Chapter 17

seventeen

. . .

Hillary sat hunched over the coffee table in the hotel room, the pages of the script trembling slightly as her fingers shook slightly. She tried to focus on the words, but they seemed to swim before her eyes, taunting her with their importance. Tomorrow’s table read loomed like a towering wave, threatening to sweep her under and expose her as a fraud among the seasoned actors.

The soft rustle of pages turning mixed with the faint sound of Hillary’s pen on her notepad were the only sounds in Hillary’s dressing room. Hillary wasn’t certain if this was even how one prepared for a full table read—assuming one did—but it was how she was doing it. Her eyes flickering back and forth between the script in her hands and her notes. The big table read was tomorrow, and she could feel the weight of expectations on her shoulders.

In the last twenty-four hours she’d only seen Julius and Ethan. Tomorrow was the first time she’d be fully on set with every cast member and god knew how many crew. If she messed up tomorrow, would they all regret taking a chance on her? Would Julius worry she would destroy the movie he was both starring in and producing?

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach. You can do this , she told herself firmly. They chose you for a reason . But the niggling doubts persisted, whispering that she was out of her depth, that she didn’t belong here among the bright lights and big names. It didn’t seem to matter what she did, Imposter Syndrome found its way to her without a hitch.

A sudden knock at the door made Hillary jump, a few pages of the script slipping from her fingers and scattering across the floor. Nearly letting out a curse, she rose and crossed the small space, opening the door to reveal Julius leaning casually against the door frame.

His lips curved into that effortless smile that never failed to make her pulse quicken.

“Hey, you,” he said softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Before Hillary could respond, Julius leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips. It was brief but sweet, a moment of connection that grounded her amid the whirlwind of her thoughts.

“Julius, hi,” she breathed as he pulled back. “I wasn’t expecting you.” She glanced self-consciously at the mess of pages on the floor, evidence of her frayed nerves.

“I can tell,” he chuckled, following her gaze. “Big day tomorrow, huh? I remember my first table read. I was a wreck. But you did a small before, you’ll be just as great.”

Hillary blinked in surprise. “You? Nervous? I find that hard to believe.”

Julius shrugged, his smile turning wry. “Believe it. Even I get Imposter Syndrome sometimes. I’m not exactly the typical space hero. But you know what helps?” He reached out and took her hand, lacing their fingers together. “Remember, we’re in this together. You’re not alone, Hillary. You’ve impressed everyone you’ve met. Embrace that.”

She looked down at their joined hands, marveling at how such a simple touch could bring such comfort. Could he be right? Maybe she wasn’t an imposter, but rather part of a team, all working toward the same goal.

“Thank you,” she said quietly, meeting his eyes. “I needed to hear that. I think.”

Julius grinned and squeezed her hand. “Anytime. Now, what do say to you coming with me somewhere special?”

Hillary tilted her head, curiosity piqued. “Somewhere special? What did you have in mind?”

Julius’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “It’s a surprise. But I promise it’ll be worth it. Just trust me.”

She hesitated for a moment, glancing back at the scattered script pages. The responsible part of her urged her to stay and prepare, but the part that longed for adventure, for connection, whispered that this was exactly what she needed.

Still, staying back and preparing was what was best. It’s what she would have done if this was work at Muse.

“Come on, my last surprise worked very well, didn’t it?”

If it was possible, her heart skipped a beat at his words, a part of her yearning to say yes without hesitation. But the practical side of her brain kicked in, reminding her of the challenges ahead. “Julius, we’re about to start filming, and our schedules will be packed...”

“You look like you’re about to say no.” Julius looked genuinely upset as he cleared his throat.

Julius stepped closer, his free hand coming up to brush a stray lock of hair from her face.

He took a deep breath, his blue eyes searching hers. “I want to take you on a date, Hillary. Just you and me, no scripts or cameras. I miss you when we’re not together, and I want to make up for lost time while we prepared to come here.”

Her entire resistance crumbled faster than a flame doused with water. In all her life she never imagined someone like him would say something like that to her. He was right. Despite her fears and doubts, she couldn’t deny the pull she felt toward him, the longing to explore this connection between them.

“Okay,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips. “Lead the way.” She grabbed her purse off the small table at the entrance.

