Page 33 of A Wild Darkness

“You’re staying here tonight, right?”

“Looks like it,” I say.

Suddenly, I feel Sebastian’s gaze bore into the side of my face, causing me to turn to him. “Have you decided to move into the manor while we’re working together?”

“Yes.”

“It will be safer.”

“I know. I am.” The wind—or nervousness—dries out my mouth, and my tongue darts out to wet it. Sebastian’s focus drops to my lips to watch my movements before meeting my eyes once again. Rapidly blinking, I look away. “I don’t think I had much of a choice.”

Sebastian shoves his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and leans in. “You always have a choice, Stevie.”

“What if I said no?”

“That’s not an option,” he replies, standing back to his full height.

I roll my eyes, remembering the roses he left in my apartment. “I know you were in my apartment. Which proves how easily it is to get into. That’s the only reason I’m saying yes.”

“Oh, yeah? And this is the first time you’re bringing it up?” His eyes light up as a smirk crawls across his face. He tries to hide it by rubbing his chin, but fails.

“I didn’t want to give you the satisfaction of getting a reaction out of me.”

He laughs. “But did you like the roses?”

My body betrays me when a blush heats my cheeks. “I did.”

“How many times have you been inside my apartment?” I ask.

“Just once.”

“Don’t do it again.”

“Okay.”

“And stop smoking. It’s unhealthy,” I say.

“Any more demands?”

“Not at this time.”

“All right.” He smiles, showing off his bright white teeth with a grin that reveals he isn’t as bothered by this situation as I am. “Breakfast?”

This is going to be a long few weeks.

CHAPTER NINE

SEBASTIAN

To say that my ego wasn’t a little hurt last night when Stevie declined my offer for a late-night breakfast would be an understatement. It’s not like I’m thrilled with the idea of her being my partner on this project either, but we’re all we’ve got since River and Lux are gone for the next six weeks.

“Ms. Stevie is joining you for a late lunch, Seb?” Ben asks, placing a sandwich and salad in front of me.

I shrug. “Who knows? I haven’t seen her all morning.”

“She’s working with you on your next project?” he questions. Ben has worked for River and me for years and is well aware of our nighttime activities.

“Yep.” I take a bite and answer him between chews. “Stevie will be my fake girlfriend.”