Page 9 of Sebastian's Secret

“From last night?” she asked, staring at him with those come-to-bed eyes.

He hadn’t tried to resist them last night and his lack of experience was starting to show. He considered walking over there, taking her in his arms and kissing her. Evidently, it was what she wanted. Who was he kidding? It was what they both wanted.

“Your brother from last night,” she clarified.

“Oh.” Sebastian shook his head with a smirk, finally understanding what she meant. “No, another one.”

“You have so many.” She chuckled, her attention returning to the machine. “Be my guest.” Gesturing to the bedroom, her gaze darted to mine. “I swear I won’t eavesdrop.”

“I should just go.” He was starting to sound like a robot stuck on repeat.

“Yeah, you said.” She laughed, lifting the cup of freshly brewed coffee to her nostrils and inhaling. He had to admit, it smelled bloody fantastic, and he could use a shot of caffeine before he faced the music. “Look, I’m not begging you, Sebastian. Go or stay. It’s up to you.”

“I’d love a coffee,” he answered, though every inch of him was screaming in protest. Leave, leave now! “Thank you.”

“No problem.” She shrugged. “It’s a coffee, not an engagement ring.”

Sebastian snorted at her answer. That was the Rebecca he’d loved the night before. Direct and unapologetic.

“I’ll head next door and call my brother,” he told her, forcing his feet in the opposite direction.

“Sure.” Her tone was playful. “I’ll keep it hot for you.”

Glancing back, he caught sight of her knowing grin as he reached the door.

“The coffee,” she confirmed, though it was clear she relished toying with him.

“Brilliant.”

Damn him, but he couldn’t bring himself to regret his choice as he wandered into the shadowy room and closed the door.

After all, it was only one coffee. What harm could come from that?

Chapter Four

Rebecca

Sebastian emerged from the bedroom with the same sexy smile, and the same dark tousled hair strewn over his seductive blue eyes.

“How was your brother?”

Rebecca wasn’t certain she really cared, but there was definitely something alluring about the guy. She’d had her fair share of sizzling one-night encounters. She knew the ‘love them and leave them’ rules, and for some reason, a pang of hurt had pierced her when she’d thought Sebastian was about to go. She wanted him to stay, though she couldn’t pinpoint why. Sure, the sex had been magnificent. He was the perfect combination of attentive and authoritarian, and he had brought her to a soul-shattering climax—feats not achieved by men who’d known her for much longer—but in her soul, Rebecca sensed it was about more than only the carnality.

Sebastian had been sweet. He’d wrapped a protective arm around her while she enveloped him with her body. They’d talked—what had they talked about? The small vineyard she’d consumed made it difficult to recall, but she did remember the soft timbre of his voice, the way his hand rested on her hip and the reassuring rhythm of his heartbeat. Her brows knitted at the acknowledgement. Sebastian had held her as though he cared. That was a first.

“Mad.” He grinned, and she noticed the dimple in his cheek, though she didn’t recollect seeing last night. Had she been that inebriated?

“Oh, dear.” Rebecca motioned to the fresh cup of coffee. “Sounds like you need a drink.”

“Thanks.” He closed the distance between them in a few easy strides, standing on the other side of the kitchenette counter. “It smells good.”

Collecting the cup, Sebastian’s gaze drilled into her, lowering over her body before he took a sip. She was surprised how relaxed she was in his presence, how, even though she must look like a banshee, she didn’t shy from his scrutiny. She was comfortable with her body and the warmth of the suite meant she wasn’t cold, but this was something else—a confidence that came not only from her being, but from his appreciative glances. Sebastian found her attractive. That was no secret, and she was happy to be adored. That adulation was what she lived for, but it just usually didn’t last until the morning after the night before. It made her question whether or not she should ask him to dinner. Rebecca never normally wanted to see any of her one-night stands again, but Sebastian seemed different on just about every level.

“Are you in trouble?”

Her tone was mischievous, but Rebecca realized that a part of her was genuinely interested. She’d already learned that Sebastian was much more than only his brooding looks and she wondered what his life looked like beyond the walls of her suite.

“Not really.” He smirked. “Balthazar thinks he’s in charge because he’s the oldest, but the truth is we’re equals. He was worried, though.”

---