Julius’s grin widened as he tugged her out of the room and down the hallway. They navigated the maze of corridors, dodging crew members and equipment, until they emerged into the warm evening air.

A sleek black car awaited them, and Julius held the door open for her with a flourish. “Your chariot awaits, my lady.”

Hillary laughed, the sound light and carefree, as she slid into the luxurious interior. Julius joined her, and the car pulled away from the curb, gliding through the city streets.

“This feels … familiar.” She couldn’t help her grin.

“It seemed to work well for me the last time. A proper date is something I should have done from the start. Not a fancy party where I wanted to see if I was as interested in you as I thought I was.”

“And were you?” She asked nervously.

His answer was a lingering kiss that set her toes curling and her pulse racing before he pulled away and cleared his throat.

“You make it awfully hard to stop.” he whispered, tugging at his collar.

“Don’t sell yourself short thinking you will always have to.”

The car slowed to a stop, and Hillary glanced out the window, her breath catching in her throat. They were at the marina, the masts of sailboats swaying gently in the breeze. Julius climbed out and held out his hand to her, a boyish grin on his face.

“A yacht?” She tried not to look squeamish. She’d never been out to sea, not that this was out to sea, but she didn’t want to get sick and ruin whatever he had planned.

The sleek yacht bobbed gently in the marina, its pristine white exterior gleaming under the moonlight. Julius’s hand rested on the small of Hillary’s back as he guided her out of the limo, the warmth of his touch sending shivers down her spine.

Switching to hold her hand, Julius guided her down the dock, the wood creaking beneath their feet. The air was heavy with the scent of salt and the gentle lapping of waves against the hulls. Hillary couldn’t help but feel like she was stepping into a dream, a world far removed from the stresses and doubts that had plagued her.

They approached a magnificent yacht, its sleek lines and gleaming white exterior a testament to luxury and indulgence.

She let him walk her up the gangplank, her concerns slowly melting the longer he held on to her. As they stepped onto the dock, Hillary’s breath caught in her throat at the sight before her just a ways away on the deck.

In the center of the spacious deck, a small table for two had been meticulously arranged. A crisp white cloth adorned its surface, perfectly complementing the flickering candles and the deep red roses that sat in a delicate vase. The warm glow of the candles danced along the edges of the table, casting a romantic ambiance over the entire area. As the gentle lapping of the waves against the hull provided a soothing soundtrack, soft music wafted through the air, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. This was a picture-perfect setting for a night to remember, with every detail carefully crafted to create a truly magical experience.

“Julius, this is incredible,” Hillary breathed, turning to face him with wide, awestruck eyes. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble.”

He smiled down at her, his eyes sparkling with affection. “I wanted to do something special for you, to show you how much you mean to me. How much you’ve already come to mean to me.”

Julius led her to the table, pulling out her chair like a true gentleman. As she settled into her seat, he reached for the ice bucket on the table and retrieved a bottle of champagne. With a deft twist of his wrist, he popped the cork, sending a wisp of vapor into the night air.

“Don’t worry,” he assured her, catching her slightly nervous glance toward the shore. “The boat won’t be leaving the dock tonight. I just thought it would be nice to have a bit of privacy, to be away from prying eyes. We’re alone actually. Just you and I on this yacht.” He poured the bubbling liquid into two crystal flutes, the golden hue catching the candlelight. Handing her a glass, Julius raised his own in a toast. “To new beginnings,” he declared, his voice soft and sincere, “and to the incredible woman who is beside me.”

Hillary clinked her glass against his, a blush rising to her cheeks at his words. As she took a sip of the crisp, effervescent champagne, she couldn’t help but marvel at the effort Julius had put into making tonight perfect. It was a side of him she hadn’t seen before, a romantic side sent her heart fluttering in her chest.

Standing there, under the star-strewn sky, the gentle rocking of the boat beneath them, Hillary felt a sense of peace wash over her.

“Come, let’s enjoy the view before we eat.” He gestured for her to walk to the edge of the boat, following behind once she did begin to walk.

“I’m so underdressed,” she swallowed hard, remembering her torn jeans and white sweater.

“I think there are other ways you can be underdressed,” he winked and leaned against the boat.

