A BABY FOR JULIAN

She stood in the doorway of their small apartment, with her dad behind her, pleading with her mother not to leave. Tears streamed down her 12-year-old face.

"Please mom, don't go!" She begged, her voice breaking. "Whatever is going on can be settled."

Her mother's expression was blank as she stared at her innocent daughter."I have to go sweetheart, I'll come back and get you, I promise."

Lexi's small hands grasped her mother's arm, holding tight. "No, mum, please don't leave me! I'll be good, I promise." She cried, not willing to let go, while her dad just stood there staring sadly.

The middle aged woman gently took the girl's fingers off her arms and she squatted to her height. "It's not about you sweetheart. Someday you'll be grown up enough to understand."

The door closed and the woman walked away, dragging her luggage behind her.

"Mom!" The girl screamed loudly hoping that the woman would just turn around and change her mind, but that didn't happen, instead she got drowned by the sound of fading footsteps.

Lexi Thompson's eyes snapped open, her chest heaving as she grasped for air.

"That was just a dream." She mumbled knowing the real truth and the reason for the lingering memories.

"What a way to begin the day." She mumbled and threw off the covers and got off the bed, planting her foot on the ground. She walked to her window and pulled the window blind up, enjoying the view of the ground from her room.

As she stared through the window, her phone rang. It was Stephanie Hughes, her best and only friend since middle grade.

"Hey girlie." Stephanie's loud voice rang from the other side, causing Lexi to take the phone away from her ears for a moment wondering the reason for Stephanie's excitement, that early.

"You seem rather excited." Lexi mumbled and yawned softly.

"Wait, you're still in bed?" Stephanie gasped shockingly. "Anyways, guess what?"

Lexi's mind wandered as she tried to make a wide guess, and getting no clue at all, She groaned "would you tell me?"

"Fine. I got the contract to plan the fundraising gala for the children's gala." She exclaimed excitedly and Lexi smiled before shaking her head.

"I want you to be there.." Stephanie said again excitedly. "All of Los Angeles eligible bachelors will be there, including the Blackwood's."

"Count me in" Lexi said with excitement clear in her voice, considering that she's not attended Stephanie's events in a while. "So what are the details?"

"Saturday, 7 pm at Oakville Hilton. It's going to be huge, I'll send you the details." Stephanie replied softly. "And wear something stunning too, you never might know who'd notice."

Lexi chuckled she expected the tease anyways. "I'll do my best Steph" she grinned and paused "uhm Steph.., thanks for inviting me."

As Lexi hung up the phone, a broad smile found its way to her lips. The gala is just what she needed, it'd be the perfect break from her routine.

"Time to start the day." She whispered as her eyes darted to the wall clock. Lexi walked to the bathroom and with her usual cheerful expression, she began her morning routine, brushing her teeth and washing her face before stepping into the shower.

After her refreshing shower, Lexi wrapped herself in a towel and stepped out to the front of the mirror. She styled her hair into a messy bun, before applying light make up and slipping into her tailored trousers and white blouse.

Her eyes darted to the wall clock again and seeing that time was already far spent, she groaned. "I guess they'd have no time for breakfast then." She muttered and slipped into her shoes and then picked her bag before walking out of her room.

Ideally she resumes work on Mondays at 10am, and it's already fifteen minutes to. She'd have spared a few minutes for breakfast but due to the strictness of her superiors she couldn't risk it.

Lexi rushed out of her room, locking the door behind her, as she headed out, she collided with a familiar figure.

"Slow down princess!" Her dad exclaimed, steadying her.

"Sorry dad, I'm running late." She mumbled softly.

"It's fine kiddo, just be careful, I don't want you getting into trouble." Her dad said and patted her hair fondly.

"Love you dad." She grinned, feeling a surge of affection rush through her.

"Love you too sweetheart, be good alright." He smiled and Lexi nodded before rushing out.

She pushed open the front door and stepped out into the bright Los Angeles morning. The sun was out already and people were already going about their daily activities. Lexi hailed a cab and slid into the backseat. "Los Angeles Times, please." She instructed the driver.

As the drive to the office went on, Lexi's mind wandered. Her passion for writing got her a Job with the times although she still gets paid peanuts. "Someday I'll get to the greater heights I desire." She whispered and placed her palm on her chin trying to envision how busy her day will be.

