After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 142

 JULIA

Adam brought me to the most breathtaking place later that day. A countryside with the cool air and the scent of freshly mowed grass and wood, which I never knew existed. I only saw skyscrapers in my life. I fed my eyes with the stunning, majestic acres of land, grounds of lush lawns, and trees as we drove through the driveway. It was incredible! Though someone should worry about getting lost for having such an enormous square mile estate.

Back at the entrance, I remembered the arc that says, "Cavendish Manor."

"Are we far from the city?"

"Not that far. This is my half-brother's home."

I looked at him. "Your eldest brother?"

"Yes. Ronald is here with his daughter, but his wife is currently out of the country."

"Wow, I always thought your world revolved around the office or your penthouse," I remarked.

"I'm a very private person, Ms. Taylor. I don't involve anyone in my life, but of course, you're not just anyone to me anymore."

"Sorry. I didn't catch that."

"I'm going to introduce you to Ronald today."

My eyes widened. This was where he said he's taking me? His brother's ranch? This was too sudden. I didn't expect this.

"Speaking of your half-brother, whose side of the family is he?"

"He's my father's."

"You and Ronald must be really close?"

"We all are. We used to come here on summer vacations when we were just kids." 

I chuckled. "I'm amazed."

He grinned. "Why?"

"You're opening up yourself to me more than Henry." I paused as I mention his brother's name. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have—"

"We're here. Come." He stepped down first, and he opened the door for me.

I gaped up at the grandest and extravagant manor house I'd seen in my life. It was modern, embellished with glass walls, a pristine white marble exterior, and tall, squared windows at the most asymmetric way.

I couldn't help but look around side by side, but what captivated me was the dancing fountain lighted with bright neon colors at the full front lawn. As I turned my gaze away, Adam opened the soaring wooden door, and I followed him inside.

A posh twin-curvature staircase was unveiled before my eyes as we stepped inside. The four-season house had divided glass windows that showcase an outdoor view. The floors were polished with Flavian marble floors, and the walls displayed treasured art pieces that some I recognized.

Adam took me to the living room and found two guys who seemed to be awaiting our arrival. They both grinned as they saw Adam. I knew who the other man was, Dominic Grant from the charity event, and the other guy was familiar, but I couldn't recall where I had seen him.

"Dom, Ed," Adam greeted them and exchanged with each a brief hug. "I'd like you to meet Julia. Dominic, you already met her. Edward, this is Julia. Julia, Edward Logan."

A frown grew on Dominic's face, but he just smiled and shook hands with me. "Julia, glad to see you again. It's your first time here, no?"

"Actually, it is. Thank you, Dominic." I grinned. "You're not going to snatch me for an auction again, right?"

He laughed softly. "Not this time."

"Hello, Julia. I'm Edward Logan. It's nice to meet you."

I shook hands with him, still trying to think where I'd first seen him. He had tan skin, deep emerald eyes, and square jaws with a shadow of aftershave.

"You're not supposed to be Edward Logan of the Belmont Scotch film, are you?"

His brows furrowed with an awkward smile. "Uh, yeah, that's me."

I felt my mouth fall open for a second. "Oh, my God! I loved your movies! I have had a crush on you since twelve, and the films—they're my favorites! God, did you really end up with Chloe Peters?"

He chuckled awkwardly. "We never dated."

I nodded in approval. "Good to know. She's not born for that. Horrible acting," I remarked. "But hey, how could I forget? Johann's the Witness, that too! You were just a little boy back then. What happened to you? Have you been filming any movies lately? Can I take a selfie with you? My sister would be so jealous. We both love you."

Adam cleared his throat. "Julia."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I got carried away. I haven't seen him on screen for a decade. That's why I didn't recognize him."

"I remember those days, Julia," Dominic interjected. "I could tell you stories all day."

"Oh, shut up, Dom." Edward rolled his eyes.

"Guys, can we excuse ourselves for a moment? Julia needs to rest. We've been driving for hours," Adam interrupted. "Is Ronald inside?"

"He's inside. He's waiting, man," Dominic said.

 "Come." Adam grabbed my hand and brought me down a long corridor. "Stop flirting with my friend," he demanded. "I don't want you to have a crush on anyone anymore but me."

