AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I look away but find myself looking back toward him every couple of minutes. Even in a room full of people, I can’t seem to stop being distracted by his presence. Thankfully, the staff start to arrive with food. Salad first, then soup, then the main entrée.
I poke at my salad, take a couple of bites, and offer Sebastian my soup. He shakes his head, declining it. The staff make quick work of the dishes, and I feel a pang of guilt watching them carry so many plates and silverware.
By the time the main entrée arrives, I’m ready to climb out the window. The pristine china is placed directly in front of me, and I stare down at the contents. It’s some kind of roasted chicken with a mushroom sauce drizzled over top.
“Why are you looking at it like it’s still alive?” Seb asks before shoving a cut piece of chicken into his mouth.
“I’m not.” I lie.
“You are.” He chuckles. “Just try it. It’s actually delicious. I mean, it’s not your burgers and french fries good, but it’s still good.”
I smile back at him, and with more hesitation than necessary, I cut into the chicken, spearing a piece on my fork. Like a toddler refusing to eat their vegetables, I cringe, then shove the fork past my lips and into my mouth.
I’m pleasantly surprised by the explosion of flavor that fills my mouth.
“Good, huh?” Seb notices the way my face lights up, and I nod, taking another bite. I’m nearly done with the entire dish before I realize it. When one of the waitstaff circles back to grab plates, I order another glass of wine.
While I wait, I reflect on what happened near the bathroom. It shocked me when Seb stepped in like he did. If he had given me the chance, I would have handled that asshole myself. Now, there's more tension than necessary, and I'm on people's radars in a bad way. I don't want to be the liability here, and I don't want to be seen as a weakness for Seb. I feel like by him stepping in, he's set me up as a weakness to exploit, and I can’t help but wonder if others in this room see me the same way.
I know it wasn’t meant to be a kick at my ego, but this is my first chance to show I’m a strong leader beside Sebastian.
"Oh, darling, the dessert is divine," Stella gushes.
I glance down and realize my dinner plate has been replaced with a dainty slice of turtle cheesecake, and the glass of wine I asked for sits beside it. Well, shit. Was I that disassociated? I didn’t witness them bringing dessert.
I shrug and dig into the cheesecake, eating every last morsel. When the dessert is cleared, the conversations grow louder. Many appear to grow restless and choose to stand or walk around the room.
A man with piercing eyes approaches, and Seb steps closer to me. Like the rest of the men here, he’s in a tuxedo with his dark hair slicked back. He smiles at Sebastian first and extends his hand. “Mr. Arturo? I’m Henry Salem. I knew your grandfather, but I don’t think we’ve ever met.”
Sebastian shakes his hand, his gaze suspicious and heavy. “Mr. Salem.”
The man’s eyes shift to me, and he leans over to grasp my hand and kiss my knuckles. “And who is this beautiful young woman?”
Sebastian, still suspicious, says, “My sister, Maybel Jacobs.”
We hadn’t discussed yet if I would use his last name, but it didn’t feel right to give up this tiny part of Mom I have left to me.
The man nods once, smiles, and smooths his jacket. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Perhaps I’ll be seeing more of you.”
The fact that he spoke to Sebastian the entire time isn’t lost on me, so I cut in. “You will. I plan to help my brother in every aspect of the business. I do have a family name to uphold.”
He nods again and tips an imaginary hat, then walks away.
“Are you okay to sit for a bit by yourself? I have some business to attend to,” Sebastian whispers into my ear, his eyes still on the stranger’s back as he retreats.
I nod. “Yeah. I was just going to walk around a little bit. I’m feeling restless.”
“Okay, don’t go too far,” he warns and then buttons his jacket, stalking off toward the bar.
I walk in the opposite direction, surveying the room. It’s beautiful. Silk curtains frame small balconies, and double doors lead to a garden that rests at the bottom of the stairs, going all the way to the driveway out front. It’s a shame such a horrible man gets to look at something so beautiful every day.
I look away from the garden, my eyes catching on the sparkling chandeliers and the glittering gowns. My anxiety ramps up, reminding me of that night my entire world changed. Turning on my heels, I choose to make a beeline for the bar, but I don’t even take one step before I feel his presence beside mine.
"Avoiding me, Wallflower, or just trying to live up to your name?"
I turn, scanning his devilish face, thankful that he seems calmer now. I look down at his knuckles. They’re busted and bruised again. I’m both sad and angry at the reality.
I didn’t need him to stand up for me, even if it was nice. Now he’s hurt himself again, and for what? I don’t want to draw attention to him, and I don’t want to look weak for Sebastian. There’s a fine line we must walk here.
