Page 8 of Ruin
For years, even after they were no longer in my life, he’dlamented the fact that the brothers had so much more money, acting as though it was a personal attack against him, which was ridiculous.
Yet, despite knowing how well off they are, I’m still in awe of the building that comes into view at the end of the long, winding driveway. The property appears to be on the outskirts of Brisbane, although I don’t know the geography of the city at all. We’d driven for almost an hour and are now out in the mountains, with no other properties in sight.
I shouldn’t have been surprised by the size of the place, given the mansion that houses the Rose Hill club. But while that property is modern, with massive glass windows and black and white interiors, this place looks like the sort of place aristocracy in Europe would live in. Or at least, from what I’ve seen on TV or read in books.
There’s a large fountain out the front, serving as a turning point for any cars coming up the driveway, and a series of lights illuminate the long front of the imposing structure. It’s beautiful and mysterious.
Exactly the sort of place I can see Sebastian living in.
“I’ve had them set my office up as a room for you,” Sebastian says, breaking the silence between us.
We’ve barely uttered a word to each other since he watched me eat at the airport.
I loathe the fact that I have nowhere to turn other than to the two men that I am most ashamed to see how far I’ve fallen. I hate feeling like a responsibility for either of them, but it’s harder to accept Sebastian’s help than it was Daniel’s.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realise you’d have to give up your personal space. I should have just stayed in Sydney,” I reply, guilt twisting in my stomach at the knowledge that I’m upending his life by being here.
“It was no bother, Lily. I share another office with Imogenwhen we work together, so I can just use that as my primary one when I need. You are not an inconvenience, so don’t for one second think that’s the case,” he says, his voice firm.
I study him for a moment before nodding. I know from experience that once this man makes up his mind, there’s no changing it.
He’s always had a commanding presence, but in the years since I’ve seen him, he seems to have grown even more powerful. And I’m drawn to him more than ever, albeit reluctantly.
I refuse to allow myself to consider that he would ever view me as anything more than the woman he feels obligated to care for. Not after the way things ended between us.
I can tell he feels guilt over what Joseph has subjected me to, but I don’t hold him responsible for that. I’d allowed his former friend to whisper all the pretty words in my ear, after all. And my father had gleefully shoved me into Joseph’s path once he discovered his interest in me.
Despite Sebastian and Daniel’s obvious reservations when it came to Joseph, I’d allowed myself to get swept up into their world even further than I already had been. He’d talked me into giving up my university studies in my final year to play the perfect girlfriend role, and I’d believed the lies he’d spewed, promising to take care of me forever.
If only I’d known that by accepting his marriage proposal, I was selling my soul to the devil.
The car rolls to a stop in front of the wide, stone staircase at the centre of the building, and I stare up at the intricately carved wooden doors. It really is an impressive building.
In the front passenger seat, Sebastian turns to our driver. “Thanks David. Sorry to call you out this evening. I should have driven myself this morning, but I didn’t know how long I’d be away.”
“It was no bother. It’s why you pay me the big bucks, after all,” David replies with an easy smile.
From the interactions I’ve seen today between Sebastian and his staff, it’s obvious that they respect him. Although he’s reserved and all about control, he’s always been respectful and compassionate towards others. It was part of what drew me to him in the first place.
Of course, that compassion being all wrapped up in a sexy, commanding package doesn’t hurt, either.
Another man appears at the top of the stairs as I get out of the car, and I freeze, instantly on alert. Despite my wariness, I notice he is yet another attractive man. I wonder if there are any ugly people that work for them?
The man comes down the stairs, and I take in his broad shoulders and well-defined arms as I stare at him with wide eyes. He’s a wall of muscle, and cuts a rather imposing figure, with his close-cut beard and watchful gaze. He studies me for a moment as I shrink back behind Sebastian, before he turns to Sebastian with a questioning look.
“How was your flight?” he asks, and I detect a slight Irish accent.
Now that he’s closer, I see the earpiece in his ear, and realise he must be part of the security team Sebastian mentioned. Some of the fear I’d felt eases, although I’m still wary. I wonder if I’ll ever be comfortable around other men again. I never used to be so scared of the opposite sex, but it’s hard to undo years of conditioning in a few months.
“Good, thanks. Connell, this is Lily. A friend.” Sebastian turns to me as he pulls my suitcase out of the boot. “Connell is our head of security for all the clubs, but he lives here.”
“Hi,” I squeak out, and Connell raises an eyebrow before giving me a brief nod.
“They’ve just finished up in your suite,” Connell says, and Sebastian nods.
For the first time, I notice how tired Sebastian looks. It’s most likely been a long day for him, and I once again hate that I’ve been such a burden.
“Thanks. Everything okay here?”