I pulled my hand away. "I'm not flirting with your friend. He's like my favorite child actor."

His brows furrowed. "He's not a child anymore."

I raised my eyebrow. "Are you being jealous right now?"

"I'm not playing this game, Julia."

"Then don't. You can't possibly get jealous. You are the most beautiful man I know." I ran my fingers on his collar. "But I'm sorry. I'm just probably star-struck."

"Whatever. You are mine." He lowered his face to mine and thrust his tongue into my mouth. Both his hands cupped my neck, drawing me deeper into him. I closed my eyes as I felt the electricity running from my feet to my head. He aggressively twirled his tongue with mine, erotically sucking me, while his hands were busy moving around my curves, my bumps, caressing me so possessively.

We only parted away when we heard the approaching footsteps. He kissed my nose before he released me.

"It's my brother. Come, I'll introduce you to him." He held my hand and entwined his fingers with mine.

"Are we going to stay here?" I asked.

"Yes. He prepared a room for us."

"I need to call Claire."

"Of course, but you can do that later. I already called your house and talked to your sister."

My eyes widened. "Did you tell her that we—"

He groaned. "Don't give me that look. I told her this is work."

I heaved a sigh of relief. "I'm just worried that—"

"We'll talk about that later. My brother's here."

"Adam!" A tall, dark-haired man approached us. He had a square face, a strong jaw, and a set of deep, sapphire eyes. He was wearing an oversized blue T-shirt and ripped jeans, and he was barefoot. A cute little girl wearing a red polka-dot dress was clinging to his side, and she was gazing up at me.

"Ronald." Adam gave him a brief hug, then bent down and kissed his niece's forehead. "Hello, young lady. Did you miss uncle?"

She nodded shyly and didn't smile, but her cheeks turned rosy.

"Adam, she's so cute," I almost squealed.

"Julia, this is my brother, Ronald, and his daughter, Martha. And this is Julia, my girlfriend."

"It's nice to finally meet you, Julia." Ronald offered his hand to me.

I shook his hand. "Nice to meet you, too. How old is your daughter?"

"She's six, and she's not usually this quiet. She hasn't seen her Uncle Adam for a while. Oh, I prepared a room for you. You should both rest and come later for dinner."

"Thank you, Ronald," Adam said.

"I'll tell the housekeepers to bring your things to your room," Ronald informed; then he ushered us to our room on the second level, and as we stroll, I couldn't help but speak about the house.

"You've got a nice home here," I commented. "I heard your wife is out of the country."

"Carmen's in Sydney with our son. They're visiting her parents. They won't be here until next week," he explained. "Why didn't you introduce Julia to me at the charity event, Adam?" he suddenly queried and stopped in front of a double-leafed wooden door.

"You were there?"

"Yes." He grinned. "I saw you."

 "Enough with the interviews, for now," Adam interjected. "I'm tired, and I need a bath." He opened the door and got inside first.

What was his sudden change of mood?

"Sorry. I'll see you at dinner," I said.

"Make yourself at home, Julia."

"Thanks." I let Ronald walk away first before I closed the door. Then Adam pulled me to him as soon as we were alone. He held my face and pressed a lingering but quick kiss on my lips.

"Hmm… this is better."

"Wait." I pushed his chest a bit. "Can I ask you something first?"

"What is it?"

"Why did you bring me here?"

"I wanted you to meet everyone. I want you to know them. They are the most important people in my life, and I want you in it."

"Aren't we rushing things? Everyone knows about Henry and me, and now this."

"Screw that. You're not with him anymore, and I want to share this with you. I am serious about you, and this is my way of showing that I'm already falling for you." He looked at me intently, dipping into my soul.

What?

"I'm… I'm sorry, I don't know what to say," I trailed off.

"I said I was falling for you. Do you trust me?" he asked, searching for my eyes.

"Of course, I do, but this is too sudden and… sudden." I swallowed hard. "I haven't spoken with Henry yet, and we were already here—"

He scowled. "Does it matter? Do you need to talk to him about this?"

"Because it's the right thing to do, Adam."

"Don't you want me enough?"

