Julien opened the large Jewelry box for the fifth time that day.  The rare pink diamond one-carat studs sparkled against the black velvet box they were softly laying in. Complimenting the studs was a simple silver chained necklace carrying a one-carat pink diamond matching the studs.

Gifting such a rare diamond of unique beauty was only worthy of one person...

....His Duchess.....

Julien reached for another smaller velvet box and held it open gazing intensely at the five-carat pink diamond, tear-shaped ring he planned to give her when the time was right. 

And it will be soon, he vowed.

Today was the day of her surprise birthday party.  Since Sunday, Julien hadn't seen her but that didn't stop him from sending her dozens and dozens of fuchsia colored roses to her office, in hope her anger towards him had dissipated. 

Closing the small velvet box with a snap, he securely hid it in on the top drawer of his nightstand and pushing it to the very back.  Closing the drawer softly, Julien placed the studs and necklace in the gift bag. 

Pulling off his shirt, he made his way to his ensuite bathroom.  The marble tile floor felt cold against his bare feet as he crossed the short distance and switched on the shower knobs.  Peeling the rest of his clothes off, he entered his shower, letting the warm water beat against his taut, hard muscled body. 

He couldn't wait for tonight.  It was the night the love of his life turned twenty-five years old.  Although she looked younger than her age, she had the mind of someone older, beyond her years. 

Julien smiled to himself.  Remembering the countless times he's made her feel uncomfortable, her innocence in intimacy and the way she fought her attraction towards him.  It made him crave her with a passion.  

His member tightened painfully and Julien clenched his teeth trying to control his need.  Turning the knob down to cool off the rising heat in his body, he continues his shower in cold water while  overwhelming visual thoughts of Annie as his wife and in his bed overtook his mind in a welcome bliss. 
*******
Finalizing the last touches to her make-up and patty her hair in satisfaction, Annie stared back at her reflection.

Dark lined eyes made her big blue eyes pop out, and the red shiny lipstick made her mouth look more generous and full. Turning to the side she inspected the gold dress she wore. It was one of the most beautiful pieces she'd ever bought. The bodice was delicately sewn, small crystals twinkled in the light and ran down the front and back all the way to the hem. The color brought out her skin tone as the material encased and emphasized her figure. It was a little heavy due to the detail all around but Annie quickly adjusted to it once she put it on.

Turning away from the mirror, she placed her lipstick, drivers license and phone in a matching gold clutch. Just as Annie made one final inspection in the mirror, an impatient knock sounded on her bedroom door. 

"Coming!" She called out, knowing she was running a little late. She was the last of her family to finish up.   Everybody else left anxious to arrive to make sure everything was in place. 

Cici, Sheila and Annie went to the salon earlier to get waxing done on their bodies, they were also scheduled for facials and massages. It wasn't her fault she was the last one to receive her massage–the missus was running late due to the previous clients tardiness.

The door to her room swung open revealing her Uncle Brett, an impatient look marring his features.

"Come on Annie, I've been waiting for you downstairs! We're running late, the party is going to start without us! They'll take off before we get there!"

Annie rolled her eyes. It's not like the party should start without her. The guests of honor were already there.

"Who cares? Michael and Shelia are there already! Besides it's customary to be fashionably late." She smirked.

Brett was wearing a dark navy suit with a gold tie to match her dress. He insisted they correlate colors since he declared she was going to be his 'date'.

Brett's eyes widened. Annie looked like a greek goddess in the dress. She's definitely going to catch many envious stares. All the invited guests were waiting to surprise her and she was oblivious. She was going to receive the shock of her life. Clearing his throat, Brett offered his arm to her and she gladly hooked hers in his.

"Ready, my Queen?" Brett teased.

It earned him a bright smile and a bright blush from his unsuspecting niece.

"Ready, my lord." Annie teased back.

Brett laughed as he patted her hand, escorting her to the limo waiting outside.

The twenty minute ride in the limo was silent. Annie's heart sped up as her thoughts turned to Julien. She hadn't seen him since Hawaii and purposefully avoided him, not completely forgiving him for that evening.

He betrayed her trust. They had an agreement and he broke it. Despite the dozens of roses he had delivered, her stubbornness kept her from contacting him. It was payback for the anxiety he put her through. Although the talk with her parents opened the gateway to a locked sacred door she thought would never open for her, she felt they both needed space.

Maybe distancing herself away from him wasn't the smartest idea.  Then again,  Annie didn't know any better since it was her first true relationship. To be honest, it was agonizing to be away from him. Missing his soothing British voice and intense gaze, Julien made her feel cared for and wanted,  loved, even worshipped. No one has ever made her feel like he did.  Her heart ached when he wasn't around and Annie knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, she was madly and deeply in love with him.

It later dawned on when she admitted to her parents she could see herself with him for the rest of her life. She loved his dominance and possessiveness. Julien was someone who liked being in control and Annie allowed him that power finding it extremely sexy. His aggressive kisses and strong embrace warmed her down to her toes.

