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THIRTY
Sebastian
It’s been a week since we had our fake wedding shoot. Alex moved in with me. Well, not technically, but enough to make it look like she lives here should George decide to go rummaging around my apartment.
I’ve never lived with a woman before, but having her in my space doesn’t freak me out nearly as much as I thought it would. I’m starting to realize with Alex, there are a lot of things I’ve not done before that I find myself compelled to do. She consumes me in every way, and I don’t exactly hate it.
We’re headed out for dinner with the Bennetts. The cab we’re in cruises down Eighth Avenue to the restaurant George picked. My hand rests on Alex’s thigh as she scrolls through her phone, checking her emails and social media. It’s a comfortable silence. In the short time we’ve been living together, we seem to have grown accustomed to each other.
I hope that tonight is the night George is going to agree to sell me the club. If it wasn’t for Alex saying we were already married, I would have walked away by now. I’ve jumped through every hoop he’s asked me to, despite my personal feelings toward him.
When it’s all over and done with, I can see where this thing with Alex and I leads.
What if she wants out?
I’m not even going to think of that because when this is all over and we don’t have the club hanging over us, I want us to be… something.Wedon’t end whenthisends.
My mind is going over a different conversation I’m hoping to have tonight when the cab pulls up outside of the restaurant. The valet opens the door and I step out, holding my hand out for Alex. Expensive cars line the street, restaurants with valets littered along the block. It’s a nice neighborhood, clean and bustling with people heading to restaurants as the sun sets and darkness coats the city.
My focus goes back to Alex as she slips her hand into mine. Her skin is warm on my palm and it grounds me as I prepare for an evening of playing pretend. Of acting like I don’t despise the man I’m trying to buy Sanctuary from.
Alex leans into me, one hand clasped in mine and the other wrapped around my bicep, as we walk across the sidewalk to the restaurant entrance. It feels like the most natural thing in the world for me to dip my head and kiss the top of hers.
Her voice is quiet on the bustling street, but I hear it nonetheless when she asks, “Are you ready for this?”
I want to tell her that with her by my side, I could conquer the world. But instead of saying that, I simply hum in confirmation.
The doorman holds the door open, and I nod my head in greeting as we pass through. I want nothing more than to turn around, take Alex home, and haveherfor dinner instead. To get lost in her. But needs must and all that. I want the cloud hanging over us, that is my revenge, to be gone.
Alex does the talking when we reach the hostess and I take the time to look around the restaurant.
I’ve never been here before as I’m usually at the club in the evenings and frequent diners and pubs during the day if I meet up with a friend. It’s busy, which isn’t surprising, seeing as it’s a Saturday night in New York City. With high arched ceilings and dark furniture, the room exudes old-school New York.
The hostess moves to show us to the table and as Alex steps in front of me, my hand finds the small of her back to guide her. She’s dressed in a silky black dress and looks fucking edible. I watch as the eyes of all the men and some women follow her through the restaurant. Subconsciously, I move closer toward her, needing them to know that she’smine.
I’m the lucky bastard that gets her.
George and Miriam are already seated when we arrive.
Standing, George holds his hand out for me. “It’s so good to see you both.”
With a smile that pains me to plaster on, I take a hold of his hand, giving it a firm shake. “It’s good to see you both, too.”
Turning to Miriam, I kiss her on both cheeks before taking a seat at the table.
With a look of sympathy mixed with guilt, George asks, “How are you doing, Alex? Miriam and I have been so worried about you.”
Alex’s hand reaches out to grasp mine across the table, resting her chin on her free hand as she replies, “I’m doing well, George. You didn’t need to be worried about me. Bastian took good care of me.” Her eyes flick to me and I see a storm of emotion in them.
God, Alex, please don’t let that mean what I think it means.My chest tightens as my breath accelerates and my stomach churns all at once.
I don’t deserve that look.
I’m not good enough.
Removing my hand from Alex’s grasp, I pick up my glass of water, praying my hand doesn’t shake and give away the spiral I’m falling into. The icy water does nothing to calm my racing heart. Thankfully, the waiter arrives to take our orders.
Once they’re placed, with a measured tone, I stand and say, “Excuse me, for a moment.”
