Chapter 22

twenty-two

. . .

The sword thunked against Julius’s arm, and Hillary let out a gasp. “Oh god, I’m so sorry! Are you okay?”

Julius flashed her a reassuring smile, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “Don’t worry, it’s just a practice sword. Didn’t even feel it.” He rubbed his arm for effect.

Hillary groaned, lowering her sword. “I can’t believe this. Yesterday you were celebrating my progress, and today I just keep beating you up.” She shook her head, loose strands of chestnut hair falling across her face. “Can’t we just change it so my character never runs into battle?”

He chuckled. “Hey, it’s all part of the learning process,” Julius said, stepping closer. His presence was magnetic, his charm effortless even in the midst of their sparring session. “You’re doing great, Hillary. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”

As they reset their stances and began the next round, Hillary found her mind wandering to the phone call she’d made earlier that day. It had been Cara’s idea, something they’d worked out as she boarded the plane to go home. A grand romantic gesture to show Julius she took them seriously, too. A surprise of her own for once.

But now, as she lunged and parried clumsily, she wondered if it was too much, too soon. She needed more practice…at everything, and less time with Julius.

Her self-doubt must have shown on her face, because Julius lowered his sword and tilted his head, concern etched in his handsome features. “Everything okay? You seem distracted.”

Hillary bit her lip, torn between wanting to confide in him and keeping the surprise under wraps. She took a deep breath, offering a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just thinking about some things.”

Julius nodded, understanding in his eyes. He had a way of not undermining her feelings that was refreshing. It was one of the things she liked so much about him.

“Well, let’s call it a day then. We can pick this up another time when you’re feeling more focused.”

“No, I need to get this sequence correct.” She set her weight back into the sitting stance she’d been taught that morning. “I win this one sparring round and then we go.” She lifted the faux sword.

“Alright, let’s do this,” he said with a grin, lifting his sword.

Their swords clashed as they began their sparring once again. This time, Hillary was more focused and determined than ever. She moved with precision and grace, remembering all the techniques she had been taught that morning. Julius found himself having to put in more effort to keep up with her.

As the minutes ticked by, Hillary could feel herself improving and gaining confidence with each strike and dodge.

After what felt like an eternity, Hillary finally landed a blow on Julius’s shoulder, causing him to drop his sword in defeat. She let out a victorious whoop as he raised his hands in surrender.

“You did it!” Julius exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Hillary couldn’t contain her excitement as she dropped her sword and ran over to hug him. “Thank you so much for your patience and encouragement,” she gushed.

“It was all you,” he replied, returning the hug.

As they pulled away, Hillary remembered why she had been so determined to win this round. “Oh right, I almost forgot.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out two tickets before handing them to Julius with a shy smile.

“What are these for?” he asked curiously.

“A surprise,” Hillary said cryptically.

“Oh,” he said as his hands snaked around her waist. “So, you’re doing surprises now?”

“Get a freaking room, you two!” Ethan called out as he walked onto the mat, shirtless.

Hillary’s eyes widened as she caught a glimpse of Ethan, his muscular body equally as impressive as Julius’s. She tried to avert her gaze quickly, but found it difficult to look away from the striking features of both men. Ethan’s chiseled jawline and intense gaze were a stark contrast to Julius’s softer, more refined features. Hillary couldn’t help but notice how hot they both were, unsure of which one was more physically attractive in her eyes, but knowing Julius was without question the only man she thought about right now.

“You can stay if you keep doing that.” Ethan winked before grabbing a sword off the wall hook.

“I didn’t mean to do that,” she stammered and finally looked at her feet.

“Do you mind? We were having a discussion about surprises.” Julius tossed his sword to Ethan, who caught it with a grin.

She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, suddenly feeling shy with Ethan present because they hadn’t spent much time together the last two weeks. “I need you to meet me in the hotel lobby in an hour.”

He glanced at his watch, his brow furrowing. “An hour? Hillary, it’s nearly 2 am and it’s a thirteen minute drive back.”

“I know, I know.” She held up her hands, pleading. “But it’s important. Please, Julius. Trust me on this one.”