Their relationship was no secret anymore.  Cici was ecstatic their parent's were so understanding and was genuinely happy for her.  Her older sister couldn't help rubbing the, I told you so line in Annie's face. 

Uncle Brett didn't seem too fazed by the news.  When she asked him what he thought of Julien, all he said was, "I knew by the way the man kept looking at you.  If he hurts you, I'll kill him!"

Annie smiled to herself, as she felt a blush creeping up her neck and cheeks.

The limo came to a halt at the entrance of the marina. Michale and Sheila's engagement party location was on a beautifully large twenty-thousand square foot yacht their parents owned. They claimed they wanted a more romantic evening under the moonlight.

Annie looked onward from the window and spotted the yacht, illuminated out in the dark sea. The moon was shinning bright against the water giving it an ethereal glow.  The door opened and assisted out by the limo driver's proffered hand. Once she's standing, Annie ran her hands down her dress and took a deep breath.

"Ready?" Brett asked her taking her hand in his as he helped her down the stairs of the marina.

"Do I have a choice?" Annie replied.

She was nervous, the suspense was killing her. Seeing Julien for the first time in days made her jittery.

"No." Brett tried hiding his excitement, she was going to get the surprise of the century.  Leading Annie and himself toward the yacht, the boat came closer and closer into view. He texted Cici five minutes ago informing her they were close and to get the guests ready. Keeping his features as stoic as possible, he helped Annie up the stairs to the yacht.

The lights went out on the entire yacht suddenly making her frown.

"What happened?" She asked worriedly, wondering what would have caused the power outage.

"Hold on. I'm sure someone must have done something wrong and switched the lights off, come on, I'll help you in."

Opening the door to the grand board ballroom, Brett pulled her in.

Standing in the dark, it was eerily quiet. Most of the guests should be in here, Annie thought.  Suddenly, the light went on. 

"Surprise!" Everybody shouted, clapping and cheering. Annie's eyes adjusted and widened as she jolted where she stood–tightly holding Brett's hand hard from being startled. Everybody was shouting, Happy Birthday!

To say she was shocked was an understatement. Her family, and friends faced her with broad grins etched on their faces, some of them jumping up and down in excitement.

What's going on here? Trying to clear her vision by blinking several times, she thought she was imagining it all.

Glancing toward her Uncle Brett, he had the biggest smile on his face, ushering her forward. "Happy Birthday doll face!" He whispered in her ear. Surprised and confused Annie looked again as she was engulfed in a big hug by Cici then her parents.

"Surprise!" They all laughed.

Annie was still too numb to reply. Looking around she spotted the big sign in the back, "Surprise Annie, Happy 25th Birthday!" It finally dawned on her, this was for her not Michael and Shelia.

"How...Why..?" She asked finding her voice. "I thought this was an engagement party."

"Cici's idea.  We got you real good." Her cousin Zachary said as he approached her and hugged her giving her a light kiss on each cheek. Annie blushed as she hugged him back. "Happy Birthday to my favorite cousin."

"Thank...You." She says, slowly adjusting to all the excitement she felt in the room.

Her sisters that supposedly flew in from boarding school for the engagement party,  hugged her and wished her the best. Annie originally thought everybody was coming for the upcoming nuptials. Never in her wildest dreams would she have thought this was orchestrated all for her.

Oh. My. God. She thought shaking her head in disbelief.

The St. James' approached and greeted her with the same warm congratulations and hugs.

Annie eagerly searched for Julien and found him behind them patiently waiting his turn. Hands in his pockets, he stood silently watching her with a hooded stare. The silver in his eyes was mesmerizing as his gaze traveled up and down her figure holding her captive. The noise and music tuned out and it was as if time stood still as they assed one another.

Julien dressed a black suit, beige dress shirt and black satin tie. His hair was slicked back and his jaw was hard and defined looking newly shaved. He looked like a powerful sexy dark God. He slowly approached her, never breaking eye contact. It seemed as if the cluster of bodies around her made way for him as he came closer.

"Happy Birthday, Duchess." His deep, seductive, accented voice purred. It made goosebumps erupt all over her skin. Taking both her hands in his, he tenderly kissed her knuckles.

Pulling back he scanned her body from head to toe shamelessly. It made her toes curl. Annie smiled shyly at him, lowering her eyes, a blush forcing it's way on her cheeks again. She felt flushed and heated, loving the way he looked at her. It made her feel like a true Queen.

"Thank You." She replied tentatively not being able to meet his scorching gaze.

Annie felt the stares boring into her, the onlookers, her family and others watching them silently. Julien kept a hold of her hands, not letting her go when she tried tugging them away. Peeking from beneath her eyelashes, Julien gave her a mischievous smirk, releasing her and moved to her side allowing the other guests to greet her.

Mark and some of the hospital staff were present. Joe and many of the T-enterprises staff were there too. Close relatives were invited as well.

