I traced his jawline with my fingertip, feeling the sharp edge before pressing my lips to it, holding them there for a moment before moving to his lips.
He kissed me back, his lips soft as they grazed mine affectionately. Not caring that our friends were just feet away, his tongue gently slipped between my lips, and we both gave into our greed, the movement of our mouths intensifying.
This kiss was unlike any of our previous ones. Filled with the same desire and passion that we always had, but with a new addition. Something more that I know he sensed, too. The same feeling I'd had for him since we’d met, now swollen with devotion as I had grown to know him. Since we’d learned each other's secrets, explored each other's skin, and chose to trust each other over anyone else.
“Seb,” I breathed his name into our kiss and he devoured it.
“Maeve?” he said my name back as a question.
My heart relentlessly battered on my ribs, but I retained my courage, preparing to divulge the words I had waited much too long to say, despite knowing that he may not say it back.
“I’m in love with you.”
Relief encased me with my confession. Now, no matter what happened, whether I lived or died, he’d know that he was loved—something I truly believed he didn't hear often.
He separated his lips from mine, but left them lingering close by.
Then, silence.
Heartbeats passed.
Nothing.
Not a word from him.
No indication that he'd even heard me.
Oh no.
My relief was short lived, replaced with adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Gods.
I knew he might not feel the same, but Sawyer said that he did…he said that he loved me.
I stared at him, trying to figure out what he was thinking, but his expression didn't have any give. My feet backed away from him, and I tried to mentally prepare for the sting of heartbreak that seemed to be coming straight for me.
The inside of my cheek began to bleed from the bite of my angst, and regret fueled my words. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I knew that the feeling could be one-sided, but I said it anyway.” I dropped my gaze to the sand. “We had a good thing going and I just ruined it.” I kicked a shell around with my toe, trying to ease the turbulence that circulated in my body.
Sebastian shook his head, his gaze hollow. “No, Maeve, please don't apologize. It's not that.”
Though I had no right to be angry when I knew his rejection was a possible outcome, irritation greeted me as my eyes darted back to him.
“What is it then? Because if you don't feel the same, ifthis,” I gestured between the two of us, “was just a fling for you, it's fine. But I need to hear you say it.” I bit back tears while I waited for his response.
He hung his head and his voice lowered. “It's not just a fling to me. Please don't say that.”
I threw my arms up towards the heavens. “Am I just not what you want then? Because I've given you everything I have to offer, and you can't even give me a straight answer.”
Sawyer’s wandering eyes shone over Sebastian's shoulder. He shot his head to the side when he noticed that I'd caught him. Maybe I should have chosen a better location to do this. Granted, I thought it would go better than this.
“If you don’t love me, it’s fine. I’ll be fine. But at least havethe decency to tell me.”Have the decency to shatter my heart and soul into a million pieces.
Sebastian followed my gaze, also becoming aware that our friends were still present. His jaw ticked as he caught my wrist and led me off of the beach, stopping to pick up my shoes. “Excuse us,” he stated blandly, busting by the others and not giving them a second glance.
He guided me all the way back to the castle, not making a sound until we were in his bedroom and the door was closed behind us. He locked and leaned against it, all while staring at me with his arms crossed.
I stared back, nothing left to say.Hewas the one who brought us here, sohecould speak the hell up.
