Page 124 of Forbidden Lessons

“If they put that expression on their commercials, they wouldn’t be able to air it during prime time,” Bastian says.

I cover my hand with my mouth, staring over sheepishly at him as he pushes away from the doorway he’d been leaning in.

“You were watching me?” I manage through a mouthful of chocolate. “That’s fuckin’ creepy.”

He drops onto the sofa, flashing me a wide smile. “It’s nice to know someone appreciates your gift.”

Fuck, Haven, you haven’t even thanked him.

“Thank—” I cut off when he raises a hand. “Want one?” I tear open another package and hold out a cup on my palm.

He shifts closer on the sofa, and grabs my wrist so hard I gasp. Twisting my hand, he considers the candy for a long moment before his eyes dart up to mine. They’re darker than before, so much more intense. Could just be a play of the light, but it’s almost as if his pupils are dilated.

The pressure around my wrist is so tight, I can feel my pulse beating right there where he’s gripping me.

“I bought them just for you, Haven,” he whispers, his eyes fixed on mine. Slowly, he curls my fingers over the candyand releases my wrist. “It’s thanks enough watching you enjoy them.”

I clamp my lips together with my teeth, fighting a silly grin. Then I shove it into my mouth, giggling when Bastian gives me a bemused shake of his head.

I’m enjoying this so much, I’m not even going to mention the gift in his study. Probably shouldn’t even know about it. He did say make yourself comfortable but that wasn’t an license for me to snoop.

“It’s so fucking good.”

“Better than my pasta?” He brushes his thumb against his nose, sniffing.

“Sorry, yes.” I hold out a hand. “Your pasta was delicious, but this is chocolate.”

He dips his chin. “I’ll allow.” His eyes skip to the glass on the floor, which I quickly pick up and take a sip from. “Better than the wine?”

I nod, swallowing, and immediately setting it down so I can grab another peanut butter cup. “This is better than sex!” I clap a hand over my mouth. Shake my head.

Bastian cocks an eyebrow, staring at me for a moment before looking at the fireplace. “Oh, no,” he murmurs, barely audible. “You’ve just been doing it wrong, sweet girl.”

Chapter 34

Bastian

Fuck. Why the hell is it so bright in here?

I push away from the white sheets and white pillows, squinting as I stumble into the bathroom.

I’m still fucking drunk.

A much needed piss later, I splash water on my face and avoid looking at my reflection as I grab the closest towel.

It smells like Haven.

I rip away the soft, downy fabric and stare at the streaks of foundation and mascara on the stained towel. Almost absently, I swipe my hand over the granite counter’s cool, white surface.

Traces of cocaine cling to my skin.

Fuck.

Fuck, fuck, fuck,fuck.

I toss the towel to the floor and rush out of my bathroom, through my bedroom, and nearly skid on the carpet when I burst into the living area and hurriedly stop.

Haven is sprawled on her stomach on the sofa.

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