Page 158 of Madness & Mercy

I hum in agreement, pressing a lazy kiss to his shoulder. "Just rest," I murmur, carefully untangling us and rolling to the side. "I'll take care of you."

Julian finally drifts into a deep, exhausted sleep, his chest rising and falling beneath the blankets, lips parted, hair mussed from everything that just happened. I can’t stop staring for a moment, letting the reality of him here, alive, andmine,sink in.

I press a hand to his wrist, gently rubbing the faint red marks the handcuffs left. Then I move to his ass, massaging the spots that still sting from my spanks, my fingers tracing the heat left behind.

When he shifts, still half-asleep, I slip into the bathroom, filling the sink with warm water and soap. I wet a cloth, returning to him, washing his skin with care. Every inch of him beneath my touch makes my chest tighten. His muscles twitch beneath my hands, even in sleep, as if his body remembers the fire we just shared.

Afterward, I help him into fresh clothes, tucking him in and smoothing the sheets over him. He sighs contentedly, and I can’t resist leaning down to kiss the top of his head.

Morning comes too fast. By the time we come down, Cassian’s already waiting by the door.

“You don’t have to go, you know,” Julian says softly, a little hesitant. “You could stay… at least for a few more hours.”

Cassian shakes his head, a small, grateful smile tugging at his lips. “Thanks, Julian. For everything… the hospitality, the chaos, and, well, you guys letting me crash here. But I really should be getting home.”

Julian bites his lip, not ready to let him leave. “Promise me you’ll visit soon?”

“I promise,” Cassian replies. His gaze softens. “And… go see Mom and Dad too, yeah? They’ve been asking about you.”

Julian’s chest tightens. “I will. I’ll go see them.”

“Good,” Cassian says, and his grin widens just a little. “They miss you.”

For a moment, neither of them moves. Then, carefully, they hug. Julian holds on a little longer than he expected, feeling the weight of everything finally start to ease.

Pulling back, Cassian claps him lightly on the shoulder. “Take care of yourself, alright?”

“You too,” Julian murmurs. Cassian gives a final nod and heads toward the door.

I pick up my phone and wire him the five million as promised, watching the transaction go through. A few hours later, packages I completely forgot about start arriving, and I can’t help smirking at the first one: the maid outfit. I know exactly what it is before even opening it.

“Hey,” I call to Julian, who’s already in the kitchen making breakfast. “You still gonna wear this?”

He scoffs, crossing his arms. “For an extra two thousand? I’ll change into it right now.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “Maybe later. I’ve got business to attend to. But help yourself to anything around the house. And feel free to take out the Maserati if you want some fresh air.”

He raises a brow.

“Whatkindof business?”

I smirk, stepping just out of reach.

“The kind that doesn’t concern you.”

He closes the gap, his dropping his voice low.

“Let me come with you. I’m a good shot.”

I hum, brushing a hand over his chest.

“I know you are. But I’m not putting you in danger again. You’ve got a hunger for chaos, I get it—but you’reminenow. And I protect what’s mine.”

I press a soft kiss to his forehead. He groans.

“So what, I’m just supposed to sit here and do nothing all day? I’ll go crazy.”

I tilt my head, my smirk sharpening.