Once a Doormat Now Untouchable (Caleb and Sydney) novel Chapter 217

When Julian's phone blared, Sydney jolted. She silenced it quickly, glanced at the caller ID, and saw Elliot's name. She chose to answer.

Elliot launched straight into his report. "Mr. Sterling, the project in Malbrosia has been finalized."

Sydney lowered her voice. "Elliot, it's me. Julian's asleep. I'll have him call you back when he wakes."

"Asleep?" Elliot sounded stunned. "Impossible. Mr. Sterling never sleeps this early. Not until the second half of the night."

Sydney froze. "Really?"

"Of course." Elliot chuckled. "But maybe it's because you're there, Ms. Wilson. He feels more at ease."

He hung up quickly, brushing aside any credit he might have claimed.

Sydney lowered her gaze to Julian's flawless, serene face. Her thoughts tangled. In the past, she and Julian had been the only ones who could truly set each other at ease. Now, she wasn't sure that still held true.

She leaned into the leather sofa, watching the childhood-sweetheart story flicker across the screen. Her eyelids grew heavy, and before long she drifted into sleep.

The vast house fell silent except for the voices of the movie's characters.

When Julian woke, the first thing he saw was her sleeping form. Her head tilted slightly, her black hair spilling across half her face. She looked utterly docile.

His gaze softened. As he had countless times before, he bent down and lifted her into his arms. Her weight had not changed in all these years.

"Mm." Sydney stirred faintly, catching the familiar scent of sandalwood. She relaxed instantly and slipped back into deep sleep.

But when she shifted, the soft curves of her chest brushed against him. Julian's temple throbbed, and he nearly lost control. Her weight might not have changed, but the places where she had grown told a different story.

…

"New. But she said she knows you."

Sydney frowned. "Knows me?"

Before she could ask more, someone appeared in the doorway. It was Charlotte. She wore a snow-white coat and ankle boots, her Hermès bag made of rare leather. She looked outstanding and intellectual as always.

"Syd, it's me. Do you have time to squeeze me in?"

A little surprised, Sydney nodded. "Of course. Take a seat."

After Charlotte sat, Sydney reached for her pulse, then withdrew her hand. "Nothing serious. Just poor sleep lately? Some liver stagnation."

"Yes." Charlotte's gaze fixed on her. Then she spoke, her words heavy with meaning. "Ever since I saw you and Julian leaving the same private room, I haven't slept well once."