Page 71 of Falling for Them
Sebastian’s voice is incredible.Rich, textured.A little bit gravelly, in a way that reminds me of our night together at Mr.Tyler’s.And as we sing about demons and keeping them close, about fire and flame and being unable to resist the things that captivate us, that draw us in, I find myself identifying with the song more than I’d ever thought possible.
It’s not just about loving fire.It’s about embracing the things that make us wicked, the things that fascinate us even if maybe they aren’t good for us.
Sebastian and Mr.Tyler can’t be good for me.Oh, the sex was amazing, all right.But in the long run, it would never work.I saw what happened with Joel.I don’t belong in their world.
But can I stay away?
Our voices twine together, slow and sweet.I take his hand, needing to touch this amazing man.Why didn’t he tell me he could sing like this?Damn.If I were in the crowd growing in the bar right now, I would be flinging my panties at him.He’s so fucking sexy, it’s like he belongs on this stage.
He leans in close, sharing the microphone with me.Our breaths mingle, our mouths are close enough that I could almost kiss him.
And wow, do I want to kiss him.
His hazel eyes are intent on mine, and even though we’re on a stage in a dingy karaoke bar, it’s like nobody else is here.He’s singing directly to me, telling me about his demons and I can feel it, all the sorrow and bittersweet love in not just the lyrics and the melody, but inhim.
When the song ends, everyone claps and whistles like we’re rock stars or something.
They’re asking for more, but Sebastian grabs my hand and leads me from the little stage.
“I have to run, princess,” he says.“I’ll drop you off at home.”
“Oh, okay.”I’m weirdly disappointed.I’d thought we would stay here for a couple hours or so, after all of his insistence that we hang out as friends.But now, suddenly he has to leave?
He waves at the people in the bar as we walk past.Something about that gesture seems odd, like he feels he owes them something, or that they want something from him, but he doesn’t want to give it.
As soon as we’re out on the sidewalk, he pulls his phone from his pocket and texts someone.
“My driver,” he says.
“Of course,” I say, “your driver.”
“Do I detect a little bit of attitude in your voice, princess?”he asks.
“Nope, not from me, nuh-uh.”
“I’m getting the impression that you have something against the fact I have a driver.”
“Not at all,” I say.“I’m just wondering if you also have a butler.Maybe a live-in housekeeper.You know, I haven’t seen your house.Do you live in a castle?Do the dishes wash themselves?Are you going to try to impress me with your massive…library?”
A sharp burst of laughter comes from his mouth.“You are so fucking lucky we aren’t going back to mine or King’s tonight, princess, or I’d be spanking you so hard for your attitude.”
His black SUV drives up and idles at the curb.Sebastian helps me in and buckles me up again.
“I can do that myself, you know,” I say.
“Oh, I know.”The seatbelt clicks home and he gives it a little pat, then buckles himself in on the other side of the rear bench seat.
I pull my phone from my bag to check the time.A warning message blinks, reminding me that my payment is overdue.Shit.Well, that’ll be a thing to do later, assuming I have the money to pay it…and I don’t think I do.
My apartment isn’t far, and we’re there before I’m ready.
Sebastian’s looking straight ahead, not at me.
“Did I do something wrong?”I ask.
“What?No.Fuck, no,” he says, grabbing my hand.“Not at all.I just have some things I need to take care of, that’s all.Can I get your phone number, to call you later?King and I were having a damned time getting your contact info.”
“Joel has it,” I say.