He studied her for a long moment, searching her face. Whatever he found there must have convinced him because he sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, you’ve got me intrigued. One hour, in the lobby.”

The cool early morning air brushed against Hillary’s skin as she and Julius walked hand in hand toward the old cinema just down the street from the hotel. The streets were quiet, the city slumbering around them. But inside, Hillary was wide awake, her heart thrumming with excitement and nervousness.

The moon cast a soft glow over Julius’ sharp features, highlighting the stubble on his jaw and the intensity in his dark eyes. As she studied him, she couldn’t help but wonder if he knew what she had in store for them tonight, or if he was lost in thoughts of his own. She leaned in closer, trying to read his expression, but couldn’t make out anything besides his smile.

As they approached the cinema, its vintage marquee glowing softly in the darkness, Julius squeezed her hand. “So, are you going to tell me what this is all about?”

Hillary bit her lip, a playful glint in her eye. “Patience, Mr. Theon. All will be revealed soon enough.”

There would be no living with him if she told him she understood why he enjoyed surprising her now that the shoe was on the other foot.

She led him up the steps, their footsteps echoing in the stillness. The anticipation was building with every step, the promise of something special hanging in the air between them.

When they reached the doors, Hillary turned to face him, her green eyes locking with his blue ones. “Ready for an adventure?”

Julius grinned, that charming, heart-stopping smile that never failed to make her weak in the knees. “With you? Always.”

With a deep breath and a flutter of excitement, Hillary pushed open the doors, revealing an empty theater. Everything had been taken care of and the workers hid out of sight. A rush of buttered popcorn filled her nose from just a single step inside.

Two large, overflowing buckets of buttery popcorn, two red and white striped drink cups with condensation dripping down the sides, and a colorful box of snickers minis and a bag of chewy licorice eagerly awaited their owners on the shiny, polished counter. The smell of freshly popped corn filled the air, making mouths water in anticipation. Each cup was topped with a straw and lid, ready to be filled with a refreshing beverage. The candy treats were neatly arranged, tempting anyone who dared to resist.

“You pick first,” she grinned and let go of his hand.

“How about I carry it all, because now I’m too curious to wait while we pick?” He moved forward toward the counter and paused. “Okay, you take the popcorn.”

Laughing, she grabbed the two buckets by the rim and gestured toward theater seven, the one she agreed on with the manager. “That way.”

As they stepped into the theater, the soft glow of the screen illuminated the empty seats, casting long shadows across the plush red carpet. The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and the lingering traces of countless stories that had unfolded within these walls.

Hillary led Julius down the aisle, a giddy anticipation bubbling up inside her. She had always dreamed of sharing a moment like this with someone special, and now, here she was, living out her own romantic fantasy with Julius by her side.

They settled into their seats, the worn velvet cushions enveloping them like an old friend. Hillary couldn’t help but steal a glance at Julius, her heart skipping a beat as she caught him looking back at her, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.

“I can’t believe you arranged all this,” he whispered, leaning in close, his breath tickling her ear. “You never cease to amaze me, Hillary Mitchell, but what are we watching?”

She ducked her head, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “I just wanted to do something special for you, like you’ve been doing for me since day one. Give you some of the magic you keep sharing with me.”

Julius reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering on her cheek. “You are the magic, Hillary. You’ve brought so much light into my life, and I’m grateful for every moment we share.”

As the film began, the opening credits flickering across the screen, Hillary and Julius settled back into their seats, their hands finding each other once more. The story unfolded before them, a tale of love and laughter, of heartbreak and hope, but Hillary found herself only half-paying attention, her mind and heart focused on the man beside her.

Throughout the film, they shared stolen glances and secret smiles, their fingers intertwined, their hearts beating in sync. In those moments, the movie fell away, and it was just the two of them, lost in the magic of the silver screen and the depth of their connection.

She leaned closer to him on the seat, her fingers lightly brushing over his bicep. She noticed a slight tremble in his muscles as she traced intricate patterns and designs on his arm, mesmerized by the movie playing on the screen. It was the first film he had ever been cast in, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for him.

She felt his gaze on her and turned, staring into the bluest eyes she’d ever seen.

“Hil?”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak as her mouth went suddenly dry.