**

Julian Blackwood penthouse, one of the most beautiful in Los Angeles, was to him a house of naughty dealings.

Vera, a stunning blonde, with perfect curves and facial features laid sprawled across Julian's King-sized bed, wrapped in the silky sheets.

"Come back to bed." She whispered her gaze solely fixed on Julian's naked chest as he stood by the window, staring out into the city.

"Not yet," he replied, his deep voice echoing through the room.

"Come on." She pouted cutely and when Julian didn't respond, she kicked the sheets off, revealing her naked body.

"Tease." He mumbled, staring lustfully at her. "Don't get too comfortable , Vera, it's just a transaction." He whispered, taking long strides to join her on the bed.

"For now." She grinned confidently. "You just can't resist me can you?" She whispered, her breath hot against his skin.

Julian's eyes Flashed with desire as he gazed at Vera's naked body. He grasped her waist and pulled her close. "Resisting you is almost impossible." He murmured, his lips tracing her neck, before resting on her collarbone.

Vers giggled triumphantly, she knew just how to get to him whenever she wanted to and soon, she'd have him wrapped around her fingers.

Their bodies intertwined and everything around them faded as they surrendered totally to their desires.

Moments later, Julian rolled off her, his chest heaving, and her body glistening with sweat. He reached for the drawer beside the bed and took a wad of cash and tossed it at her.

"Thanks for the distraction Vera." He mumbled his detached expression returning.

"D..distraction." She stuttered, hurt and anger flashing across her face. "Julian, why are you doing this? You know I love you and..."

"Don't say that." He warned cutting her off coldly. "This was just a transaction, nothing more."

Vera's face fell but she still persisted and wrapped her arms around Julian's chest. "I've never felt this way about anyone." She whispered, her eyes growing misty.

Julian's expression turned cold and more calculated as he took her hands off his body deliberately. "You're just another one of them sweetheart, don't fool yourself."

He got off the bed and made his way to the bathroom, certain that Vera was already aware of his rules. The sound of running water soon filled the room. And once he was done and returned to the room, the Blondie was gone, but his cash remained.

"She's dumb." He mumbled and walked to his closet picking his outfit for the day.

Once he was done dressing in a Navy blue Tuxedo and had already slipped his feet into his shoes, he picked his briefcase and phone and walked out of the room, meeting two guards in front of the door. One immediately collected the briefcase and the two trailed behind him.

His phone buzzed with messages and a satisfied sigh escaped his lips. Morning pleasure completed, time to attend to his empire.

The sun was setting over Los Angeles, casting a glow over the city. Lexi Thompson stood in front of her closet, nervousness getting the better part of her as she deliberated the perfect dress to wear for the event.

Her gaze caught a long black armless dress with a slit by the side. she tried it on and stared at her reflection in the mirror.

"too revealing." she mumbled flinging the cloth across her room to meet with the pile of dresses already there.

She picked just another red dress and tried it on, a satisfied smile finally found its way to her lips, after the stress she'd finally found it.

"Just the perfect dress." She grinned admiring how fitted and just perfect the sleek dress was.

She settled before the mirror and began applying light makeup on her face, her mind wandered to the event. Of course, she'd attended galas and fundraisers but never attended a high-society gathering, this was going to be the first of Its kind.

"You're gonna nail it." She assured herself, styling her hair into loose waves. "It's my time to shine." She grinned and picked her small purse, walking out of the room.

Mr. Thompson was in the living room, reading through a newspaper when he heard footsteps, slowly he took his gaze up and a proud smile found its way to his lips. "Wow, Kiddo! You look stunning."

"Thanks Dad." She mumbled and pecked his cheek. "Wish me luck dad."

"Have fun sweetheart." He said with a big smile.

Lexi headed out after hearing a car honk. Stephanie had promised to send her a ride and she just did. Certainly the night was going to be perfect.

As Lexi stepped into the sleek black car, the driver greeted her with a warm smile and before she could stop herself a wide smile found its way to her lips. Stephanie's just the perfect friend always looking out for her, and unlike herself, Stephanie's from an influential and wealthy family with everything at her beck and call.

Her smile widened as she casted her mind back to their college days.

