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“It’s more like sleep-karate,” he corrects himself. “Flailing and lashing all night, you nearly had my eye out.”
“I’m so sorry!” I blurt, mortified—until I see the glint of humor in his eyes. “Hey!” I protest, laughing. I grab a pillow and hit his bare chest. “That’s not fair!”
“Turnabout’s fair play,” he says with a wink. Then he leans up and kisses me again—properly this time, slow, like he’s savoring every moment.
I sink against him, tasting him, before finally coming up for air. Sebastian sprawls lazily beside me, reaching to check his phone, one hand resting on my leg.
It really feels like something’s changed between us. This is the Sebastian I saw in Italy, but we’re not on vacation anymore. I want to say something, ask about the shift, but I don’t want to jinx it.
Besides, even I don’t know how I feel about this yet. It was true what I yelled at him last night: It was easier when he was just a heartless monster, easy to hate. The shame and self-loathing I’ve felt because of my desire for him was simple compared to this new treacherous feeling blooming in my chest.
Affection.
“I need coffee,” I blurt, not wanting to think about it.
“Your wish is my command.” Sebastian gives another yawn and gets out of bed. Uncaring about his nudity, he stretches his arms over his head, and I can’t resist watching the way his back muscles tighten and release. He grabs a robe, and some sweatpants, somehow just as attractive in clothes as out of them. “Breakfast in bed?” he offers, with a wolfish smile. “Not that I need to go anywhere to enjoy a feast…”
I blush. “I’ll, umm, see you down there,” I blurt, feeling like a mess. I gather the duvet around my body and use it to shield myself as I leave the room, ignoring the way that Sebastian chuckles.
“I’ve seen you naked, you know,” he calls out to me, and I smile as I make my way down the hallway to my room.
Away from him, I’m able to catch my breath, and try to think clearly. I don’t need to make any decisions about Sebastian’s redemption right now. Who even knows if this new, improved version of the man will last? He’s been running hot and cold on me since the day we met—emphasis oncold.
For all I know, this is just another way of lulling me into a false sense of security, before he yet again reveals his icy excuse for a heart.
Still, there’s a part of me that doesn’t quite believe that. The look in his eyes last night… It revealed something I’ve never seen from him before. An inner conflict, a battle that’s clearly raging inside of him between his demons and better angels.
But which side will be victorious?
I decideto take a quick shower and leave my hair down to air-dry. When I’m fully dressed, I head downstairs to find him in the kitchen, sipping from a steaming mug of coffee while leaning against the counter. He’s dressed in a suit now, devastatingly handsome.
“So, what do you have planned today?” He asks, handing me my own mug.
I think about the message Charlie sent me while we were at the lake. I have to deal with that. I have to find out what she discovered.
Even if I’m not sure what I’m going to do about it.
“I’m not sure, maybe do some more research about college,” I lie.
“That sounds good. Let me know if you want my help with anything,” Sebastian says, right away, and I feel a stab of guilt.
That’s new. The whole point of this has been to lie to the man, but it doesn’t feel the same anymore.
“I will, thanks.” I take a sip of coffee. “And you have work, I’m guessing. Unless you’re off to play racquetball in that outfit.”
He chuckles. “Yes, I have some important meetings that I can’t miss today. But I’d love to have dinner with you later?”
“Sure,” I agree quickly. “Just let me know when and where.”
“I’ll ask my assistant for the best reservation,” he says. “She’s always up to date with what’s new in town.”
“Great.”
Sebastian plants a chaste kiss on my lips, and the taste of him lingers even after he walks out the door.
“Breakfast, Miss?” Leon asks, materializing in the doorway. I blink, clearing my foggy mind.
“Umm, yes. Toast would be great, thanks.”