“I don’t think I care about watching the rest of the movie.”

He stood then, and something about his presence drew her upright from the soft theater chair as well.

The intensity between them was palpable as his eyes bore into hers, filled with a fiery desire. Without hesitation, he leaned in and captured her lips in a searing kiss that ignited a fire within her. Every inch of her body tingled with electric pulses, as if he had awakened every dormant nerve ending. She couldn’t resist melting into his embrace, lost in the overwhelming sensation of his touch and the fierce passion of their kiss.

He moved her, forcing her feet to step backward as he walked forward until her back pressed against the cool wall.

Lost in the rush of passion, Hillary’s fingers traced the contours of Julius’ waist, her touch lingering over every dip and curve. His hands moved to grasp her arms, pulling her closer as their bodies pressed together. The kiss was a whirlwind, invading every sense she had. His cologne filled her nostrils with its heady scent, mixing with the popcorn just inches away.

Hillary’s heart pounded in her chest as she slowly pulled away from his lips, her eyelids fluttering shut for a moment. When she opened them again, she saw the raw desire in Julius’s eyes and no longer worried he would stop her. With confident fingers, she reached down and undid his fly and pushed the jeans down, watching mesmerized as his erection seemed to already spill out the slit in his boxers. Reaching out, she ran her fingers over the tip of his erection before slipping it through the hole in his boxers.

Without another word, she did her best to close her hand around him, surprised at the weight of him in her palm. Julius moaned softly, arching his back as if unable to contain himself any longer. His head fell back and his hips thrust just slightly forward, running his length inside her grasp.

Slowly, Hillary lowered herself to her knees before him, taking in every inch of him. The smell of his skin was musky and masculine, intoxicating her senses even more. With careful hands, she guided his cock to her mouth, taking the tip between her lips and running her tongue over it teasingly. Julius groaned deeply at this licking motion, pressing his hand into her hair, urging her on.

With closed eyes, she focused on the taste of dick along her tongue—a mixture of salt and sweetness that made her mouth water for more. As he groaned with pleasure, she took him deeper into her mouth, feeling his length against the back of her throat. Each time she bobbed up and down, he moaned louder, and she relished in the way it made her feel. Her mind was consumed by the sensation of taking him deeper into herself, like a prodigy pleasing their master.

Opening her eyes, she glanced up at Julius who panted heavily but stared directly down at her with lustful eyes.

Hillary continued to work her mouth over Julius’s cock, taking him in as deep as she could manage. She reveled in his moans and gasps, feeling a sense of power and control over him. Her tongue swirled around him, tasting the precum that leaked from his tip and sending her body pulsing with need for when she was done taking care of him.

Julius’s hands gripped her hair tighter, urging her on with his movements. His arms and legs tensed, letting Hillary know he’d cum in just a few more strokes.

“Hillary,” he gasped, his hands tugging at her hair. “One day I’ll let you make me cum like this, but not this early in our relationship. Now I want to feel you orgasm around me.”

Her body quivered with pleasure at the image flooding her mind with his words, but she relented, sliding her mouth off his cock.

With a mischievous gleam in her eye, she stood up, a satisfied smirk on her lips. Julius looked at her with confusion and need, but she simply chuckled and pushed him back onto the nearest theater seat.

Straddling him, Hillary took control as she kissed down his chest, unbuttoning his shirt and running her hands over his defined abs. She teased him with soft kisses and bites along his neck before moving lower toward his pecs. As she took one small nip into her mouth, flicking it gently with her tongue, Julius let out a guttural groan.

She didn’t stop him as he tugged at the zipper on her pants, damn near breaking it off with a growl. Lifting herself off of him, she pushed her pants down to her ankles. Julius didn’t wait for her underwear as his hands wrapped around her wrists and tugged her close.

Hillary couldn’t stop the cry of pleasure as his erection rubbed over her purposefully chosen red lace underwear.

“Now,” he groaned into her ear as his one hand shoved her panties to the side before both hands settled on her wrists, tugging her over his lap. “Now,” he repeated.