"We're here." The driver said softly, breaking her out of her reverie "enjoy your evening Miss Thompson." He said and Lexi nodded slowly before stepping out of the car.

She sighted elegantly dressed guests entering into the grand event hall, some were alone, in pairs and others had security guards and bouncers trailing behind them. She smiled and joined the flow.

Stepping into the ballroom, Lexi's eyes were filled with amusement as she looked around the hall which was a splash of wealth. She heard a familiar voice and her eyes darted towards the direction. She spotted Stephanie, clad in a black sleek dazzling dress screaming wealth, and that same moment Stephanie's gaze caught hers.

"Lexi darling! You made it." Stephanie squealed making her way to Lexi. "You look breathtaking!" She exclaimed.

"Thank you" Lexi beamed, a shy smile creeping to her cheeks.

"I guess inviting you was the perfect idea, you want to meet the guests?" She asked in excitement "or should I just introduce you to the bachelors?"

"Come on Steph..I thought we were her to have fun?" Lexi giggled as her face turned red in embarrassment.

"Isn't mingling part of having fun?" Steph wriggled her brows and a handsome young man joined them.

"Hey babe." He smiled and pecked Stephanie's lips softly. "You've outdone yourself again, this event looks..awesome." He praised me.

Stephanie smiled shyly, before mouthing a "thank you." She cleared her throat softly and turned to Lexi. "Uhm..Lexi, meet Jay. My boyfriend, and Jay, meet Lexi, my best friend." She introduced and they exchanged pleasantries.

As they chatted, Lexi's gaze wandered across the room, staring at unfamiliar faces and some well... Familiar faces since they've been at the Los Angeles tines for interviews. Suddenly a tall, athletic built figure caught her attention.

Who's that? She thought.

Just then he turned and her gaze met his Amber eyes. Lexi's heart skipped a beat, Julian Blackwood...

"Earth to Lexi!" Stephanie teased, waving her hand in front of Lexi's face.

Lexi blushed knowing there's certainly no way she'd escape getting teased by Stephanie once her boyfriend was gone.

"So..Lexi, Stephanie tells me you're a journalist and a passionate writer?" Jay asked and Stephanie winked at Lexi, who instantly went into a passionate explanation of her work and side job.

Just then the Emcee announced the start of the fundraising action and the room fell silent.

Lexi's gaze drifted back to Julian Blackwood, now standing at the podium. His amber eyes locked onto hers, and she felt a cold shiver run down her spine.

"Welcome Ladies and gentlemen, to the Los Angeles children gala, proudly sponsored by the Blackwood Empire." Julian began and applause rented the air. "Tonight, we gather to support a noble cause. To provide education and healthcare to underprivileged children."

As he spoke, Lexi could feel the sincerity in his voice as her mind wandered to the research she's made about him. Billionaire entrepreneur and heir, Philanthropist, elusive bachelor. Although there were rumours swirling around his business dealings, Lexi came to the conclusion that Julian Blackwood, was a force to be reckoned with.

The emcee took the stage again and then the fundraiser began proper.

Stephanie leaned in, whispering. "I knew you'd notice him, it's difficult not to."

Lexi rolled her eyes,attempting to play cool. "I'm just...looking around c'mon stop being a tease."

Jay chuckled observing both ladies. "I'm just going to hang out over there with my friends, and leave you ladies to have fun." He winked and planted a soft kiss on Stephanie's lips "once again, it was nice talking to you Lexi." He smiled and walked away.

Lexi sighed, knowing there was no way she'd escape getting teased now that they were alone. "Can this night get any better?" She mumbled and Stephanie grinned teasingly.

"Of course... You might just get to hang out with Julian." She teased and Lexi's cheeks grew red.

"Stop being a tease." She pouted cutely.

"Oh shit," Stephanie cursed. "I had an agreement with the caterers I've gotta go give them directives, and just oversee the bids."

Lexi frowned playfully. "You're leaving me alone...anyways have fun."

"I'm not leaving you alone Lex, mingle with the bachelor's in here...and Julian, he's a force." Stephanie said with a serious expression. "Do whatever you want with this piece of information, I'll see you later." She grinned and walked away.

As Stephanie disappeared into the crowd, greeting people she bumped into along the way, Lexi took a deep breath.