She tried to hide the thrill of desire that raced through her with his words. Had she had any common sense, she would have slept with him the first night, embracing her fantasy instead of hoping what they had continued.

The city town glittered in the distance, a backdrop of twinkling lights against the inky sky. Hillary leaned against the railing, the champagne flute cool against her fingers as she took in the breathtaking view.

Julius stood close beside her, his presence solid and reassuring. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured, his gaze fixed on the horizon.

“It is,” Hillary agreed, but as she turned to look at him, she was struck by the true beauty of the man next to her. The soft glow of the deck lights cast a warm, golden illumination across his chiseled features, highlighting the depth and intensity of his blue eyes. She couldn’t help but be mesmerized by his gaze, filled with genuine affection and tenderness toward her.

With a gentle touch, Hillary’s fingers trailed over his cheek before she boldly turned his face toward her. Taking control, she initiated a kiss for the first time, losing herself in the sensations that followed. His lips moved against hers with a perfect rhythm, their taste infused with hints of champagne and his shampoo - a scent that had become so familiar to her.

As the kiss deepened, Julius effortlessly lifted her, and Hillary instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist. She marveled at his strength and power, feeling completely safe and secure in his arms. The heat from their embrace ignited a fire within her, a longing that had been building since their first encounter every time she rushed away.

Hillary’s fingers found themselves tangled in Julius’s dark locks, holding onto him for dear life as the world spun deliciously around her. The taste of champagne lingered on her tongue, but it was nothing compared to the intoxication she felt from the intensity of desire pulsing through her veins. In Julius’s arms, she felt desired, cherished, and alive in a way she had never experienced before.

Hillary stopped the kiss and let her lips brush against Julius’s ear as she whispered, her voice low and sultry, “Is there a bedroom on this ship? If so, take me there.”

Julius pulled back slightly, his piercing blue eyes searching her face. His tone held a mix of concern and barely contained yearning. “Are you sure, Hillary?” he asked, his breath hot against her skin.

In response, Hillary reached between their bodies, her hand grazing over the unmistakable bulge straining against the fabric of his pants. Julius’s sharp intake of breath sent a thrill racing through her body at the realization of the power she held over him.

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” she murmured, her gaze locking with his.

With a nod, Julius adjusted his hold on her, one arm supporting her back while the other cradled her thighs. He carried her effortlessly, navigating the narrow staircase that led below deck. Hillary clung to him, her heart racing with anticipation as the warmth of his body seeped into her skin.

The low lighting made their surroundings seem even more intimate and private, enhancing the electric tension pulsing between them. He walked through a set of double doors into a lavish bedroom, complete with a king-sized bed draped in luxurious linens and pillows fluffed to perfection. A small wooden desk sat in one corner with a candle flickering on top of it, casting shadows on the walls.

As they entered the bedroom, Julius gently lowered her onto the plush mattress. Hillary’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of him hovering above her, his expression a captivating blend of tenderness and raw desire. He cupped her face in his hands and the touch sent waves of pleasure rushing through her as if he’d touched her far more intimately.

“You’re so beautiful,” Julius whispered, his fingers ghosting along her cheek, leaving a trail of goosebumps in their wake.

Slowly, he lowered his mouth to hers once more—their third kiss since they stepped onto the yacht—and it was by far the most passionate one yet. His tongue traced the seam of her lips before slipping inside her mouth with a tender yet assertive probe.

Hillary’s body trembled beneath his touch, every nerve ending alive and yearning for more. She reached up, cupping his face in her hands, and drew him toward her.

Hillary moaned softly into his mouth, arching into him when he pressed against her core teasingly with his hardness. It had been so long since she had felt this desired and wanted. It was as if Julius could read all of her secret fantasies just by looking at her. As their tongues danced together, she ran her hands up along his chest and over his shoulders before threading them through his hair once again. She couldn’t get enough of feeling those strands underneath her fingertips.

Julius’s skilled hands roamed over her body, tracing every curve and dip with reverence and hunger. With practiced ease, he undid each button of her blouse, revealing her soft, flawless skin to his eager lips. A shiver of delight ran through her as she arched into his caresses, her fingers splaying out over his cheeks to pull him closer.

