Page 63 of Emylia

I had no clue if Sebastian and Josephine had everactuallyhooked up. But she was a slut, and he was a guy. I could only guess all the nefarious things those two had gotten up to, when I wasn’t around. So why should there be double standards for me?

Either he wanted me or he didn’t, he didn’t get to screw everyone he wanted and expect for me to remain a faithful little virgin waiting for the day he deemed me worthy.

I refused to be that damn pathetic.

He continued with much less humor in his voice. “Do you know how hard Thrainn and I have fought for you? How many times we have had to defend you from your own stupidity?”

Well ouch.

“Remember the time you decided to find a way into the blacksmith’s and grab one of the unfinished swords? What about the time you stole your father’s sword and started attacking a makeshift sparring dummy to ‘practice’ your sword fighting?” His gaze sparked with raw, unconfined rage, a silent promise of devastation.

“The only reason you’re still allowed in Ophelia is because ofus. Because we fought for you.”

The pain was instant as Sebastian’s words opened up a festering wound.

Was that how he felt about me?

That I was some sort of burden he needed to deal with?

“Are you serious right now?”

“How can I not be? If Josephine whispers one word to her mother, we both know she will stop at nothing to get you punished. What do you think your father would have said if we allowed you to be banished or branded?” His voice bled with contempt, thick and heavy, and the force of it had me flinching before I could stop myself. “Especially over a stupid boy?”

“That’s not fair,” I whispered.

I was hurt, beyond hurt. Sebastian had no right to bring my father into this. I’d made one stupid comment about Josephine, and his response was to eviscerate me.

“Damn right, it’s not fair. It’s not fair that I have to sit here and watch you throw your life away over the first guy that looks your way.”

“Throw my life away?! What are you talking about! I’m allowed to spend time with a male. I’m allowed to live a normal life.” Something completely snapped inside me. “I’m allowed to have sex!” My voice dropped to a hiss as those around us started looking over. “Just because you don’t want me likethat, doesn’t mean other guys won’t find me attractive.”

Sebastian was on his feet in a heartbeat, his voice low enough so only I could hear him, but no less venomous.

“That’s what you think? You think I don’twantyou?” His eyes, once golden, were now scorched scarlet—staining his gaze with something wild and untamed.

Shit.

Not now.

He couldn’t lose it in front of everyone.

He’d be slaughtered on sight.

Without hesitation I took a step forward, my fingers trailing the rough stubble covering his perfect cheekbones.

“Look at me.” My voice was soft but insistent.

Sebastian’s breath came in shallow gasps, his pupils growing wide in horror until pitch black had almost consumed his irises.

“Bastian, it’s me. Em.”

Emotion broke my voice, but I couldn’t help it. I knew the risks if Sebastian didn’t reign in his emotions and I wasn’t willing to lose him, especially if it was my fault. Risking my life was one thing, risking his life was on an entirely different level.

Sebastian’s gaze pierced mine, sharp and unwavering. Then, a moment of clarity swept through him, his breath settling into a steady rhythm.

“It’s okay. I’ve got you.” I rested my forehead against his, his breath becoming mine, and for a moment everything else ceased to exist.

Sebastian was the one who broke the embrace, taking a step back, reclaiming his air and his warmth. A tremor touched his lips, betraying the calm in his eyes.

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