Page 58 of Bastian

Grinning, he says. “That I do.” Benjamin, you gigantic traitor.

A smiling Sebastian sits back in my chair, looking around my office, taking everything in while I try to gulp down the coffee hurrying so he can go on his merry way.

Silence takes over the space while he sits looking around my office.

White walls, glass doors, a city view, and lots of black and white decor.

Simple, classic, and chick.

Me.

I also notice the moment he sees the board of chess sitting on top of one of my tables, closer to the full-length window. “You still play?” I hate the way his voice sounds hopeful and giddy. Something I’ve never witnessed from him before. Yes, happy but giddy and hopeful? No.

I’m in no mood to entertain his questions or games. I just need him away from me. Far, far away, because at this moment, he is making me feel vulnerable, and that’s a dangerous thing to be around Sebastian Kenton. Running my tongue over my teeth, I do my best to remain silent, but the way he stares at me so intensely as if he wishes to eat me alive and keep me inside of him forever, unnerves me so I break the silence, and look away from him. The man knows what he is doing. That’s for sure.

“How’s Ella?” I blurt out.

Without missing a beat, he answers. “Missing you terribly.”

That makes me angry. That I can work with instead of all the other feelings he is stirring inside of me. Turning my face his way, I reply. “And whose fault is that?” I shoot my angry eyes up to his.

Guilt is written on his face, and the smile drops. “Mine.”

I should feel ecstatic that he feels bad, and that guilt is gnawing at him but what good does that do me?

“I’m not staying away from her. If I have to fight you to be able to see her, I will...”

“There’s no need, darling.” Sebastian smiles then reaches inside his suit jacket and pulls out a purple piece of paper, handing it to me.

Getting comfortable in my suit, I study the purple piece of paper in the shape of a heart with childlike writing. My heart skips many beats when I notice it is some sort of invitation from my favorite person in the whole world.

Dear Mommy,

I cordially invite you to my dinner party.

Where: The big white house.

When: Tomorrow night. Eight o’clock, sharp.

Attire: Black tie, not optional.

PS: I can’t wait to see you.

PSS: This is going to be sooooo awesome.

Love,

Ella.

Tears well in my eyes while my heart soars with love for this tiny human who has managed to heal my heart twice. A tiny human that is part of the enemy. Part of the man who I hate most, second to my father. What bothers me most is that he knows my weakness is his girl and yet he will exploit it to get what he wants. Then I wonder… What does he want exactly?

To fool me as he did years ago?

Whatever it is, I find myself losing control every time I see him and it is infuriating as much as it is terrifying. Because every time he’s near, I feel like that lovesick fool who believed this man was larger than life. The girl that believed he was everything she needed and wanted in this life. What a fool…

Placing the sweet-as-hell invitation down, I give Sebastian an ugly look, causing his mouth to twitch in response. “What are you doing here, really?”

Rising from the seat, he towers over me while I’m seated. Looking strong, confident, and heartbreakingly handsome in his navy suit. I wait for his response as he buttons his suit jacket and steps back. “I can’t undo my move, but I can make it better, and this, baby, this is me making it better.”

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