Page 5 of Sebastian's Secret

Who was he to deny the lady what she yearned for?

“I’d love to.” Draining his glass, he waited as she did the same. “Do you live somewhere nearby?”

“I’m staying at the Ritz-Carlton,” she replied, rising on her skyscraper heels and taking his outstretched palm. “We can retire there.”

“Sounds perfect,” he agreed as his palm swallowed her smaller hand. “Lead the way.”

Following her tantalizing backside down the staircase, Sebastian’s gaze swept across the sprawling crowds, wondering where Cole had gone. No doubt he was having a splendid time of his own and wouldn’t even notice his big brother’s exit, but Sebastian made a mental note to message Cole his plans all the same.

Rebecca would be a welcome distraction and by the morning, he’d be alone again.

Chapter Two

Rebecca

She’d watched him from her seat in the corner, eyeing him as he chatted to his companion, and had finally seized the chance to take the initiative once he was alone. Slipping into a cab that was waiting outside the club, she didn’t regret it. Sebastian was classically handsome with his tousled dark hair and his doleful blue eyes. He was exactly what she needed.

“Where to?” The driver asked, peering at her in the rear-view mirror.

“The Ritz-Carlton,” she answered as Sebastian fixed his safety belt.

“No problem.” Pulling away, the driver’s focus returned to the road. It wouldn’t take long to reach the hotel at this time of the night.

“You should put on your belt, too,” Sebastian suggested, his fingers skimming over the back of her hand.

“Into playing it safe, are we?” she jibed, chuckling as one of his dark eyebrows rose.

“I’m into common sense,” he corrected. “In the event of a collision, safety belts reduce the risk of serious injury by fifty per cent. It’s also the law.” His gaze bored into her, as though there was a reason she should give a damn about legislation.

“Do you always do what the law tells you?” Leaning closer, Rebecca caught her lower lip between her teeth. What was it with this guy? She’d never met anyone who cared if she wore a safety belt before. Normally by this point, men were trying to undress her.

“Put. The. Belt. On.” His voice was gentle, but insistent.

“Say please.” Meeting his defiance, she pushed back, the same way she always pushed.

“Please.” Sebastian’s tone had softened just enough to inspire her compliance.

“Okay.” Righting herself, she pulled the belt across her with a sigh. “Have it your way.”

“Thank you.” His fingers squeezing her hand. “Whatever this is between us, your welfare is important to me.”

She glanced to him, unexpectedly moved by his response. “Well, thanks.”

“I hope I didn’t offend you?” Sebastian sounded concerned.

“Of course not!” Feigning amusement, the way she always did, Rebecca grinned. “I quite like a man who takes charge.”

Almost as much as I enjoy one on the back foot.

“Is that right?” His laughter was sensual, sending electricity shooting along her spine. “I’m sure I can help you there.”

Scanning the profile of his handsome face, she wondered if Sebastian was pretending as badly as she was. The man had a quiet confidence about him—that was part of what had attracted her from the get go—but having made his acquaintance, it was easy to tell that he wasn’t the usual alpha asshole. The Lord knew she had met enough of those to know the difference.

“Here we are.” The driver’s announcement splintered the intensity of her stare, and fumbling for her purse, she searched for her credit card.

“I’ve got this,” Sebastian assured her, already handing his card over.

“I’m paying,” she told him, absurdly affronted that he’d be so bold.

---