Page 55 of Drawn Together

Sebastian squared his shoulders. “Do you need anything else? I’d like to rest.”

I remembered the feeling of his fingers in my hair, and I had the urge to shake him. How could he be so sweet and so cold at the same time?

“What rules apply now? Do I have to let you know every time I want to go somewhere?”

Sebastian looked at me as if he didn’t understand. “The same rules apply, Marfil. That’s why I’m here.”

Right.

I didn’t pry any further because he was acting strange, and something told me it was better not to know anything about his former dealings with my father. I would’ve loved to call him out on it, but I decided to let it go, at least for tonight.

He left without another word, and I watched as he disappeared down the hallway.

The next morning, I went down to breakfast early. I’d slept fitfully, and had dark circles under my tired eyes, but I would make the most of my day regardless of not having slept. I wanted to walk around my father’s property, go horseback riding, and swim in the heated pool in the basement, one of my favorite places.

Lupita greeted me with a warm hug, and as she made me breakfast, she caught me up on the fact that my sister had called every day since my kidnapping to make sure she was up-to-date on any news. She hadn’t called me directly because she was afraid I’d lie to keep from scaring her.

“That girl worships you, Marfil,” Lupita beamed as she peeled potatoes.

We chatted for a while, then I said goodbye with another hug and the promise not to get into any trouble. Just as I was walking through the living room, I saw Sebastian coming down the hallway that led to my father’s office. It surprised me to see him dressed in a suit and tie. The members of my father’s security team had always worn that kind of attire, but I was so used to seeing Sebastian in jeans and sneakers. He wasn’t alone either, which also took me aback; he was accompanied by a guy a bit younger than him, a bit shorter, but dressed practically the same.

“Marfil, let me introduce you to Louis Wilson,” he said in a professional tone as Louis held out a hand. “He’ll be with you these next few days until your sister gets here.”

I frowned. “You’re a bodyguard, too?” I asked as this new Louis guy discretely gave me a once-over. He was handsome but nothing special: blond, green eyes, thin lips, and straight nose.

“Yes, ma’am,” he answered, suddenly nervous.

“You can call me Marfil,” I said in a friendly tone, then frowned at Sebastian. “Are you leaving?”

“I won’t be able to guard you all day, that’s all.”

“You make it sound like I’m a prisoner,” I answered sarcastically.

Louis threw us a curious glance.

“I thought you could use a break from me,” Sebastian said plainly.

Or maybe he needed a break from me.

“Oh, okay, I guess you have something more important to do than keeping me alive.”

Sebastian refused to take the bait. He pulled me aside and whispered, “Behave. Wilson has potential; he’s new at this. Please, don’t make him want to quit before he’s even started.”

“You’re so sweet that it makes me want to punch you in the face.”

He almost smiled.

“All yours, Wilson,” he said, turning back around. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

Sebastian didn’t walk out the front door, heading toward the service quarters instead.

Why the hell did he give his job to Wilson?

I looked at my new bodyguard with an inquisitive smile. “Does everyone call you Wilson?” I asked as I headed outside, and he followed.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said.

I shot him a dirty look.