Stefani—Lady Gaga, a close friend of her and Cici's was there with her new fiancé. Annie spotted, 50 Cent and Selena Gomez in the crowd. Ryan Seacrest was enjoying a cocktail in his hands and held it up in a silent greeting, standing with Rihanna who caught Annie's eye, winking and blowing her a kiss. Taylor Swift approached her and hugged her tenderly with a big smile lighting up her signature red colored lips.

It was all so surreal as Annie looked around dazed.

Round tables were scattered around with pink and gold balloon center pieces. The walls were lit up in dark pink. The three tiered birthday cake was in the corner with gold trim around each layer. Strobe lights were lighting the generous dance floor. On the other side, in the corner was a tent, a gypsy lady standing there, above her a sign lit up with the word Psychic in neon lights. A photo booth was in the opposite corner waiting to take silly group pictures.

Annie turned to look at Julien who never left her side. He was silently watching her reaction.

"You knew about this the whole time?" She asked him in awe.

"Yes, I've known before our secret date." Julien admitted smiling at her. He held her close to his side as she walked around taking it all in.

"Wow." She said, still not believing her eyes.

"Hasn't sunk in yet has it." Cici whispered in her ear, startling her yet again. Turning around Cici smiled happily as she clasped Anthony's hand tightly in hers. Anthony nodded at her and smiled slightly.

"I'm going to get you for this! Everything your said and did was on purpose!"

Cici laughed and kissed Annie's cheeks.

"Don't be too mad at me! You know how much work it took to keep this from you! It was hell." She said and sighed, Anthony nodded in agreement. "I'm glad its all over now! It's time to party! Live it up Angie!" Cici dragged her to one of the tables and sat her down. Julien sat next to her, Anthony joining them silently.

Arabic music started and a belly dancer, wearing a green and gold costume, came out dancing in front of her. Shaking her hips and bosom to the beat the woman danced for her and resumed her show on the dance floor for the rest of the guests.

People whistled and cheered for the belly dancer, who was now dancing around the tables earning tips that were stuffed around her waist band and fancy bra. The guests consisted of about less then a hundred, Annie guessed. Julien wrapped his arm around the back of her chair and Annie leaned back in his embrace. Relishing the moment, it felt like a dream. Her mind was having difficulty grasping the fact that this night was for her. It was all so glamorous.

"I've missed you..." Julien said close to her ear. Annie tilted her head toward, face to face, their noses almost touching. Annie caught her breath when she noticed his gaze zero in on her lips. "You look beautiful tonight, love..." Annie's heart skipped a beat as she felt his breath on her lips. "I want you...you've denied me for far too long." His words made her feel faint as her eyes fluttered slightly closed. Heat pooled in her loins. She wished they were alone so she could allow him to have his way with her. "Soon..." He said. 

It sounded like a promise. And Annie couldn't wait.

Clapping erupted around them breaking their heated moment as the belly dancer exited. Annie glanced away around trying to control her erratic breathing. The DJ introduced 50 Cent onto the small stage in front of the dance floor. Cheering, whistles and clapping filled the party room as the rapper made his way to the stage with a mic in hand.

"I just wanted to say, Happy Birthday Annie! And I hope you enjoy tonight, its a honor to be here! Come on the dance floor, this night is yours! All the people in the audience put your hands up!" 50 Cent's deep voice boomed through the mic and the cheering became louder. Cici pulled Annie up and was soon joined by Zach, her sisters, Phaedra and her cousins as they danced to his song, In da Club....

Selena Gomez soon took over with her famous birthday song. Annie loved the song as she and her friends and family sang along and danced.

Julien, Anthony, Duncan and the older crowd never joined in the dancing and screaming, only watching from afar, enjoying the spectacle they made.

Cici dragged Annie to the photo booth as they snapped photo after photo. Making sexy faces, silly faces, sad, pouting faces. Zach entered the booth with them. Annie's sisters took turns standing with her taking pictures in different poses and silly faces.

The pictures quickly developed afterward, as they stood huddled together trying to catch a glimpse of themselves. They were laughing so hard they were crying by the end, bent over, gasping for air.

Julien was seated witnessing the joy and happiness in Angelica's eyes in slow motion. He could feel it with full force as it radiated towards him. Her happiness was his.

He has never seen her so carefree and relaxed before. She was always watchful and calculating, cautious, alert. This side of her is something he wanted to see more often with him.

Julien bid his time, glancing down at his Rolex watch, contemplating the best time and date to ask her to marry him. If he listened to his wants and needs he would have already asked her but he knew it was not what Annie would want.  Julien had to pre-plan for the day, find the perfect spot, the perfect time.  He was waiting for the perfect opportunity. 

What upset Julien the most was the time, because every day that passed, was a day wasted.

Just like the sands of an hour glass....

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Stay tuned for the second part.  Thank you for reading.

A special thanks to those of you that have voted for my previous chapters, as always I am very grateful.  Your support shows your generosity.  Thank you, Shaz.