Page 81 of Wild Tangled Hearts

Holding me steady, Sebastian doesn’t leave my side as I turn to say goodbye to Jess. She gives me an amused and knowing look before returning to dance with the other girls.

With one arm wrapped protectively around my waist, he guides me towards the exit. Outside, he helps me into the passenger seat.

As the engine purrs to life, I muster all the energy I can and murmur drunkenly, my words barely coherent, “You’re so...so sexy. But you’re also...mean.”

“Mean, huh?” he says.

“You...disappeared,” I mumble, my words carrying the weight of disappointment.

My eyelids grow heavier, and I surrender to the embrace of sleep, drifting into a dreamlike state. As consciousness fades, I swear I hear Sebastian’s voice, soft and regretful, whispering something that barely registers in my drowsy mind. “I wish I could be the man you deserve.”

I’m disoriented when I finally open my eyes, my head pounding in protest against the assault of the morning light. Panic washes over me for a moment as I realize I’m not in my bed, but then the memories of the previous night come rushing back. Sebastian. The club. The reckless decisions made under the influence of alcohol.

As I examine my surroundings, I notice a steaming cup of coffee on the side table with a message beside it. A smile tugs at the corner of my lips as I read his words.

I went out to pick up some hangover-approved food. Have a shower, and I’ll be back soon with lunch.

I glance at the clock, and my eyes widen in disbelief. It’s already noon.

A hot shower sounds like a blessing, and I stumble into the bathroom, hoping the water will wash away the remnants of my girls’ night out.

Feeling somewhat human again, I slip into one of Sebastian’s oversized t-shirts and a pair of his jogging pants. I find him in the kitchen, cooking. I clear my throat nervously, meeting his gaze with a mixture of gratitude and self-consciousness.

“How are you feeling?” he asks, moving toward me.

“Better. Thanks,” I reply, my voice raspy. “I don’t usually drink like that.”

He reaches out and cups my cheek, those dark eyes intensely focused on me. “I’m glad you called me.”

“Last night is a bit of a blur,” I admit, my cheeks warming with embarrassment.

“Don’t worry,” he reassures me. “Nothing happened between us.”

“So I didn’t make a complete fool of myself?”

Sebastian chuckles, his laughter warm and reassuring. Without another word, he lowers his mouth, brushing his lips over mine softly. When he pulls back, a shadow flickers in his expression and I can’t help but notice the change in his demeanor, as if he’s carrying a weight he hasn’t yet shared.

“We need to talk,” he says. “You’re right that I haven’t been fair to you. And there are things I haven’t shared.”

My heart skips a beat as my apprehension deepens. I can sense the gravity of the conversation we’re about to have, and a mixture of anticipation and fear churns within me.

“But you should eat first.” Sebastian takes my hand, and I follow him to the marble island, sitting on one of the white leather stools.

“I didn’t know you could cook,” I say, watching him with genuine interest, as he continues scrambling eggs and frying bacon.

“After mom...” he begins, then clears his throat, and continues. I shouldered a lot more household responsibilities after she…took her life.”

“Oh my god, Sebastian,” I whisper. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not something I like to share.” He places a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and toast in front of me.

I pause to absorb his words. The meal, though delicious, seems secondary now, as the weight of his revelation hangs heavily in the air.

Taking a seat beside me, he sips his coffee, and I can see the pain in his features as he opens up. “I hated her for a long time,” he admits, his voice heavy with emotion. “I know it wasn’t fair. She was grieving the loss of her son. But...” He shakes his head, eyes closing as he continues, “I needed her.”

My heart aches for him, for the pain he’s endured.

“You had every right to be angry with her,” I tell him. “It was a selfish thing to do.”

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