There was that fiery little attitude of hers shining through. Her eyes darkened as they met mine. I let out a breath through my nose, stroking her hair back, and rested my hands on her jaw, my lips devouring every inch of hers.
12
Sebastian
Seven Years Ago
As I pulled through the gates and onto the drive, my eyes locked onto my dad’s car. Tight knots formed in my stomach.
Fucking great. This asshole was home.
I think the last time I’d seen him was at Granddad’s funeral, and even then, he left straight after without saying a word.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” I said, turning to look at Hayden in the passenger seat.
“I’ll give you five, if you’re lucky.” He chuckled to himself.
“You’re not even funny, do you know that?”
“Yet you always laugh at my jokes.”
Shaking my head, I stepped out of the car. The bitterly cold air pierced my lungs. I glanced up at the night sky; the moon was exceptionally bright for London. Normally, the city would cast a shadow over it. Taking a deep breath, I started walking towards the door, the stones crunching beneath my feet.
I made my way through the house, praying to avoid my father. I crept past his office, trying not to make a sound.
“Sebastian,” Dad called.
I let out a heavy breath, my shoulders slumping. “Yes, Dad.”
“Get in here.”
Fuck. I didn’t have time for his shit.
My dad sat on one of the brown leather sofas in his office—the kind you’d find in an old manor house. His oak desk, not far away, was neat, with a single paper file on it. The bookshelves were meticulously organised, with some books even older than me. I was surprised they weren’t collecting dust by now.
He sat there, his eyes fixed on the crystal glass of brandy. “Sit down.”
I sat on the sofa opposite, resting my hands on my thighs, waiting for what he was going to come out with. I watched as he swirled the brandy a few more times before taking a sip, then his eyes met mine.
“There’s something I need to discuss with you.”
That sentence never ended well with him. There was never a discussion, only him telling me what was going to happen.
“I’ve met someone.”
I screwed my face at him. “You what?”
“She’s a wonderful woman. I think you’ll like her.”
I sat there, trying to process what he was saying.
“I’ve arranged for us all to go out to dinner. Then, I will set a date for the wedding.”
I half choked. He was getting married for the third time? I’d have thought he was joking, but I’d never known my dad to crack a smile, let alone a joke.
“Are you serious right now?” I asked.
“Deadly.”
