I ran my hand through my hair. That was my dad. The real man showing his true colours. I knew he wouldn’t be able to keep them buried for long.
He wasn’t back because he wanted to see me.
He was back because he was planning something.
18
ARIA
Five Years Ago
England only seemed to get about a week of decent sun each summer, and right now, I was soaking it up in my bikini on a lounger by the pool. It was only a few months ago that my mum had thrown me a surprise party out here in the garden for my eighteenth. Luckily, Sebastian had pre-warned me, knowing all too well I hated surprises.
My eyes drifted from my book and caught Sebastian strolling along the pool’s edge with his hands in his pockets. His white shirt had a few buttons undone, with the odd tattoo peeking through. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, showing his inked-up arms. And that platinum ID bracelet he always wore sat over his watch—a bracelet his granddad had given him before he passed.
This man seemed to command attention wherever he walked; his presence was intoxicating.
“Thought I’d find you here,” he said as he sat down on the lounger, his shoulder touching my bare skin, causing my heart to pick up speed. “What you reading?” He took the book from me, examined the back, and let out a silent laugh. “Didn’t have you down as a dark romance girl, Nyx. Thought you’d be readingRomeo and Julietagain.”
I plucked the book back from his grasp and placed it down. “I thought I’d try something new. Besides, when have you ever been interested in what I read?”
He wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me to his chest, and his scent instantly flooded my system. “You’d be surprised what I’m interested in.”
Those damn butterflies appeared like they always did when he looked at me, and I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks.
“Where have you been? I haven’t seen you for a few days,” I said.
He’d left the house Friday night, and it was now Sunday. I’d texted him a few times, and he’d replied with short responses. It wasn’t like him.
“Don’t worry about it, Nyx. I had to go away for business.”
I narrowed my brows, looking him up and down. He’d normally tell me when that was the case, and he’d always stayed in contact.
“Thought you hated business trips?”
A small smile curled on his lips as he leaned in closer, causing my heart to race. “Do you know what I really hate?”
“What?”
He swooped me up. “That I’ve not had the chance to do this yet.” A smirk curled on his face as he reached the pool edge.
“Don’t you dare,” I warned him.
Before I had a chance to say anything else, he’d thrown me straight into the pool. The water was cold, and goose bumps spread over my skin. I swam to the surface, catching my breath and wiping my face to clear my eyes. “You asshole,” I said, trying not to laugh.
He stood there for a beat, chuckling to himself, before crouching down and holding his hand out. A mischievous grin tried to creep over my lips, but I stopped it from forming as I swam over to him.
“Sorry, Nyx. I couldn’t resist.”
I took his hand and tugged, catching him off guard, causing him to lose his balance and fall straight into the pool.
I burst out laughing as he ran his hand over his face, then pushed it through his hair to brush it back.
His bright blue eyes met mine.
“You’ll regret that.”
“I doubt it.” I stuck my tongue out at him.