“I need you,” she breathed against his lips, her voice thick with lust as she moved her feet to fling her slip-on sneakers off, not caring where they fell.

Julius paused and leaned away just a bit, his eyes locking with hers, the intensity of his gaze stealing her breath. “Far be it from me to deny a request like that.”

With those words, he captured her lips once more, his kisses growing more urgent as they shed their remaining clothing. Skin against skin, they moved together in a dance as old as time, their bodies fitting together like pieces of a puzzle finally complete. She knew her skin was red with a flush as the soft fabric of her already unbuttoned blouse slid off her shoulders.

She gasped at the sensation, feeling his warm breath against her ear as he nuzzled into the crook of her neck. His hands moved downwards, tracing lines on her stomach before reaching back up to the clasp between her breasts, undoing it with a swift movement that made their bare chests touch for a moment. A shiver ran down her spine as Julius groaned softly against her skin.

The kiss grew deeper, wilder, as his fingers went to the waistband of her sweats and pushed them down to her ankles. She helped with, arching her back, as he tugged at the elastic bottoms until they slipped off her legs.

No longer was her entire focus on the burning ache to feel Julius. No, she was now aware of how vulnerable she was before him on the bed. He didn’t give her long to focus, to ask him if anything was wrong, before he slid his hands up her thighs, tracking patterns along her skin until he reached the edge of her rather mundane black panties.

With one swift movement, Julius pulled off his shirt, revealing his toned abs and chiseled chest. His muscles rippled as he moved closer to Hillary, his heat enveloping her like a blanket on a cold night. She couldn’t help but run her hands over his firm abs that spoke of hours at the gym and careful eating.

The scent of saltwater mixed with Julius’s unique cologne filled Hillary’s nostrils making it hard for her to focus on anything else but this moment right here—the feeling of being wanted by such an attractive man had never felt so real or exhilarating before tonight.

“I’m wearing too much,” he whispered against her neck.

She watched as his fingers made quick work of the buckle on his belt, and even faster work of tugging his jeans off, kicking them to the side before returning to cover her body with his.

“I want you so badly,” he murmured against her earlobe, sending shivers down her spine once more. Then his tongue darted out to lick along its curve before moving down toward her neckline.

Hillary gasped as Julius’s warm lips caressed the nape of her neck, his stubble tickling her sensitive skin. A shudder ran through her, and she moaned softly. With a deft touch, he unclasped her bra, the cool night air teasing her freed breasts. Hillary closed her eyes, relishing in the feel of his hot breath on her nipples as he flicked them with his tongue. A groan escaped her lips when he sucked gently, rolling them between his teeth. Her fingers curled into fists in his hair, holding him close as she arched into the sensation.

His touch was like electricity, setting her ablaze from the inside out.

She knew he trailed his fingers down her stomach, but the sensation was quickly overridden by the sharpness of his teeth against her sensitive nipple. As one of his fingers traced across her folds, she couldn’t stop a small moan of pleasure, her body responding instantly as he continued to rub over her swollen clit.

Hillary’s breath hitched, her mind racing with the delicious sensations coursing through her body. Julius’s dexterous fingers continued to tease and probe, seeking out her most sensitive spots as he nudged her thighs apart with his nose. His free hand moved to guide hers to his erection, slipping her hands into his boxers.

He was rock hard and silky smooth under her touch. Though she couldn’t see it, she knew her fingers didn’t touch as she closed herself around his length, ready to help him feel the way he made her feel.

It felt so good, this forbidden pleasure they shared. Desire sent her pulse fluttering within her chest as he explored every inch of her moist folds, tenderly circling around her clit before finally pressing firmly against it. Her hips bucked off the bed, seeking more contact, but he held her steady with a gentle grip on her hips.

“Let go,” he whispered hoarsely against her earlobe. “Let yourself go.”

And with those words, something snapped inside her—like a dam breaking free after holding back for too long. Hillary threw all inhibitions aside and allowed herself to indulge in this moment with him. She moaned softly as he thrust two fingers inside her, filling her up completely. It was an unfamiliar but welcome feeling. She never thought she could crave something so much.

As Julius pumped his fingers in and out of Hillary’s wetness, she stroked his cock, matching his rhythm unconsciously.

