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He drops his hand and takes a step back. “Well, let me know when you figure it out.”

He turns to walk away, and panic seizes my chest. I reach out, snatching his jersey with my fingers. “Wait, please.”

He pauses, looking back at me over his shoulder. “What?”

“I’m sorry.” The words tumble out in a rush. “I know I’m sending mixed signals. It’s just… this is all so new and overwhelming, and I don’t know how to handle it.”

Sebastian’s expression softens and he turns fully to face me again. “Then talk to me. Help me understand what’s going on in that pretty head of yours.”

“I’m scared. Scared of losing Gemma. Scared of what this means for us.”

“I’m scared, too, but I want you more.” He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers. “I’ll be expecting you at the party tonight. Don’t disappoint me, princess.”

With that, he releases me, leaving me cold without his touch, bereft.

Motionless, I remain slumped against the wall, stunned, confused, and wanting. I press my fingers to my lips, still tingling from Sebastian’s kisses.

I can’t believe I let that happen. Can’t believe I enjoyed it.

What if he decides one day I’m too much of a hassle and leaves?

I shake my head, trying to clear the haze and straighten my clothes with shaking hands, taking a few deep breaths to calm my racing pulse. When I emerge from the shadows, Gemma and Mary are waiting for me.

“There you are!” Gemma rushes forward, grabbing my arm. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you. Are you okay?”

I nod.

“Are you ready to head over to the party?” Mary loops her arm through Gemma’s and mine. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

Me, too. But not the party. Rather, a certain unfairly attractive guy.

Chapter 19

Sebastian

Fuck.

My fingers still tingle from touching her soft skin and the taste of her lingers on my tongue. I’m hard as a rock, aching for more of her sweet little body.

I slam my fist against the wall, relishing the sting in my knuckles.

Gemma’s brother.

Physical pain distracts me from the other kind. I started doing this when I messed up my first business deal. The biggest disappointment.

But it’s not disappointment right now.

What is it about her that’s got me so fucked in the head? I don’t chase. I don’t beg. But here I am, practically on my knees for her. Wanting her so badly I can hardly think straight.

She’s under my skin. In my blood. Myprincess.

She can run, but she can’t hide. Not from me. Not from this thing between us. Sooner or later, I’ll have her. All of her.

It makes me a bastard, but I’m past caring. I’ll take whatever she’s willing to give. Scraps, crumbs, I’m not proud. I’ll beg for her if that’s what it takes.

I’ll ruin her for anyone else.

“Man, that was one hell of a play.” Brandon slaps me on the back. “You were unstoppable.”

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