Page 96 of Julian

“What would you like for breakfast?” Lucy asked.

Kiara sat down at the table and rested her hand on her bump, considering the question. One day something would appeal to her that wouldn’t interest her at all the next.

“I’d like some waffles with whipped cream and berries.”

Lucy chuckled. “Sounds good.”

Kiara stared out the large windows at the skyline of New York City. It was a cloudy day, and unlike the sparkling lights of the night before, everything was a blah shade of gray.

“Julian stopped by last night,” Lucy said once she’d placed their breakfast order with room service.

Kiara schooled her expression before turning her attention to Lucy. “What did he want?”

“He wanted to check on you. I told him that you were tired. He did ask if I’d heard the conversation between you and that woman.”

How had he known about that? “What did you tell him?”

“That I’d heard a bit, but he didn’t press for more information.”

Kiara was glad to hear that. “It wasn’t anything noteworthy.”

Lucy gave her a look. “Oh, I think it was, and clearly Julian seemed to think it was, too. Otherwise, I’m not sure why he would have asked about it.”

The last thing Kiara wanted to do was relive that conversation. “It really wasn’t anything.”

“She didn’t look like she was being particularly friendly.”

“She wasn’t,” Kiara admitted. “But she isn’t the first person who’s told me that I don’t belong in this world.”

Lucy scowled but didn’t say anything more. She set a cup of coffee on the table in front of Kiara, correctly deducing that she’d want one that morning.

“Thanks.” She added some cream and sugar, then picked it up and took a small sip. Coffee wasn’t something she completely denied herself, but she never had more than one cup a day, if that.

It wasn’t long before there was a knock on the door, and Lucy opened it to admit a person from room service. The man rolled the cart over to the table and unloaded several plates.

“Are you super hungry this morning?” Kiara asked, eyeing the plates on the table.

“I figured you might decide you wanted something else besides the waffles.”

Kiara chuckled. “Baby changes his mind frequently.”

“I know how it goes,” Lucy said as she sat down across from Kiara.

“Really? Do you have kids?” The two of them had gotten to know each other more since she’d been assigned as Kiara’s permanent bodyguard, but Lucy had never mentioned kids.

“No. I don’t have kids, but I’m the eldest of seven. I have clear memories of my mom’s last four pregnancies and how her appetite fluctuated, even within the span of a meal.”

Kiara had just taken a bite of her waffle, so she just nodded her understanding. Already, the bacon on one of the plates was calling her name.

When there was another knock on the door, Lucy glanced toward it, then got to her feet. It wasn’t a huge surprise to see Julian in the doorway.

“Why don’t you join Anthony in my suite?” Julian said as Lucy stepped back to let him in.

Though Lucy glanced at Kiara, she didn’t hesitate to return to the table to pick up her plate and mug of coffee. Without a word, she left the suite, closing the door behind her.

“Did you want some coffee?” Kiara asked. “I think there’s still some left in the carafe.”

Julian turned to the buffet against the wall, where there were several drink options. As he poured himself some coffee, Kiara took in his appearance.