His eyes drop to the cups, then back to Aaron. “How long has she been here?” he asks.
Aaron hesitates, clearly clocking the tension. “Uh… maybe two or three minutes?”
Sebastian nods once. “I’ll take those,” he says, reaching for the cups.
I pull back instinctively. “Sebastian.”
His eyes snap to mine. “What?” he asks, a warning in his tone.
My spine straightens. “I didn’t realize I needed permission to buy lunch and coffee.”
Aaron clears his throat. “I can—uh—finish the order if you want?”
Sebastian finally looks at him. Really looks at him. Something sharp and territorial settles behind his eyes.
“No,” Sebastian says. “We’re done.”
“Yes. Please finish the order.” I glare at Sebastian.
His gaze softens—just a fraction—but it’s too late. The damage is already done. Something hot flares in my chest.
I hand Aaron the cup I was holding. “Keep it. In fact, cancel my food order. I’ve lost my appetite.”
Aaron looks between us, eyes wide. “Ivy?—”
“I’ll see you later,” I say, already moving away from the counter.
Sebastian follows me out without touching me, his footsteps loud behind me.
The bell jingles again, cheerfully oblivious.
Outside, I turn on him. “What was that?” I demand.
“I don’t like people thinking they—” He stops himself. Recalibrates. “I don’t like strangers getting too familiar with you.”
“He’s a waiter,” I snap. “Not a threat.”
Sebastian’s jaw clenches. “You don’t know that.”
I laugh once, sharp and incredulous. “Wow. That’s rich.”
He frowns. “What does that mean?”
“You, of all people, don’t trust me?” I ask, a note of hurt in my voice.
“That’s not what I said.”
“Not directly. But you sure as hell implied it.”
The silence stretches between us, dangerous and loaded.
I shake my head. “I didn’t need rescuing in there.”
“I know,” he says.
“Then why did you act like that?”
He doesn’t answer. Just stares at me with a blank face.
