Page 33 of Drawn Together

“I don’t mean the fact that you intervened, which I didn’t enjoy, but I at least have to thank you for… I’m talking about the feeling of not being able to get him off me on my own.”

Sebastian narrowed his eyes, waiting for me to continue.

“That move you made on him, or on me the other day.You’re fast, and deadly. I’d love to befastanddeadly,” I added, emphasizing each word.

Sebastian looked at me as if I’d grown a second head. “Marfil, I think I’ve reached my limits on attempting to understand the things that come out of your mouth.”

I glared at him. “If I knew how to defend myself, maybe I would’ve never been kidnapped. Has that ever occurred to you? Maybe I could’ve done something to buy time and could’ve escaped to get help. And maybe yesterday that idiot wouldn’t have trapped me against the counter, blocking me so I couldn’t do anything besides wait for him to leave me alone or for you to turn up and make him. If I knew how to defend myself, I would feel safer in dangerous situations, don’t you think? You never stop reminding me that there are people who want to hurt me, and it’s true, but without you all I can do is scream if I get into trouble, like some damsel in distress. I hate that.”

Sebastian studied me. “What is it that you want, exactly?”

“I want you to teach me self-defense,” I said.

Sebastian didn’t respond with a resounding no. Instead, he seemed to consider the idea for a few seconds. “What do I get out of it?”

Wow, I hadn’t expected that.

“I can pay you.”

“I’m not interested in money. Your father is already paying me plenty.”

“What do you want?”

Sebastian set his cup on the counter and, resting his arms beside it, leaned over to look me in the eye. “Three hours,” he said after thinking it over.

I stared at him, not understanding.

“Three hours to myself, during which you will stay here, at home, without leaving or getting into trouble.”

“You’re asking me for free time?”

Sebastian nodded.

“Listen, if it were up to me, you could take all the days off you want…”

“Don’t get ahead of yourself.” He smiled, and I admired the dimples in his cheeks.

“I’m just being a good Samaritan. I don’t want to exploit you.”

“Three hours and the promise that you’ll stay put.”

It was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Also, three hours alone was a gift for me as well.

“Done,” I said, holding out my hand to shake on it.

He stared at me for a second, and I watched, spellbound, as my hand disappeared beneath his long, strong fingers. His handshake was soft, but I made sure to keep mine firm.

“When do we start?” I asked excitedly.

Sebastian hesitated. “Three days, once your tattoo has healed a bit… I don’t want to hurt you,” he said, and it sounded more threatening than sweet.

My God, what was I getting myself into?

I spent the rest of the day studying in my room for midterms coming up… for the most part. I also spent a good portion of that time contemplating what to do about my tattoo’s aftercare. I had to lotion it, and I didn’t know if it would be a good idea to ask Sebastian. Not because he might say no, just the opposite, in fact.

Finally, seeing that there truly was no way I could reach it on my own, I went and gently knocked on his door, which he opened immediately.

“How’s it going?” I asked in a friendly tone.