She's right. I should start trusting more than doubting. It won't do any good. I should forget about Henry as well—just a moment, at least. I would be willing to give him a chance to explain and finally had my closure, and that's it! I was with Adam now, and I should embrace it.

I finally decided to come out of the room, but Adam was at the doorstep waiting for me. I thought he'd already left with his friends.

"You're still here?"

"Technically, I came back. What's taking you so long?"

"I just phoned Megan."

"Come, they're waiting." He unfolded his arms, and he took my hand.

I was expecting a banquet when Adam said it was dinner, but it wasn't. He brought me to the swimming pool, and his friends were all over the place with women I never met. It was kind of a pool party. Loud pop music was playing, snacks were served by the veranda, and there were cocktails as well.

Dominic was with a redhead woman in a black two-piece swimsuit that revealed almost everything. Seriously, her breasts were barely covered by her tiny piece of clothing. They plunged into the water with others, including Edward. Another gorgeous short-haired brunette was sitting on a bench, laughing by herself with a glass of cocktail.

Adam grinned as he saw them.

"I'm pretty sure this isn't dinner," I commented.

"Do you want to eat first?" he offered.

My breath hitched in my throat. I suddenly wanted to jump into the water as well. "I didn't bring any swimsuits with me."

He chuckled. "And you are more worried about that?"

"Aren't you going to join them?"

"Yes, but you should eat first. Come."

Adam brought me to the snack table on the veranda. Ronald was there picking up bacon skewers dipping each in the melted cheese.

"That smells nice," I complimented.

"Hello, Julia. Have some of this." He gave me the stick he was holding.

"Thanks." I took it from him and ate a bit. "Hmm… tastes good, too."

"Sup, Ronald. I didn't expect that you would join us?" Adam asked.

His brother grinned. "Martha's with Mrs. Simons." He picked up another skewer and handed it to Adam. "And it's not every day you're here."

"I always wanted to visit you, but I'm caught up with work," he reasoned. "Though I could use a little break."

He finally looked at us. "You should do it often."

Adam didn't answer, but he smiled. Then he grabbed a piece of shrimp and offered it to me. I opened my mouth and let him feed me.

"Hmm. This is delicious, too." I picked another one.

"When you're done with this, come with me."

"Why? We just came here," I asked, still chewing my food.

"I'll look for swimsuits you could wear."

I shrugged. "Sure."

After the dinner-turned-snack, we went back inside, and he took me into another room. It was a little dim inside and almost empty. There was only a queen-sized bed and a decorative wardrobe. It must be one of the guest rooms, but it was pretty huge.

"How do you know there's a swimsuit here," I asked curiously, but he didn't answer. He walked to the wardrobe and started digging inside. Surprisingly, there were actually clothes.

As soon as he found it, he stood and closed the wardrobe.

"Come here and choose a set." He handed me a green two-piece string bikini and a black one-piece.

I sneezed. "Gee, Adam. It's dusty." I didn't ask, but these swimsuits probably belonged to Ronald's wife. "But I want the green one."

"It suits you," he mumbled, then he pulled me to him. He slid a hand on my lower back and pressed me against him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and smiled.

"Something wrong, Mr. Cavendish?"

He shook his head, then crashed his lips onto mine—owning me with the thrust of his tongue. He groaned, and the vibration of his throat rushed through me. His kiss grew harder, more demanding. We were panting and pulling at each other's mouths like we couldn't get deep enough, my nails slashing into his shirt as I tried to pull him closer.

While his other hand was busy trying to get inside my shirt, I slid my palms on his hard rock chest, tracing every bump and line of his body. I inclined my head as I felt his head dipped into my neck. He ran his lips on my skin smoothly, leaving a wet and warm feeling in every trail of his lips.

"God, I want you so much," he breathed on my skin. "You smell so good."

I bit my lower lip as I felt his palm squeezed the round of my butt. Then he brought his mouth to my ears and bit me gently.

"Do you want this?"

"Yes, please…"

He chuckled. "It's just too bad we're always in the wrong place at the wrong time," he whispered, "but soon I'll claim you." He parted away and kissed my lips lightly.

"Are we… are we not..."

He pressed a thumb on my lip. "Put that swimsuit on, and I'll wait for you outside." He placed another soft kiss on my forehead and left.