Borrowed Light — Episode 2

taller than his pictures and better looking too the supervisor whispered to us julian was here to inspect the maiden voyage training program. He told everyone not to be nervous. Julian would never notice new hires like us. The words had barely left her mouth. Julian's steps slowed, half a beat. Without warning, a cuff cloak slipped loose from his wrist. It hit the floor and bounced

twice, rolled right past my feet, and came to a dead stop at Chloe's. Everything around us went quiet. Julian stopped in front of us. Or, to be exact, in front of Chloe. The two of them stood face to face, barely a step apart. One was cold, the other dazzling. They looked good together. I quieted my own breathing. Only one thought left in my head. They made quite a pair. The

assistant saw what happened. He moved at once to pick up the cufflink, but Julian raised a hand. He was unhurried to stop him. Chloe blinked, like she understood something She bent down and picked up the cufflink. Mr. Ashford, you dropped this. Her face a little flushed. Julian didn't take it right away. Instead, he lowered his eyes and took two

steps closer to her. I was standing nearest to Chloe. As he came closer, a faint trace of woody fragrance drift over. I knew that scent too well. It was the one-year anniversary gift I'd picked out for him myself. I'd gone to store after store, testing them one by one finally settled on that exact one. I pressed my lips together and tilted my head and

without a change in expression. Julian was looking at Chloe. His gaze was deep, like