Page 77 of Addicted To His Favorite
Sebastian’s face was set like stone, his eyes burning with controlled anger as they locked onto Amelia. He had already seen everything on the hotel cameras while en route—his wife being insulted, mocked, and humiliated—and had stormed out of a critical meeting for a new deal without a second thought.
“It seems my last punishment wasn’t good enough for you, Ms. Jones,” he said coldly, his gaze slicing through Amelia.
Turning to Leon, his voice was icy, precise, and deadly calm. “From this moment on, any company that has any connection with her—will have no relationship with us. Any deal, any association, is permanently off-limits.”
Gasps erupted, and guests’ chatter intensified into a crescendo of whispers and shocked exclamations. Amelia froze, panic flashing across her face, and rushed forward.
“Mr. Graves! I’m sorry!” she pleaded, desperation leaking from every word. “I didn’t know Emily was your wife! Please… please don’t do this. My career will be ruined!”
Sebastian’s gaze didn’t waver. His eyes were empty, cold as ice, giving nothing away. Amelia turned to Emily, clutching her hand, her voice trembling. “Please… Emily, convince Mr. Graves! Don’t punish me like this. I didn’t know you were his wife! Can’t you let this go just this once?”
Emily jerked her hand back sharply, her voice cutting through the hall like steel. “Why would I defend you after everything you said about me? Do you think I’m a fool?”
Amelia’s face flushed a deep red, a mixture of anger, shame, and disbelief. She had spent years thinking she held power over Emily, but now the tables had turned.
The same woman she had tried to belittle was now condemning her in front of everyone. Her desperation and humiliation were visible for all to see, and even before she could speak, Sebastian’s voice rang out:
“Security! Take her out of here!”
“No! Please, just hear me out! I wasn’t trying to insult Emily—it’s a misunderstanding!” Amelia’s voice wavered, trying to sound coy, flirty even, as if to charm her way out of the disaster. “Mr. Graves, I’m just a woman… I was upset because someone seemed to be harming your official girlfriend, and I was protecting you both!”
Sebastian’s jaw tightened, and his face twisted with suppressed irritation, so much so that Emily had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing. He looked like he was swallowing something bitter that he couldn’t spit out in front of everyone.
He turned sharply and shouted, voice echoing through the hall, “Where the fuck is security?!”
Instantly, the security guards inside the hall sprang into action. Four of them grabbed Amelia, dragging her out of the event. The crowd watched in stunned silence. Amelia’s humiliation was absolute; she could barely breathe as tears of fury streamed down her face.
With the hall finally quiet, Sebastian’s voice rang out, commanding and proud. “I would like to introduce my wife… Emily Crawford—now, Mrs. Emily Graves.”
***
Emily clung to Sebastian as he carried her inside his house. His arms were firm around her, holding her close, his gaze sharp and focused straight ahead.
He settled onto the couch but didn’t release her; instead, he pulled her onto his lap, pressing her body against his.
Emily’s cheeks burned with shyness, still flushed from the scene at the party. Hundreds of eyes had witnessed Sebastian lift her effortlessly, carrying her out without a shred of embarrassment, and yet here he was, keeping her close as if it didn’t bother him at all.
“You shouldn’t have picked me up in front of everyone,” she murmured, her voice soft, carrying a hint of embarrassment.
Sebastian didn’t answer right away. His hand slid to her chin, tilting her face up toward him. Then his mouth was on hers, hardand deep, stealing her breath in a kiss that left no space between them. His thumb stroked along her jaw as he held her there, mouth moving over hers until she swayed slightly against him.
When he finally tore his lips away, his gaze locked on her, dark and heated. “A wife is meant to be carried,” he said, voice low, each word brushing against her lips. “Why would I hide how much I love my wife in front of the world?”
Before she could respond, he leaned in again, the faint warmth of his breath teasing her skin as he pressed light kisses along her cheekbones, the corner of her mouth, the line of her jaw.
Then he pulled back just enough to see her eyes, his thumb tracing her lower lip. “You promised you’d introduce me to your family soon,” he murmured, the words grazing her mouth. “When will that be?”
Emily felt her chest rise sharply, warmth spreading under his touch as her pulse stumbled. “Soon,” she said, voice unsteady as his lips brushed her cheek again. “Adam and I will be going home in a few days. I’ll find a way to bring you along.”
His mouth lingered near hers, his hand at her waist holding her close, the faintest smile curving his lips before they found hers again.
Sebastian smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “I wonder how your brother will react to the news of our relationship.”
Suddenly, a realization flashed across her face. “No! My brother shouldn’t find out like this,” she panicked, clutching his shoulders tightly. “And you announced our relationship in front of everyone tonight! I—I hope it’s not online already. If my family finds out through the news, they’re going to kill me!”
Sebastian’s hand moved to her face, pulling her closer. His lips trailed to her neck, leaving soft, heated kisses before he withdrew slightly to meet her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ve already taken care of any leaks. Unless you want the world to know, I won’t let the news get out. I promised you already.”
Emily’s tension melted, replaced by relief and affection. She smiled, leaning in to press her lips to his in a sweet, lingering kiss.
