My Husband Wants An Open Marriage (Julie and Ryan)

CHAPTER 010: The Partnership

The name hits me like a punch to the face. Lucas Martinez? Luke is the CEO of Couture Collective? The biggest fashion company in North and South America? How the hell did I not know this?

I blink, still processing. The air feels like it's been sucked out of the room for a second, and all I can hear is the rushing sound of blood in my ears.

But there he is. Sitting casually, grinning, as if he's enjoying every second of my discomfort. He stands up, extending his hand, his eyes never leaving mine.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. O'Brien," he says, his voice calm and collected, but there's a twinkle of mischief in his gaze.

1 force a smile, slipping into autopilot mode as I shake his hand. Keep it together, Julie. Keep it together.

"The pleasure is mine, Mr. Martinez," I reply, my voice just a little too formal. The contact of his hand is warm-familiar. A little too familiar, given the circumstances.

Luke doesn't miss a beat. "Please, call me Luke," he says. His tone is casual, as if we're old friends. Which, in a way, we are. Just not in the way Ryan would approve of.

Ryan's voice pulls me back to reality. He's practically buzzing with excitement as he looks between us, unaware of the tension hanging in the air. "Isn't this great, Julie? We'll get to work with Mr. Martinez himself."

"It's wonderful, Ryan." I plaster a smile on my face and nod. "Really wonderful."

Ryan doesn't seem to pick up on the undercurrent between Luke and me. Instead, he gestures for us to sit, eager to get into business mode. "Let's talk about the campaign. This partnership with Couture Collective is going to be huge for Paragon."

I nod politely, sliding into the seat next to Ryan. My mind is still racing, but I'm determined to stay focused. Luke is just a business partner, nothing more. I repeat that mantra in my head as I sit there, willing myself not to think about our night at the bar or the phone call last night.

Luke settles across from me, and I catch him glancing at me from the corner of my eye. That same cocky grin is still playing on his lips, and I can feel his gaze burning into me, like he's silently daring me to acknowledge what's between us. "So, Julie," Luke says, turning his full attention to me. "What exactly is your role at Paragon?"

There it is. The shift. The moment he pulls me into the conversation, drawing me into his game. I can feel Ryan looking at me, proud as ever, completely unaware of the loaded nature of the question.

"I'm the Chief Marketing Officer," I say, keeping my tone cool and professional. "I oversee all the marketing strategies and campaigns. Making sure the brand stays on top."

Luke raises an eyebrow. "So, we'll be working closely together, then," he says, the word "closely" rolling off his tongue in a way that makes my stomach twist.

Ryan jumps in. "Of course! The marketing team is going to be crucial to this partnership. Julie's the best in the business-she'll make sure everything runs smoothly." +25 BONUS

CHAPTER 010: The Partnership

challenging. He's pushing, testing me, seeing how far I'll go. I refuse to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.

"I'm sure we'll work well together," I say, my voice steady, though I can feel my heart racing. I shoot him a look that I hope conveys don't even think about it. But Luke just leans back in his chair, looking far too comfortable for my liking. "I have no doubt," he says. "I look forward to it."

Ryan starts talking again, something about how this campaign will be revolutionary for the luxury jewelry market, but I can't focus on the words. My mind keeps drifting back to Luke, to the way he's sitting there, so at ease.

I'm so pissed that I can't see straight. He knew I'm Ryan's wife? And he still went ahead with our plan?

I can feel my cheeks heating up, but I keep my expression neutral, my hands resting in my lap, squeezing the fabric of my skirt just to keep myself from fidgeting. Luke leans forward slightly, his voice cutting through Ryan's enthusiastic rambling. "And Julie," he says, "if you need any... personal assistance with the campaign, don't hesitate to reach

out."

There's a pause. A beat too long. The innuendo in his voice is clear as day, but Ryan doesn't catch it. He just nods eagerly, thrilled at the idea of me and Luke working together.

"I'm sure Julie will do a great job," Ryan says. "She's been handling our campaigns for years. She's a real

asset."

An asset, I think, the word grating on my nerves. I glance at Luke, who's watching me with that infuriating smirk, like he knows exactly what I'm thinking.

I'm going to fucking kill him.

"Thank you, Ryan," I say, my voice a little tighter than I intended. "I'm sure this campaign will be... unforgettable."

Luke grins. "I'm counting on it."

I can't do this. Not here, not now. The tension is too much, and if I stay in this room a second longer, I'm going to lose it. I glance at Ryan, who is still talking, then back at Luke, who's still watching me with that knowing smile. "I need to excuse myself for a moment," I say, standing up. Ryan looks up, surprised, but he doesn't question it. "I'll be back in a minute."

Luke's eyes follow. I can feel his gaze burning into my back as I make my way to the restroom. The second I'm out of sight, I exhale sharply, my body releasing the tension that's been building since I walked into the restaurant. What the hell was that? What game is Luke playing? I pull out my phone and dial his number.

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CHAPTER 011: It's Over