Julian looked down at Eve's stomach in shock. He had seen the very faint, silvery lines that wouldn't have been noticed by someone who hadn't known her body as well as he did. Ivy had had them as well after having Ethan, but after a few years she had managed to get them cosmetically erased. She had had a child!
"Eve," he began hesitantly, seeing her face become very pale. "You've had a baby...."Julian felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. How he would have loved to have had a child with her, one that would have truly been his. With a woman that he truly loved...that would have given him joy beyond measure.

For her part, Eve was frightened. She did not want Julian to start searching for Whitney, for that might bring him in contact with TC, and she was afraid TC would make good on his threat to kill whomever had fathered her daughter. Julian, the man she had loved with all her heart. TC would be like a rabid dog if he found out. And, she was fearful that he would attack her again--no, she couldn't let Julian discover the truth.

She tried to laugh it off."Oh no, Julian--I had gained some weight a few years back, and had to lose it--that's where those came from. You know, bad eating habits from being on call all the time from the hospital."

"You always had such discipline when it came to eating, I find that rather odd," he said doubtfully, as his eyes swept over her figure. "You even cautioned me about my dining habits, if memory serves."

"Well, it's more covenient sometimes to grab something quickly before surgery, Julian. Not all of us have a 24-hour cook, you know," Eve huffed.

"Touche, my dear. I must say that I 'm glad that you are back to your wonderfully alluring state, not that I wouldn't find you irresistable no matter what you consume or do not..."Julian told her, his hands again unbuttoning her dress.
He was heartbroken, however--for a moment, he had dared hope that he had created a new life with Eve.

Exasperated, yet secretly relieved that she'd distracted him, Eve scowled at Julian. "Will you PLEASE stop this!"Eve began wriggling away from his seeking hands, but Julian held her immobile. His thumbs began stroking her hips, causing Eve to tremble. It unnerved her after all of this time, she could still melt at his touch. Julian bent down to scatter searing kisses on her midriff, at which Eve moaned with pleasure in spite of herself.

"You see, my dear...I know you still love me,"Julian said, tracing circles around her navel. He kissed it, then rose up above her and gazed at her black lacy brassiere. "And I'm willing to negotiate for your freedom....admit your feelings and reveal the secrets that you are keeping from me. If not, " he said as his tongue passed over his lips again," I just may have to take advantage of your confinement further."

Eve knew he was serious. Deadly serious. But she could not bring herself to face the fact that she still loved Julian.....the love was too dangerous. Yes, now Julian was free to be with her, and she herself was a respected doctor now. The days of singing in low-lit clubs were long gone for her....she had outgrown him, hadn't she? Hadn't she?

Her thoughts were interrupted by Julian spreading kisses on over her cleavage, then moving up her neck to her cheek. "Don't fight me Eve....follow your heart," he rasped, as he claimed possesion of her mouth once more and kissed her with all of the love and passion he felt for her. Eve closed her eyes and met him kiss for kiss, her body telling him what her lips would not. Julian kissed her even more deeply, his hands stroking her shoulders and then down her arms. He fingered the cords at her wrists, then mentally shook his head. Not yet....she had to face her feelings....she still needed a bit more persuasion.....and he was more than ready to do so.
 

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TC was growing more impatient by the minute. "Who the hell are you, and what do you mean you have information for me? I'm not interested in buying anything, so find some other sucker to make your spiel to!" he snarled, about to slam the phone down on the hook.

On the other end, Ivy smiled nastily. "I suppose information about the whereabouts of one Dr. Eve Johnson Russell wouldn't interest you?" she said in an almost bored tone. Hook, line, and sinker, she thought triumphantly.

TC almost dropped the receiver. "Eve? EVE? You mean you know where that slut is? How do you know where she is?!!" he said incredulously.
 

"Well now, Mr. Russell...that will depend on just how badly you want the details. Why don't we make arrangements to meet--then you'll know everything. Everything," Ivy assured him.