Belle's POV
The house is too quiet without him.
Victor left this morning for one of his “business trips”, three days, maybe four, depending on how many necks need stepping on in the next city over.
He kissed me goodbye in the foyer like always: firm, possessive, the kind of kiss that reminds me I wear his ring and carry his name.
I smiled sweetly, told him to be safe, watched the black SUV disappear down the drive.
Then I locked the front door, turned off the security cameras in the east wing, and let the real quiet settle in.
I’ve known Julius was watching me for weeks.
Not just the accidental glimpses, the way his eyes linger too long when I bend to pick something up, or how his jaw tightens when Victor’s hand rests on the small of my back.
No.
I’ve felt the weight of his stare
