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“Oh no,” I shook my head, not wanting for him to go to such trouble at my expense. “I’m sure it’s nothing. Just a few headaches; they’ll go away by themselves. Please don’t worry about it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” I held his face in my hand. I didn’t want to ruin our time here with frivolous concerns, especially after he had already done so much. He surprised me with new clothing and adventures around the island. This trip had been a dream.
Sebastian captivated me in a way that I had never felt, like he had already taken my heart and made me his. I was his and I knew it in my bones.
“In that case,” he held me tightly, gently laying me back on the bed next to him, “we can sleep a little longer.”
“We are not sleeping!” I giggled, pushing away and already feeling better.
“Then talk to me while I wake up. Tell me a story about your childhood, something that I don’t already know.”
“Okay, but on one condition,” I replied, looking him in the face, his amber eyes heavy with sleep. “You do the same.”
“Deal.”
The thoughts of my youth were covered in sadness, and they all stemmed from my mother. “I was very little when my mother walked out. She was sick of my father because of the abuse, and I prayed that she would leave him. I just didn't think that when she did, she would leave me behind. I always thought she would take me with her.” I sighed, snuggling into Sebastian as if his presence was my anchor. Being beside him was helping me revisit the memories without breaking down.
“How old were you?” He continued to stroke my hair.
“Six. I woke up one day, and she was gone. After that day, my father only had me to hit and abuse until he died, leaving me all alone.”
“You never thought about running away?”
“Not really, no. My best friend Phoebe and her family kept me sane, and I didn’t want to leave everything behind. So, I endured as best as I could,” I replied, looking up at him.Why does it not hurt so much this time?Sebastian made me ache a little less.
“You are so brave for going through something like this alone. I’m sorry that you had to endure such hardships.” Tears stung my eyes at the empathy in his words, but I didn’t let them fall. I was not going to.
“Thank you for saying that.” He kissed my forehead. I began to ask him to tell me something personal, but my phone vibrated just then, drawing my attention toward the bedside table.
Who is messaging me?
I know it couldn’t be Phoebe. We’d just gotten off the phone, but she was the only one with my contact information. The hair on the back of my neck prickled as if something was about to destroy my perfect bubble. A dark shadow loomed over me.
“Are you alright?” Sebastian asked as I stepped from his embrace.
“Yes; I just need to check my phone,” I replied distractedly, standing to pick up the cell.
My eyes widened as I stared at the text on the screen, the words sending a shiver down my spine. I had been ignorant to believe that I was safe and unseen. I knew that could never be the case. It was impossible.
Chapter ten
Sebastian
“Oh good god, I finally understand what you’re doing!” Alexandra exclaimed, her laughter infectious. I wanted to hold her in my arms to keep her close, but she insisted on staying in her lounge chair as we sat by the beach.
“What am I doing?” I played, raising an eyebrow at her through my shades.
“You’re making me ask about your life and childhood again and again and giving me half answers, so I remain intrigued. In turn, I remain hooked! I understand your tactics, Sebastian Huntington.” Her serious expression as she unmasked my agenda made me burst into laughter, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Do you know? Should I be concerned? What will I do?”
“You should be a little concerned, yes!” She laughed.
“Alexandra, come here,” I demanded, making room for her on my chair, and she obediently got up to come sit beside me. I slid my hands around her waist, breathing in the coconut oil on her skin. She smelled divine.
“What’s the matter?” she asked, looking into my eyes as she removed my shades.
