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Heat spirals through me. “Wow. Steak and lobster, this place is fancy,” I blurt, as a distraction. “But I think there’s something wrong with my menu. There are no prices on it.”
Sebastian chuckles, as if charmed. “You really have been sheltered,” he says. “I forget, you’re a long way from home.”
“I’m sorry,” I drop my eyes again, all bashful innocence. “You’re probably used to dating all these sophisticated women.”
“I am,” he replies. “But I’m rather enjoying the change. Don’t worry,” he reassures me. “I’ll take care of everything.”
Our waitress arrives with our wine. Opening the bottle, she pours a sample for Sebastian to try. When he nods approvingly, she puts some in each of our glasses. I test it out while Sebastian orders for both of us, rattling off a long list of luxurious-sounding dishes. “Tell Anton to prepare it the way I like,” he finishes, handing our menus back.
“Of course, Mr. Wolfe.”
She leaves, and we’re alone again. I try not to gulp my wine. I need to keep my wits sharp, I know. “You seem at home here,” I notice. “Was it hard, learning how to fit in with these people?”
Sebastian looks surprised. “What do you mean?”
“You mentioned that your dad built the company from nothing. I figured that means you didn’t grow up wealthy.”
Sebastian seems pleased. “You surprise me yet again.”
“You don’t think I’m capable of an insightful question?” I ask, keeping my voice teasing.
He smiles. “I didn’t say that.” He sips his wine before answering. “And no, I didn’t grow up with money, or privilege. My mother worked as a secretary, and my father was from a working-class background, too. But he had ambition, and brains.” Sebastian’s voice is admiring. “He worked a dozen different jobs and saved every penny to start the business. I was twelve, when things really took off. They sent me to a fancy boarding school,” he adds. “And it was… educational, certainly.” His smile twists. “But I learned quickly how the social system works. It’s all about dominance. Show no fear, be merciless. There’s no room for sentiment or emotions if you want to get ahead.”
“I’m sorry,” I tell him.
He blinks. “Why?”
“Well, it doesn’t sound like it was much fun.”
He gives a dry laugh. “That school taught me everything I needed to know. And I’ve never looked back.”
Okaay.
Clearly, this boarding school was more of a Slytherin vibe. But I can see, Sebastian is starting to relax and open up to me, so I’ll take any information as a win.
It doesn’t take long for the food to come, and it’s delicious. I’ve never had food prepared by a five-star chef, and I can see that I’ve been missing out. I’m halfway through my meal when I look up, feeling eyes on me. They’re not Sebastian’s.
There’s a man and woman approaching our table, and the woman’s eyes are locked on me. I see curiosity burning in their depths.
The couple is older, maybe in their sixties, and impeccably dressed. Diamonds are draped around the woman’s neck and hanging from her earlobes. The man’s got a broad frame and thick grey hair, wearing a thousand-dollar suit. These people must be a part of Sebastian’s world.
As they stop at our table, I learn just how right I am about that.
“Mum,” Sebastian stands and politely kisses her on the cheek.
Mum?
I snap to attention. I can’t believe my luck, to be meeting his family so soon.
Families are always full of secrets.
Pulling away from his mom, Sebastian nods at the man with her. “Uncle Richard.”
His tone is cool, and it takes me a minute to process the situation. Because the way his mother is standing close to the man, a hand on his arm… It makes me think that they are a couple.
His mom… and his uncle?
“Sebastian, it’s good to see you,” his uncle says, too loud. “I have to say, I’m surprised. I heard that you were still out of town, having your fun.” He gives a booming laugh.
