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The fact that I’m willing to kill anyone that would hurt her.
I stand in the hallway, watching her through her open bedroom door. She strolls across the room, dressed only in a towel. Her hair wet, her lips still humming that song. She pauses over outfit choices, and I can see the decision weigh on her. Wanting to look good for me.
Wanting to please me.
I feel the strangest jolt of longing in my chest. Because I know I’m not worthy of this care and careful consideration. That light of hers that’s shining through is too good for a monster like me.
I don’t deserve her. And once she learns the truth about me, she’ll know it too.
But since when did I ever accept what I deserve?
I take what I want, without mercy. And if the most I can hope for is to steal just a few more days with her, then fuck, I’ll savor every second.
But still, a voice whispers inside me, a couple of days will never be enough. I need more than the weekend. More than even a few months…
I want her mineforever.
14
AVERY
Bianca’s homeis up in the hills, a breathtaking old farmhouse-style chateau with sweeping views of the lake, surrounding by Cypress trees and pretty gardens.
“It’s so beautiful here,” I take it all in, as Sebastian leads us through the open doors, and into an airy foyer, with old terracotta tiles underfoot.
“Violetta is a designer,” he explains. “The house has been featured in several magazines.”
I can see why. Everything is stripped back and minimal, but instead of feeling stark or cold, there’s a luxurious, rustic vibe: soft limewash on the stucco walls, oversized couches upholstered in white linen, and occasional accent pieces in raw, aged wood. I see a huge farmhouse kitchen and a cozy library, before Sebastian takes us through and out of the back doors, which have been flung wide open to the beautiful terrace, where a small group is already gathered, sipping wine and browsing appetizers.
A long table is set for dinner, with beautiful flowers and ceramics, and there are lights on strings hanging over the table and casting a golden glow over everything as the sun makes its descent in the sky. When I take in the other guests, I feel relief that I picked a simple navy shift dress, and low-heeled boots: The vibe is casual and eclectic. There’s a mix of guests of all ages, and while everyone seems effortlessly stylish, it’s a low-key kind of look, not the dressed-up society scene like back in London.
“Darling!” A gorgeous Italian woman with long black hair and layers of beaded jewelry approaches us, her arms held out to Sebastian. “I was worried you wouldn’t come.”
“Violetta, when have I ever let you down?” he asks, bending down to greet her. “You know Bianca would never let me hear the end of it.”
“She is persuasive,” Violetta says with an affectionate smile. “And you must be the lovely Avery,” Violetta turns, smothering me in a hug and air kisses before I can even reply. “We are so happy to meet you. You know, he never brings his women to the lake. We are all dying to discover your secrets.”
I give a nervous laugh. “No secrets here,” I say quickly.
She just grins. “Nonsense. Anyone who can tame the big, bad Wolfe is a woman we want to know.”
“Hey,” Sebastian protests, but with a smile.
“You call him that, too?” I ask in disbelief. I would have thought Sebastian would destroy anyone who dared tease him with his nickname.
“But of course,” Violetta exclaims. “Especially when it annoys him.”
“You could never annoy me,” Seb says smoothly, giving me a wink. “You merely build my character.”
Violetta hoots with laughter, then links her arm through mine. “Go shoo, help Bianca with something,” she orders him. “I’m going to get to know your lovely girlfriend.”
Sebastian smirks. “Good luck,” he says to me. “Let me know when you need rescuing.”
“Hush, you.” Violetta pouts, “Avery and I will be the best of friends.”
She steers me off, puts a wineglass in my hand, and then proceeds to introduce me to all the other guests. My mind is reeling just trying to keep track, but everyone seems so friendly and down-to-earth: there’s an artist, a human rights lawyer, a food historian who runs trips foraging in the Italian countryside… I ask a million questions, and by the time I rejoin Sebastian and we sit down to dinner, I’m starting to relax and have a good time.
“How are you holding up?” he asks casually, draping an arm over the back of my chair. Sebastian is completely at ease, talking knowledgeably, but also just sitting back and enjoying the dinner. He clearly knows just about everyone here, and these aren’t the obscenely wealthy jetsetters that I expect him to spend time with.
