He's in the hospital now. It's not serious, but he was knocked out. He doesn’t remember much about what happened."
The relief that Jack isn’t seriously hurt battles with a surge of panic. I fold my arms around my stomach as guilt digs deeper into my thoughts. Here I was, seeking a weekend of escape and peace, while my brother faced danger alone. The weight of the idea that my need for a break could have cost me so dearly, presses down on me.
"I should have been there," I whisper, more to myself than to Julian, my voice thick with shame. "I shouldn’t have left town."
Julian places a hand on my knee. "Natalie, you couldn’t have known this would happen. We both needed the time away—it’s not your fault."
The reassurance feels hollow. The timing, the decision to leave when we did, the desire for a respite from our burdens—it all seems so selfish now in the face of what has happened.
The drive back is tense, my voice silenced by fears. Julian makes a few calls on the way, trying to gather more information about Jack’s condition and the circumstances of the break-in. Each call seems to only deepen the lines of concern etched on his face.
As the scenery blurs past, my mind races with the implications of the break-in, the attack on Jack, and the ongoing threats that seem to be closing in around us. The peace of the weekend feels like a distant memory, replaced by the stark reality of our situation.
The guilt, the worry—it all melds into a tight knot of anxiety as we speed towards the hospital, towards answers, and towards whatever comes next.