Page 96 of The Prey

I try not to feel disappointed. I’m sure he got up to make breakfast or get coffee.

I scoot closer to the edge of the bed so I can hop down off it. My ankles shake, along with my thighs when I land on my feet. Every muscle in my body aches, and I hurt all over.

I spot Sebastian’s football shirt folded neatly at the end of the bed, and I grab it, smiling as I pull it on. I don’t need a mirror to know my hair is sticking up all over the place. Not that it matters. I don’t know anyone who wakes up looking like they’re ready to compete in a beauty pageant. My belly rumbles loudly, and I head off to find Sebastian and breakfast.

I poke my head out into the hallway. It's empty, thankfully so. The last thing I need is Tanya making an appearance and catching me sneaking out of Sebastian’s room.

I look down the length of my body, watching the light catch on the scratches and bruises that mar my legs. Somehow they feel like a badge of honor. Along with the fresh cut on my arm, which matches the previous one. It might be stupid, maybe even silly, but it makes me feel special and desired. Knowing that even if he’s been with others, there is no one like me.

The trip downstairs is short, and when I reach the bottom step I turn to go toward the kitchen but pause when I notice a light is on in the front room, the study to be precise.

A feminine voice echoes out into the foyer. Tanya.

“We both know you can't treat me this way, Sebby. I'm going to be the mother of your child, for heaven's sake.”

What? My heart freezes in my chest, threatening to fall out and shatter.

I tiptoe closer to the door and plaster my back against the wall.

The sound of a fire in the fireplace undercuts Tanya's voice. “Let’s do this the right way. We can raise the baby together.” There’s a desperate edge to her voice, and it makes me sick to my stomach. “It’s what we always wanted, Sebby. This isn’t a death sentence. It means we can finally be together.”

Seb answers, his voice low and ice-fucking-cold. “From the moment you took my virginity, Tanya, I've made it clear that I don't want you. That I've never wanted you. Throwing yourself at me in a fit of desperation doesn’t change that.”

“Stop; you don’t have to lie to me.”

“No, you fucking stop. This is disgusting.” The air shudders out of my lungs. “Even if you were pregnant, and it was mine, which I don’t fucking believe for a second, what in the fucking world would make you think I’d want to raise a child with you?”

Something that sounds like glass, or maybe marble, shatters. Shit. I automatically flinch away from the noise, as if what used to follow at my father's house will come barreling out of the office at me.

“Sebastian,” Tanya tries to subdue him, her voice twisting into something seductive.

My insides knot and coil into one big ball of anxiety. This can’t be true. It can’t be. Even while I’m afraid to know the truth, to hear another word spoken, I can’t bring myself to walk away either. I tiptoe closer so I can peer through the crack created by the hinges.

What I see makes me want to throw up in my mouth. Tanya is splayed across Sebastian's lap, her pencil skirt shoved up around her hips as she straddles him.

She’s his fucking mother, or aunt, or I don’t fucking know. What I do know is that no matter who she is, this is wrong, so wrong, and it makes me burn with rage. I can barely restrain myself as she leans down, her dark hair curtaining her face along with his, so I can't see him through it all. But I can hear her just fine, unfortunately.

“I’ve always thought what we shared was special. I need you, and we both know that you belong to me. The sooner you realize that, the better it will be for you and that little maid you’re sleeping with.”

I press a hand to my lips to stop myself from speaking. Sebastian wraps his hands around her hips and lifts her off his lap, sending her to the floor. She scrambles to her feet and lashes out, her nails cutting red lines into the side of his cheek. Tears sting my eyes.

The assault and mistreatment. It’s suffocating.

He stares up at her, murderous rage flickering in his green eyes. That look is so powerful and searing that it makes me afraid. She might be towering over him, but it won’t be long until he unleashes fury on her.

With a smile, she runs her hand over her flat stomach. “Certainly even you remember that night. Don't you? It happened right here on the couch.”

That murderous glare fades from his eyes, and I watch him crumble right before my eyes. He looks sick, pale. One look at his face, and that’s all the confirmation I need. Even he knows there’s a chance.

“Deny the baby if you want, but it doesn’t change the truth. We both know you’re the father, Sebastian.”

I resettle my shoulders and keep my hands plastered over my mouth. I want to scream, to tell her to get away from him. But it wouldn’t change what’s already happened. The whole thing is disgusting, even if they aren’t related by blood.

Her voice grates on my nerves as she stalks closer to him, like she might try to straddle him again, but he stands and stalks toward the fireplace.

“Enough of the games, Sebastian. Let’s talk about this like adults.”

“There’s nothing to talk about.”

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