Page 59 of Release Me

“Because it’s the truth. It’s always been the truth, but it’s the first time you’ve said it out loud, and I want to hear it again. Please.”

My teeth sink into my bottom lip, and I hate him for noticing things like what he’s just pointed out. I hate myself even more for conceding, repeating a statement that both appeases him and affirms me.

“I’m the boss.”

“And I figure you saying that means we’re no longer doing the trial run thing, right? You’re all in?”

Something about the warmth of his gaze on my face makes me feel like there’s a hidden meaning behind his words, like he’s asking me for my verbal commitment to this job and something more. Something that makes my heart flutter. Something that makes my brain swirl with possibilities yet to be realized. Something that makes me feel brave.

“I’m all in,” I whisper, making the expression of commitment a private thing. Something just for his ears and my lips.

The hum of approval that rumbles through his chest startles me because I never thought such a deep, guttural sound could come from a human man, and because it causes a delicious clenching of muscles in my lower extremities that is unfamiliar but not unwelcome. I bury my reaction behind a frown and a slap to his chest that causes him to finally release me. The self-satisfied smirk curving his lips makes me roll my eyes.

“You’re so annoying.”

“Does that mean you don’t want to meet my family?” he asks, turning to the side to reveal a group of five seated at the end of the table closest to us. Something about his tone when he poses the question makes me feel like the world has fallen out from under me. I grapple to find my footing, to remember that this isn’t special, that I’m not special, that he probably introduces colleagues and friends to his family all the time and it means nothing.

“Of course, I want to meet them.”

“Fine, but I should warn you, they’re just as annoying as me,” he jokes, returning his hand to the small of my back and leading me over to the group. Everyone tries to act like they aren’t paying any attention to the two of us. Well, everyone except the older woman with long curly hair and smooth, umber skin. She’s looking right at us with eyes that remind me of Sebastian’s and shine with interest, especially when they sweep over me and her son.

“Everyone, this is Nadia Hendrix,” Sebastian announces, his voice loud and sure as it demands their attention. They give it easily, all their eyes leaving whatever thing they were pretending to be focusing on to come to rest on my face. “Nadia, this is my mom, Madeline, my father, Everett, my brother Andreas, my other brother Luca, and our younger sister, Zoe.”

I follow Sebastian’s hand as he gestures to everyone, matching names I’ve heard before with faces. “Hi, everyone. It’s so nice to meet you all.”

“The pleasure is all ours, Nadia,” Madeline says, rising from her seat to pull me into a hug I’m not expecting but sink into anyway. No one’s hugs feel like my mother’s, but Madeline’s feel close. She applies the perfect amount of pressure and holds me for the exact right amount of time. Then she pulls back and grips me by my shoulders, looking between me and Sebastian. “You’re even more gorgeous than Sebastian said.”

“Mom!” This comes from Zoe, the youngest Adler sibling and the only girl. I don’t envy her positioning in this family, under the reign of three older brothers who are all formidable in their own right and a father who could cut down a giant with one look. “You could at least try to be subtle.”

Madeline moves back, leaving space for Zoe to join us in our little circle of femininity. She gives me a hug too, and even though it’s quick, it’s no less welcoming than her mother’s.

“Sebastian hasn’t talked about you that much.” I don’t know whether I should take comfort in her statement or not, so I just smile. “In all of the times he’s talked about you, he’s failed to mention how beautiful your hair is. Who does it?”

“Umm, I do?”

“Really?” Her brown eyes stretch wide as she circles me to do a full appraisal of my tresses. “All of this hair? It must take you hours. Are you natural or relaxed?”

“I’m what I like to call a straight natural.”

Meaning I don’t relax my hair, but I always wear it straight because my natural curls are too damn thick. Zoe seems to know exactly what I mean because she’s smiling when she comes to a stop in front of me.

“Are you looking for a stylist? I’d love to have you in my chair.”

“Not actively, no, but I am in desperate need of a wash and trim.” I can’t remember the last time I’ve had hands that aren’t mine massaging my scalp and just the thought of it has me a little weak in the knees. “When’s your next opening?”

Zoe pulls out her phone and checks her schedule. “Tomorrow afternoon, around four.”

My brows go up as surprise etches itself into my features. Sebastian told me that Zoe is a very popular, extremely busy stylist, so it seems unlikely that she would have an opening so soon. When she sees the look on my face, Zoe pauses.

“What? That doesn’t work for you?”

“No, that’s actually perfect. I was just surprised that you have availability on a Saturday.”

“Oh, I’m usually closed on Saturdays, so I didn’t have anyone on the books.” Zoe laughs when my brows go even higher. “I make my own hours. Sebastian did tell you I own a salon, right?”

“Of course he did. He’s very proud of you and the work you’ve done to make it a success.”

Sebastian said as much to me the other day when we were eating lunch and Zoe called just to say hi. After they hung up, the conversation we were having about the restaurant turned personal. He told me about Zoe’s salon, Andreas’ hallowed academic career and Luca’s struggle to find his footing inside Adleron Enterprises, their family business. I wasn’t able to share anything, but I soaked every bit of information he offered up because I wanted to be prepared for this moment.

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