Hillary let her hand snake between them and guide his cock to her. A small wiggle and she began to sink down on his thick length, moaning as he stretched her to utter perfection. She’d never been on top, never had the ability to control hers and her partner’s pleasure.

She began to move, her hips moving slowly as she slid off his length before sinking back down until she rocked her hips as he began to thrust his up. Her hands moved to grip the seat behind him as he clutched her hips and took her.

Hillary’s need to feel him everywhere consumed her as she rode Julius’ hard cock, feeling every inch of him inside her. Their breaths mingled between their lips as they chased the ultimate climax together.

Their lips met with a fiery passion that set their bodies ablaze. His tongue danced along her bottom lip before seamlessly sneaking into her mouth, teasing and exploring every nook and cranny. The rough texture of his five o’clock shadow tickled her sensitive skin, adding a delicious tingle to the mix.

The old cinema seat creaked in rhythm with their fervent movements.

Her hands slid up Julius’s chest and around his neck, pulling him in closer for even more contact as she arched her back in invitation. His strong hands grasped her round ass cheeks firmly but lovingly, guiding her hips in time with his own.

The friction between them grew more intense as their bodies reached new heights of pleasure. Julius’s teeth bit down softly on his lower lip to stifle his groans while Hillary threw her head back in ecstasy, unable to contain her moans any longer. The sound echoed throughout the quiet cinema hall, filling every corner with their primal desire.

The taste of salt and sweat mingled on their tongues as they moved faster together. Every stroke brought them closer to an explosive climax that would shatter any remaining walls they had left standing. Their hips slapped audibly against each other’s rhythmically now; skin glistening with perspiration under the dim lighting.

The dim lighting cast long shadows across the walls, adding an ethereal quality to their intimate dance.

Their heavy breathing and escaped moans and groans echoed in unison with the film playing on screen, creating a harmonious symphony of pleasure. Their bodies moved together as one, lost in each other’s rhythm and touch.

Their lips never parted as they shared breaths heavy with unrestrained sexual need. Their tongues dueled against each other, tasting each other deeply as if it were their last kiss. It was a dance of dominance and submission, He took her breath away while she surrendered completely to him.

Julius’s hands roamed freely over her curves, tracing patterns on her skin that left shivers down her spine. Every touch was electric, every caress igniting new flames within her core. As she rocked back onto him, grinding her clit against his hips, he groaned into her mouth, tasting her need for him on her lips. His hips thrust upward powerfully, filling her completely.

Her nails dug into his shoulders as she cried out his name in pleasure as shockwaves of euphoria crashed over her.

She wracked with intense waves of bliss as she clung to him tightly, taking everything he had to give and more. Her walls squeezed his cock.

With a snarl, Julius lifted her off him, a groan followed suit as warm wet release covered both of their bodies.

“No condom,” he offered with ragged breathing as a way of explanation. “Sorry for the mess.”

She chuckled and moved off his lap entirely. “I will get napkins. I’d suggest a shower to clean you off, but it would be a long sticky walk back.”

His hand caught her wrist. “Is that a promise when we get back? It’s nearly five in the morning. A shower, a round two, and then I’ll be off to film.”

“Promises, promises.” Her words were laced with a hint of mockery as she leaned down to retrieve the crumpled napkins scattered across the floor. The damp cloth touched her skin, leaving behind traces of spilled drink and sticky residue. She grimaced and handed some napkins to him, using one for herself to clean his release off so she could dress as well.

She’d never had sex in public. She’d never had sex without all her clothing being off before.

It was thrilling.

You’re going to fall in love with him.

“I never thought I could feel this way about someone,” Hillary confessed, her voice soft and filled with emotion. “You’ve shown me what it means to truly love and be loved in return.”

Julius lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her skin. “You’ve changed my life, Hillary. Before you, I was just living to make the fans happy. Now, I think it might be safe to say I’m doing things to make you happy, too.”

“I never want to lose this feeling,” she whispered, her fingers intertwining with his. “Promise me that no matter what happens, we’ll always remember these moments.”

Julius leaned in, his forehead touching hers, his breath mingling with her own. “I promise. Just like you promised me something back at the hotel.” He winked and stood to grab his clothing. “A promise I only need a few minutes to recover to enjoy.”