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“If I weren’t a gentleman, I would pin you against the wall and kiss you until neither of us could breathe.”
Tilting my chin up, I composed myself. “Sometimes being a gentleman is overrated.”
His gaze darkened, and he cleared his throat as the lobby button lit up. “I might need a longer elevator ride for that.”
I laughed as we entered the main floor of the building and headed to the exit. Sebastian cracked the door open and then paused. “I’ll bring the car around.”
Before I could argue with him, he darted outside and jogged toward the parking area.
My heart hammered against my ribs as a familiar, fleeting shadow from the window danced behind me. With a startled gasp, I whipped around, my high heels betraying me as they wobbled. With trembling hands, I desperately grasped the wall and managed to steady myself, narrowly avoiding a collision with two departing men.
A furious blush danced across my cheeks. “I’m so sorry.”
A man with sun-kissed blonde hair extended a reassuring hand to my arm. “It’s okay. Are you all right?”
Taking a shaky breath, I replied, “Yes. I just … for a moment, I mistook you for someone I met last night. It caught me off guard.”
From the lobby entrance, Sebastian’s commanding tone sliced through the murmured conversation around us. “Is everything okay here?”
Composing myself, I met his gaze. “I lost my footing. He was making sure that I was all right.” With a chilling dread, I realized I couldn’t let Sebastian discover that I’d confused this innocent stranger with the menacing figure from last night.
Sebastian’s expression softened as he nodded appreciatively at the man. “Thanks for looking out for her.” His large hand found its place on the small of my back, radiating a comforting warmth.
The man smiled. “Stay safe,” he said and then he and his companion exited the lobby.
Sebastian’s voice lowered as he ushered me away. “I was worried they were bothering you.”
“No, it was the other way around, I’m afraid.”
Sebastian led us outside to his car, idling at the curb.
He held the door for me, and I tried my best to land in the seat and tuck my legs beneath the dress, so the long slit didn’t show my ass cheek. I’d opted for a seamless thong, but now I was rethinking my choice. My butt was freezing, and I’d almost mooned my date.
The sound of Sebastian’s throat clearing pulled me from my thoughts, and I looked up at him. His eyes were dark, pupils dilated. He was staring at me like he wanted to fuck me on the spot, and from the impressive outline of his cock pressing against his navy slacks, I wasn’t wrong. Heat flooded my body, and I crossed my legs at the ankle.
He leaned over and slid the seatbelt around my waist, his face a mere centimeter from mine. I sucked in a breath as the heat of his body consumed the small space between us. His attention flicked to my mouth and then to my eyes as a wicked grin curved his full lips. I mentally begged for him to drag his knuckles over my painfully hard nipples, but he took extra precautions not to make contact. The click of the seatbelt snapped into place, and he straightened slowly. I inwardly groaned, disappointed that he had only teased me.
Once Sebastian was in the driver’s seat, and we were buckled up, he merged into the oncoming traffic.
He reached over with his free hand and took mine, and butterflies fluttered madly in my chest. My fingers traced over his swollen, red knuckles, a reminder of the moment he had punched my would-be rapist. My stomach twisted with guilt and gratitude; he had injured himself to protect me. But I also felt admiration for his fearlessness and willingness to do what was right.
Every feminist cell in my body melted into a puddle with memories of how he'd beaten that asshole's face in. It had left me shocked and intrigued. Something deliciously mysterious about this man intrigued me, and I wanted to uncover more.
Sebastian glanced at me, then continued to focus on the drive. “How was your day?”
Thank god he wasn’t looking at me. I couldn’t have hidden the surprise from my expression. I’d never had a date where I was asked how my day was.
“It was nice. I hung out with Cami until you picked me up. Yours? Did you work at the club?”
Sebastian looked at me, his jaw clenched visibly, muscles taut and straining beneath his skin. A storm of emotions briefly flashed in his eyes—anger, confusion, and maybe a hint of pain.
I folded my hands on my lap as I studied him, wondering what was behind his reaction. Had I said something wrong?
“No, I had some things to take care of and didn’t want to get locked into working tonight. Kip was supposed to cover for me, but he called in sick. Riley is filling in. Not sure you’ve met her yet. Anyway, I rarely take time off, but I wasn’t about to miss our evening together.” Sebastian shifted in his seat, appearing uncomfortable for a second.
His words sent my pulse skittering. “You seem to like your job. At least bartending, anyway. Or you could like beating guys up more.” An offhanded laugh escaped me.
“Only if they’re trying to hurt others. That’s a fucking trigger for me, and my temper can get the best of me in those circumstances.” His accent thickened, revealing his growing frustration with each word.
