Chapter 5 - The Safe Harbor
Julian didn’t even look down to watch her sink.
He turned on his heel instantly, his murderous posture melting away into pure, desperate heartbreak as his eyes found his brother. Lucas was standing there, his chest still heaving, gently patting Lily’s back as she coughed up the last of the pool water.
"Lucas," Julian breathed, his voice cracking with an emotion that shocked every titan of industry standing frozen in the courtyard.
Lucas stepped forward, his eyes locking with Julian’s in silent brotherhood, and handed the shivering, drenched toddler into her father’s arms. "She’s breathing, Jules. She swallowed some water, but her lungs are clearing."
The moment Lily’s wet, trembling body touched Julian’s chest, the billionaire dropped to his knees right there on the wet stone tiles. He crushed her against his chest, completely indifferent to his bespoke tuxedo soaking through with cold water.
"I’ve got you, baby. Daddy’s got you," Julian whispered furiously, burying his face into her wet chestnut hair, kissing her cold forehead, her cheeks, her eyelids. "You’re safe. You’re safe. Nobody will ever hurt you again."
Lily’s tiny arms wrapped around Julian’s neck with a death grip. She was shivering uncontrollably, her teeth chattering so hard they clicked. "Daddy... Daddy..."
Behind them, the pool churned violently.
Eleanor Vance broke the surface, coughing, gagging, and screeching like a wounded animal. The heavy silk dress was choking her, wrapping around her neck and legs. Her platinum hair was plastered over her face like wet seaweed, her mascara running in black rivers down her swollen, bloody cheeks.
"Help me!" Eleanor shrieked, splashing hysterically, struggling to stay afloat in the deep end. "Guards! Arrest him! Arrest them both! I am drowning! Help me!"
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None of the four armed private security guards moved an inch. They stood by the estate gates, their hands resting on their holsters, their faces carved from stone. They had worked for Julian long enough to know that moving a finger to help Eleanor right now was a death sentence for their careers—and potentially their lives.
***
