Page 48 of Addicted To His Favorite
Sebastian looked deep into her eyes, searching for any sign of sadness or tears.
His gaze flickered toward the café, lingering on Lucas’s back for a brief second before returning to his woman who was smiling up at him.
Without another word, he bent down and swept her into his arms.
Surprised, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck to steady herself as he carried her through the crowd. Faces turned to watch, and Emily’s cheeks flushed crimson with embarrassment.
Once inside, the driver started the engine and the car pulled away. Sebastian made sure she sat beside him, then took her hand in his, holding it tightly.
As the hotel passed by, she glanced at him in surprise. “We’re not going back to the hotel? Where are we going?”
“I already talked to Jacob. He’ll handle the event. It’s just a small business party—nothing important for you. So, I’m stealing you away.” He smiled and leaned back, and before she could respond, his arm slid around her waist, lifting her effortlessly into his lap.
They settled together, bodies flush, him pulling her tight against his chest. His arms circled her, locking her in as her own wrapped around his neck, holding him close. His fingers brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear before his lips found hers, soft at first, then deepening, pressing insistently.
Emily shivered, heart racing, as his mouth moved with a careful, consuming rhythm. His lips trailed down her jaw, along the curve of her neck, brushing over tender skin, and then he nipped lightly, teeth grazing, before his tongue flicked over the spot, soothing the sting and making her shiver even more.
His hand threaded into her hair, holding her in place, while the other pressed along her back, anchoring her against him. Every subtle movement—his chest warming hers, his thigh nudging hers, his lips teasing along her neck—sent sparks through her body.
His chest burned with jealousy at the thought that Lucas had probably spoken to her, but he forced his temper down and held her tighter. His fingers tightened against her head as his teeth nipped at her skin, then soothed the sting by licking it away, feeling her shudder beneath his touch.
Eventually, the car stopped in front of a familiar mirror maze attraction, its glass walls sparkling under the lights.
Sebastian’s thumb brushed gently over the corner of her mouth, wiping away a smudge of lipstick. Then he lifted her from his lap, settling her onto the car seat. Stepping out, he rounded the car and opened her door, a tender smile playing on his lips.
Taking her hand, he led her out of the car and toward the maze spread out before them. Sliding his arm around her waist, he kept her close.
Emily looked around in awe. The space was filled with winding mazes and mirrored walls, lit just enough to glint off the glass. Signs pointed to different entrances and challenges, yet not a single person was in sight.
She turned to Sebastian with a puzzled expression. “Why is it so empty?”
“Because,” he murmured, a faint smile tugging at his lips before he leaned in, brushing his mouth over hers in a slow, teasing sweep, “this place is just for you and me.”
When he lifted his head, his gaze swept over the sprawling maze.
Emily slipped out of his hold, a bright smile lighting up her face as she eagerly wandered inside to explore. Her steps carried her toward one of the entrances, her excitement almost childlike.
Leon, who had been quietly following behind, stepped up to Sebastian once Emily was out of earshot. “Mr. Graves,” he asked in a hushed tone, “didn’t you… buy this place years ago because Mrs. Graves loves it?”
Sebastian glanced at him but didn’t answer. That silence alone made Leon’s lips twitch faintly in amusement.
“Mr. Graves,” Leon continued, lowering his voice, “a few years ago, Mrs. Graves came here with Mr. Cantrell. You and I sawher walking through this very place, holding his hand, clinging to him, smiling…”
Sebastian’s shoulders stiffened, his gaze drifting toward where Emily was exploring.
“Back then,” Leon went on, “I told you to confess your feelings before it was too late. But you refused—you said you didn’t want to take her happiness away unless she left Mr. Cantrell on her own.”
Sebastian’s jaw tightened.
“I still remember how shocked I was,” Leon continued, “when you said, ‘She loves this place, so I’ll buy it. Let her come whenever she wants. Give her gifts. Everything I have is hers anyway.’”
Leon chuckled softly. “You told me you just wanted to make her happy, even if you couldn’t be with her. That if this place put a smile on her face, you’d give it to her without hesitation.”
Sebastian’s lips curved faintly. “Letting her stay with Lucas for so long without confessing… that was a mistake,” he said quietly. “I should have taken her away before she got hurt. It took his betrayal—and announcing another woman as his fiancée—for her to finally leave that bastard.”
Leon’s expression shifted. “With all due respect, Mr. Graves… I don’t think it was that announcement that made Mrs. Graves leave Mr. Cantrell.”
Sebastian’s questioning gaze locked onto him.
