Page 49 of The Husband Contract
Chapter Twelve
Sebastian
The warm water cascades down my body like a waterfall. My muscles feel used and exhilarated. The endorphins in my body are at an all-time high, and I wonder how Willow is feeling. She’d been so shy at first, and then so giving and then demanding. She is a sexual creature, and that makes me like her even more. I need to stop thinking about her as someone special—as someone that I could really like and actually potentially date, because that will never be in the cards for us.
I don’t really understand why I’m so drawn to her. I’m like a moth to a flame, and even though I know it could burn me, I can’t stop moving forward. It isn’t just because she is beautiful. It isn’t just because she is witty. There is a light in her that I’ve never seen in another human being, and that annoys me. In fact, I feel conflicted.
I’m more conflicted than I’ve ever felt in the past about anyone else. Willow gave herself to me so easily, and I gave myself to her without even thinking about it. When our two bodies came together, it was amazing, and yet, when we were done, in the back of my mind, I couldn’t help but think that none of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for Sergio.
I don’t know how much further I am prepared to go, but I can honestly say that sleeping with Willow has been life-changing. It was amazing. All the emotions that had run through me felt so real. Feelings I’ve never experienced before coursed through my body: lust, desire, warmth. These emotions were things that I never thought I could truly feel. And yet all of them had been genuine.
And I hate myself for it.
I hate myself for actually enjoying being with her. I hate myself for loving her smile and for the way her blue eyes make me feel when they light up. I hate myself for loving the touch of her silky hair against my skin. I hate myself for being beguiled by her laugh.
Even though I know she is a temptress and a seductress, I still want to feel like this means something to her, as well, which is stupid, because I know the truth.
I turn off the shower, grab a towel, and dry myself before I reach for my toothbrush. As I’m about to grab the toothpaste, I hear her in the bedroom, and I can tell that she’s on the phone.
I know I should respect her privacy. I shouldn’t listen, but I can’t help myself. I grab the glass that sits on the countertop, press it against the door, and place my ear to it so I can listen.
She’s giggling about something, and I can’t quite understand what she’s saying. I hope she speaks a little louder, but she starts laughing again, and I can’t hear the words coming out of her mouth.
I open the door slightly, just enough so that I can hear, but she can’t see me.
"It was amazing," she gushes into the phone, and I can’t help but smile.
"Can you believe my luck, Brielle? I think I’ve met my soulmate. And the fact that he’s a billionaire and hot, well, that makes it even better."
My heart sinks at her words.
I know that women see me as someone who represents a lifestyle they’ve never had before, but it hurts to hear her say that. Of course, I love the fact that she thinks I’m hot, but the fact that she mentioned that I’m a billionaire pisses me off. It hardens me a little bit more inside. Her words just seem like further proof to me that she’s using me for my money.
It’s weird to think that someone like Willow, who came across as so innocent and virtuous, could be such a user. A part of me still wanted to believe that she was a genuine, loving person. Yet I’m reminded once again that she is able to lie with ease.
I have to keep reminding myself of that fact. I have to keep reminding myself that she lied about the hiking. She’s lied about so many things that I probably don’t even know about.
I close the door again, lean back gently, and take a couple of deep breaths. I don’t know what I’m going to do next, though. There’s been an idea in the back of my mind since I sat in the Magnolia Club. I just don’t know if I should continue down the path that I’m on.
I want to get to the bottom of everything. I want to understand why she’s done what she’s done. Why she took the millions from Sergio. I want to ask her if any of what we’ve done was real. Does she like me at all? Is she attractedto me? Does she respond to me and laugh because she truly thinks I am funny, or because she is acting?
I shake my head because I know I’m never going to be able to get the answers I want.
I decide to call Sergio to check in and make sure that he’s doing okay. I’m extremely grateful when he answers the phone immediately.
"Hey, hey, Sebastian, what’s going on?"
His voice sounds cheery, and that makes me feel happy.
"I’m just here wondering how you’re doing. I haven’t heard from you in a while."
"Oh, I’m great. Thailand is amazing. I’m going to a moon party tonight, actually. I’m just getting ready with some friends, and then we’re going to head out. I wish you were here. You’d love it."
"So, you’re feeling better about the whole situation already? You’re feeling better about being dumped and all that?"
"I mean, it still hurts, but I’m just trying to live my best life here in Thailand, and that is by going to parties. They’re cool, and I’m meeting a lot of really great people. They have these moon parties almost every night. I met these Germans who are traveling around Southeast Asia, and they asked if I wanted to go to Cambodia. But then I met this American dude, and he’s headed to France, so I’m thinking that I’ll either go to France or to Cambodia next."
"Sergio, what are you thinking?" I’m trying not to sound annoyed, but I really am.