"I guess I really can't escape mingling then." She murmured and grabbed a glass of wine from a passing waiter and began navigating her way through the crowd of unfamiliar faces.

Her eyes scanned the room. "I should admire you instead." She mumbled and began looking around, taking in the lavish decorations and staring at the top Elites in Los Angeles, but none of them really caught her attention like Julian Blackwood, he was just everything perfect.

And his aura screamed authoritative, with a hint of playful and fragile, just her ideal spec. But was she kidding? He'd always remain her spec to live in her dreams because she'd never be able to meet up to his standards.

Her gaze drifted back to Julian, now standing near the bar, with a Blondie who kept trying to flirt with him.

A deep frown found its way to her face as she glared at the girl, then Julian took his gaze to her and for a moment, time stood still.

Lexi tore her gaze from him, her heartbeats accelerating. She needed to focus on networking and meeting very successful writers and who knows? She could meet someone who'd spur her to be as successful as JK Rawling, instead of getting lost In Julian Blackwood's captivating gaze.

As she turned around, Lexi collided with a solid wall of muscle.

"Oh no!" She exclaimed, her wine splashing everywhere and on the suit of the man she'd bumped into. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight.

The Man's face turned toward her. His Amber eyes locking onto hers, recognising who he was, she screamed mentally.

"Julian Blackwood..."

As she turned around, Lexi collided with a solid wall of muscle.

"Oh no!" She exclaimed, her wine splashing everywhere and on the suit of the man she'd bumped into. Her eyes widened In shock as she took in the sight.

The Man's face turned towards her. His Amber eyes locking onto hers, recognising who he was, she screamed mentally.

Julian Blackwood...

"I'm so sorry." She apologised,mortified.

Julian stared at her, then back at his stained suite before his lips curved into a smile. "It's okay. Accidents happen."

Lexie's face burned as she reached for a napkin from the nearby table. She was rather shocked about his reaction, she'd expected him to flare up or make a fuss. "He's perfect." She thought.

"Let me help," she offered and he nodded slowly.

"Don't worry,I've got this, you are?" He asked his hands brushing against hers as he took the napkin from her.

"Lexi" she mumbled and their fingers brushed, sending sparks through Lexi's body. She took her gaze slowly to him and found it neutral,causing her to wonder if she was the only one feeling the sparks or he was too.

Just as Julian was about to speak, a soft voice interrupted. "Julian darling...I've been looking all over the place for you."

"Oh..Kim" Julian called softly. "I didn't think you'd show up."

Kim, the stunning lady pouted and attempted to kiss his lips but he turned around, causing her lips to land on his cheeks. "You know I wouldn't miss it for anything, and why did you do that?" She raised a brow and her gaze darted to Lexi.

"I see you're making new friends already." She added and instinctively Lexi knew what to do next.

"It was nice bumping into you, Julian Blackwood." She said hastily and walked away.

"Lexi," he called out, but she was already gone.

"Hello...I'm right here." Kim snapped her fingers before his face. "Or you think she's better? Once you get a taste of her, you'd leave just like the rest of us."

Julian glared at Kim and scoffed before walking away, wondering why she just had to appear and ruin his night.

Lexi quickly walked away from Julian and Kim, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. She didn't want to be a killjoy or intruder of the moment, although her research revealed Julian's relationship status as single, she certainly didn't want to witness Kim's possessive show off.

As she disappeared into the crowd, Lexi heard Julian's deep voice calling out to her, but she didn't turn back, neither did she respond. She just kept weaving through the crowd of Elites, until she found herself in a rather quiet corner.

"Hey girlie." Stephanie squealed joining her, in her usual bubbly tone and countenance. "Spill the beans, what happened with Julian."

Lexi rolled her eyes attempting nonchalance. "Nothing happened."

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. "Don't lie to me Lex. I saw you two together. You were practically blushing."

Lexi's cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Fine..we just bumped into each other and that's all."

"And I'm the queen of England." Stephanie chuckled, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

"You're totally impossible." Lexi laughed and recounted her encounter with Julian and Kim.

Stephanie listened intently and scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Typical Kim, always acting as if she owns him...wait until you meet Vera and Barbie and..."

"Wait what?" Lexi gasped. "How's he involved with so many ladies? I don't want to get involved in unnecessary drama."

