Chapter 11 - THE KISS BEFORE THE CONFESSION
Mara Sloane agreed to cooperate with investigators on a Thursday morning.
She arrived at the interview accompanied by an attorney.
Emma wasn't permitted inside.
Neither was Julian.
They waited in separate rooms while law enforcement evaluated her information.
After nearly three hours, an investigator emerged.
Mara had identified a private residence used to hold certain witnesses under false medical identities.
Noah was believed to be there.
Emma gripped the edge of her chair.
"Alive?"
The investigator nodded.
"According to the information we have, yes."
She closed her eyes.
Then began crying.
An operation was planned to locate Noah and protect him from further harm.
Emma was asked to remain available for identity verification and family reunification.
She agreed.
But the waiting was unbearable.
She walked the length of the room.
Sat down.
Stood again.
Checked the clock.
Then checked it again.
Julian watched from the doorway.
Eventually, he approached.
"Emma."
She turned.
"I can't sit here."
"I know."
"What if they move him?"
"The investigators are accounting for that possibility."
"What if he's hurt?"
Julian's expression softened.
"Then he'll need medical care."
She looked at him.
"What if he doesn't remember me?"
Julian stepped closer.
"Emma, he recorded a message for you."
Her eyes filled.
"He remembers."
At seven that evening, they received confirmation.
Noah had been found.
He was alive.
He required medical evaluation after years of restricted living conditions, but he was conscious, responsive, and able to identify himself.
Emma dropped into a chair.
For several seconds, she couldn't breathe.
Then she began laughing and crying at the same time.
Julian crouched beside her.
"Emma?"
She covered her mouth.
"They found him."
He smiled.
"Yes."
"After seven years."
"Yes."
She reached for him.
Before she could think, she threw her arms around his neck.
Julian froze for one surprised second.
Then held her gently.
Emma cried against his shoulder.
He didn't speak.
Didn't try to turn the moment into something about himself.
He simply stayed.
Later, when Emma had calmed down, she looked at Julian.
"Why did you help me?"
His expression changed.
"I told you. I wanted to correct what happened."
"That's not the whole answer."
He looked away.
She waited.
Finally, he said, "Because I haven't stopped thinking about you since the night you saved my life."
Emma's breath caught.
Julian continued.
"When my men carried me into Saint Agnes, I thought I was going to die."
He looked toward her.
"You were the only person in that room who didn't seem to care what my name meant."
"I cared whether you were bleeding."
He smiled.
"Exactly."
She laughed softly.
Then he grew serious.
"You looked at me like I was a person."
Emma studied him.
"You are a person, Julian."
His expression darkened.
"Not always a good one."
She didn't disagree.
He continued.
"I've done things I'm ashamed of. Some I can't undo. And I know helping your brother doesn't erase any of them."
Emma's eyes filled.
"Then why tell me this?"
"Because I want you to know the truth before you decide whether I'm someone you could ever care about."
The honesty frightened her more than any expensive gift could have.
She took a breath.
"Julian, I don't know what happens between us."
He nodded.
"I understand."
"My brother needs me. My career is under review. And you're still involved in investigations that might change your life."
"I know."
She looked into his eyes.
"But I care about you."
His expression changed.
"Emma—"
She stepped closer.
Then stopped.
"May I kiss you?"
Julian stared.
For the first time since meeting him, the man who commanded entire rooms seemed completely speechless.
Then he smiled.
"Please."
She kissed him.
Softly.
Carefully.
His hand touched her cheek.
For one brief moment, there were no bodyguards.
No medical records.
No missing people.
Just two frightened adults standing close enough to feel something good begin.
When they separated, Julian rested his forehead against hers.
"Emma."
"Yes?"
"I need to tell you something."
Her stomach tightened.
"What?"
He swallowed.
"Victoria isn't the only person in my family connected to Aster."
She stared.
May you like
Julian closed his eyes.
"My younger brother signed the agreement that kept Noah inside Saint Catherine's."