“That’s it,” Julius groaned between kisses down her neckline toward her collarbone. “You feel so good.”

He released her hand and returned it to cup one of her breasts, massaging it gently while suckling on the other nipple until she cried out softly again. The combination of sensations was too much for her to bear. She was close now—so close she could taste it on the back of her tongue—but then suddenly he stopped all movements except for circling around her clit relentlessly with his thumb. She let her speed increase as she stroked his cock, not realizing at first how it changed the way he touched her.

“Please...” she whimpered into his earlobe. "Don’t stop..."

“I can do this as long as you want,” the words were strained. “But I think I need you to stop.” he laughed softly as the hand on her breasts moved to hold her hand in place. “I need to be in top form if you’re giving me this honor.” He continued to pump his fingers in and out as the world around her blurred with pleasure and she let her eyes close.

With each stroke of his fingers, she could feel the intense pressure building between her legs. The way he circled her clit was like a tantalizing dance, teasing and driving her to the edge of insanity. Her whole body trembled in anticipation as the orgasm coiled within her, ready to burst forth at any moment. And when it finally did, it was an explosion of pure pleasure that radiated through every inch of her being, leaving her breathless and completely spent when his fingers did slip free.

She whimpered at the sudden loss of his touch. What was he doing? A few moments later, there was a rustling sound, and she opened one eye to see him untie the bow on a condom wrapper, still kneeling between her legs. She couldn’t take her eyes off him.

He rolled the condom onto his impressive length with practiced ease, smirking up at her as he did so. Her mouth went dry as a familiar pulsing began between her legs a second time.

Leaning forward, he captured her lips again as he brushed the head of his dick over her core. She arched into him, begging for more contact. He chuckled softly and slowly pushed inside, inch by agonizing inch. Every fiber of her screamed at her to move, to rock and thrust until another orgasm would release the quickening pulsing.

But she couldn’t. His weight pinned her down the same way his kiss seemed to immobilize her. Forcing her still until their bodies touched, his erection seated to the hilt.

“Fuck,” she groaned, uncertain where the woman that behaved like that came from. She didn’t curse, but it was the only word that fit.

Julius chuckled and rolled his hips. “That is the intention.”

Her eyes fell shut at the pure pleasure humming through her from a single movement.

The feeling was unlike anything she’d ever experienced before, full and stretching, but it also felt like coming home. She wrapped her legs around his waist instinctively, pulling him closer as he moved slowly in and out of her tight heat. Each thrust sent shockwaves of pleasure throughout her body. Every time he brushed against her clit, it was like an electric current running through every nerve ending in existence.

The friction from their bodies created a symphony of sounds that filled the quiet yacht cabin—his smooth skin slapping against hers accompanied by his labored breathing and occasional grunts of pleasure.

Her whole body seemed to be on fire, consumed with the pleasure Julius was expertly delivering. She felt like she was floating, her mind completely blank except for the sensations he was evoking within her.

Her nails raked down his back, likely leaving red marks in their wake, as his pace quickened. He seemed to know exactly where and how to touch her to send her spiraling toward ecstasy.

She cried out his name as her second orgasm crashed over her, more intense than the first. Julius groaned and thrust harder, riding out both of their climaxes until they were both spent and panting heavily.

He collapsed onto the bed next to her, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her forehead. They lay there for a few minutes, catching their breath and basking in the afterglow.

“Damn,” Julius finally said, breaking the silence. “That was amazing.”

Hillary couldn’t help but agree. She had never experienced anything like that before. It was almost surreal.

“I’ve never felt so alive,” she admitted, voice still shaky from their encounter as her entire body still trembled from the force of two orgasms so close together.

Julius chuckled and kissed her softly on the lips. “I’m glad to hear it was mutual.”

Hillary smiled and snuggled closer to him, content and at peace in his arms. This was definitely not what she had expected when she got on that yacht, to give into him so easily.

But she wasn’t complaining.

They lay there for a while longer before he ran a finger over her forearm. “About that dinner?”

“I am starving,” she chuckled.

“Consider it a small break before we come back and do that again. There’s no peace on set, and I’m not letting you go back until I’ve had my fill.