Stephanie's expression turned thoughtful as she suddenly regretted her words. "Lexi..you need to know something, Julian's not like that, he's complex."

"How's that?" Lexi raised an eyebrow.

"He's...got layers, deep ones. And nobody's been able to uncover them." Stephanie whispered and Lexi sighed, deciding not to press any further.

"Y...you know I've known Julian since childhood, we're just not as close as we used to be...I guess life happened." Stephanie .

Just then the emcee announced the final batch of the auction. "Let's go bid on some prizes,who knows." Stephanie grinned and Lexi nodded.

"I might just spend my entire salary for the year on a prize." Lexi chuckled.

As they mingled Lexi couldn't shake off the feeling that Julian was staring at her, but does it matter?.

After the bid, Lexi grinned excitedly. "That was fun."

"Of course... It's almost party time, I'm going to change into something, I can't dance in this.." She mumbled gesturing at her dress."Let's get going, you should change too."

"No.." Lexi shook her head negatively "I'd just go sit over there, until you're back." She mumbled and Stephanie groaned loudly.

"Come on, you need to spice things up ." Stephanie insisted but Lexi shook her head negatively.

"nah...I'll pass." She shrugged and Stephanie placed her hand on her waist knowing there wasn't anything she'd say, to make Lexi change her mind.

"you'd always be Lexi.." she teased "I'd just walk you back to sit down before leaving."

**

The party began, with loud music and people dancing, each with a partner. Lexi sat alone, sipping slowly from her drink.

Julian Blackwood appeared, now dressed in a black tuxedo, totally different from the navy blue one he had on previously. Lexi suddenly felt bad about splashing her drink on him.

"Hey...I'm sorry about Kim." He muttered and sat beside her. "I wasn't expecting her to do that, plus it was totally rude."

"It's nothing...come on, I'm not mad." Lexi shrugged her heart thumping against its ribcage.

Julian leaned in. "Why can't I believe that?"

"I'm sincere." She mumbled a shy blush creeping to her cheeks.

"What about a dance then?" He asked, his gaze pleading and Lexi shook her head.

"I'm not really a fan of dancing, I'll pass." She mumbled, intending to run away from drama, who knows if those ladies Stephanie mentioned were present? Then they might just jump out of the corner and attack her.

"That's the only way I'd believe you've forgiven me." He insisted and she sighed before nodding her head, dismissing wild thoughts from her mind.

The ballroom's opulent chandeliers, casted a beautiful glow, illuminating Lexi's radiant face. Julian's Amber eyes locked onto her innocent face, taking in every inch of her beauty.

There was just something about her, something he's never seen before, and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't figure it out.

Their bodies swayed in perfect harmony as the sensual rhythm of the music guided their movement. The world around them melted away.

"What do you do, Lexi?" Julian whispered huskily, his warm breath fanning Lexi's skin.

"I'm a journalist." She replied, her cheeks red. "Hoping to be a great novelist someday." She mumbled the last part under her breath and sighed.

"Interesting, so you're uhm, at the fundraiser to film?" Julian asked his interest piqued.

"Nope, let's just say it's for research." Lexi winked and their eyes met, then locked.

"You're here to research me?" Julian mumbled teasingly.

Lexi's cheeks heated up. "Probably, who knows." She grinned, going with the flow. 'Loosening up isn't much of a big deal right?.'

Julian chuckled and their dance turned sensual, their passion intensifying. Julian's lips brushed against Lexi's, sending waves of electricity running through her spine.

She quickly took her gaze away from him, trying to hide her embarrassed expression, but who was she kidding, Julian already got her.

"You're beautiful Lexi." He whispered huskily and she took her gaze back to him, getting lost in his stare, as though seeking for his intent, and before she could comprehend, he leaned in and planted a tender kiss on her lips and before she could reciprocate, he broke it with a smirk.

"I bet you weren't expecting that to end." He smirked triumphantly, causing Lexi to take her gaze away from his, darting around the ballroom and her dance steps slowing down.

Julian's lips brushed against her ears teasingly. "Would you like to see more of me?"

Lexi's heart skipped a beat, she was certain it was what she thought but before she could hold back, she already blurted a "yes."

"You're not as innocent as you look then." He grinned "let's get out of here, it's going to be a long night." He winked and took her hands softly, leading her out...