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I just hope that’s all he wants from me tonight.
9
AVERY
Sebastian leadsme to the back of the house, where a huge glass-walled atrium looks out on the dark gardens beyond. Even the double-height ceiling is made of glass, and I can see the blanket of stars overhead.
Sebastian crosses to the far side of the room and opens just two windows, allowing a light breeze to flow through, carrying the scent of flowering jasmine.
I stifle a sigh. The setting would be romantic, with anyone else.
As it is, I’m on guard, wary over Sebastian’s next move. He goes to fix us drinks at the retro-style bar, while I take a seat on one of the elegant couches.
“Wine or whiskey?” Sebastian asks, looking over at me.
I pause. I’ve been pretending for days. Surely a drink won’t blow my cover with him?
“Whiskey. Thanks.”
Sebastian pours two, from what I’m sure is an expensive bottle. He hands me one, then takes a seat opposite me.
We sit there in silence.
I sip my drink, appreciating the burn of alcohol in my throat. It’s a fine brand, dark and smoky.
Finally, Sebastian gives a low chuckle.
“You know, I’m not the big bad wolf. I won’t bite.” There’s a beat of silence, and he adds. “Unless you’re into that sort of thing.”
The smile he sends me is the definition of ‘wolfish,’ but I won’t relax so easily.
“Can you blame me for being on my guard?” I ask lightly, careful to keep my tone playful and teasing to balance the truth in my words. “You did technically kidnap me, after all.”
Sebastian smiles, as if amused. “You’re right. What would make you feel more at ease?”
I don’t know, how about your total ruin?
I give a little shrug. “I guess… I don’t really know you at all.”
“So, let’s fix that,” Sebastian sits back. “Ask me anything.”
“Anything?” I echo, giving him a dubious look.
“Why not?” Sebastian takes a sip. “Do I seem like a man with something to hide?”
I can’t help smirking at that. But I sober up quickly when all the questions that come to mind are about Miles.
Why did you bring him into your twisted games, when he was a good man? Couldn’t you see, he could never afford the high stakes you were playing?
Do you even care that he’s dead now, because of you?
I fight back the bitter shock of grief. I have to be focused now and use the opening Sebastian has given me to develop some kind of bond. He thinks of me as a shiny trophy right now.
I need him to see me as a woman. Want me as more than just a prize.
So, I take another sip of my drink, and fix him with a mischievous look. “Tell me about your first kiss.”
Sebastian arches an eyebrow, and chuckles. “You know, given the opportunity, some people would have asked me for stock tips,” he points out.
