Chapter 6 The leak

Isla woke to the smell of coffee and the soft rustle of movement in the kitchen.

Julian.

She didn't open her eyes right away. She let the warmth of the night before wrap around her-his mouth on hers, his trembling fingers on her hips, the soft groan he made when she whispered his name. They hadn't gone further than kissing, but God, it had meant more than most lovers ever touched.

She stretched, grinning to herself, and padded into the kitchen wearing only his sweater and underwear.

He was at the counter, pouring two mugs.

"I thought I'd have to lure you out with caffeine," he said without looking.

"You didn't need to bother," she teased, hugging him from behind. "I would've come for you."

He stilled under her touch.

"I have to tell you something," he said, carefully.

"What's wrong?"

He turned around, jaw clenched. He was holding his phone.

"You told no one you were coming here. Right?"

"Of course not," she said. "NDA. I didn't even tell my cat."

Julian handed her the phone.

She read the headline.

"MYSTERY JOURNALIST SPOTTED AT CROSS TOWER - Sources Say Julian Cross May Finally Be Breaking His Silence"

by Veronica Chase, PageSix

Her stomach dropped.

"That's not from me," she said immediately. "I swear to you, I haven't leaked a word."

"I believe you," he said. "But someone's watching."

She read the rest of the article. It wasn't specific-no names, no photos. But it was enough to spark speculation. Enough to start a fire they couldn't put out.

"Julian..." Her voice softened. "We can shut this down. I'll leave. No one has to know what happened between us."

"No."

His voice was firm. Unshakable.

He walked to the window, hands braced against the glass, city below like a glittering lie.

"I spent my life hiding. First out of fear. Then out of control. I've locked myself behind walls no one could breach."

He turned to face her.

"But you walked right in."

She swallowed. "What do you want me to do?"

"Stay," he said. "Stay, and let them come."

She stepped closer, heart pounding. "You're not afraid?"

"Oh, I'm terrified," he said, a dark smile ghosting his lips. "But for the first time... I don't want to run."

He crossed the room in three strides, cupping her face in his hands.

"If the world finds out, they'll spin it. They'll make you look like a gold digger or a game player. I've seen it before."

"Let them try," she whispered. "I'll write the truth before they ever print a lie."

Julian's mouth hovered over hers.

"I want you in every way, Isla. But more than that-" his voice broke "-I want to be known."

She kissed him softly, slowly, grounding them both.

"You already are."

---

Elsewhere in Manhattan

Veronica Chase slammed her tablet on the marble table, jaw tight.

She didn't need to see the photos to know what was happening.

Julian Cross was falling.

And Isla Monroe?

She was the woman who was going to cost Veronica everything.

Time for a new headline.

And this one would burn.