Page 44 of Corrupted Memories
My nostrils flare. “You can’t keep buying my forgiveness with food.”
“It works so well though.”
I huff out a breath, unable to argue with that because it’s true. He fixes his nightstand and then strips the bed of all the sheets, gathering them in his arms and walking out of the room. I follow him in confusion, stunned when he stuffs them in a washer.
“You have a laundry room? You do your own laundry.”
He scowls at me. “I do, and I don’t. But since you banned our housekeeper, I have no choice.”
I laugh before I think not to and cover my mouth. “Sorry, this is such a weird domestic thing.” Walking closer, I push him out of the way and remove the large duvet he shoved in there. “First of all, this doesn’t go in here. And second… thank you for not letting her return.”
“Who, Trisha?”
Nodding, I pour the detergent and start the washer. I fold the duvet on the dryer and then turn to him.
“Nothing happened between us,” he says with a furrow in his brow.
I preen on the inside at the declaration, even if he already told me, and nod. “I know. She was just a bitch and I don’t like her.”
“She was rude to you?” His eyes darken and I pause, wondering if I’ve gotten her in trouble.
I move closer, placing my hand on his chest. “She just let me assume that more than employment happened between you two.”
He grabs me around the waist, pulling me closer. “Never.”
Rolling my eyes, I push him away and head to the kitchen. “No, because any normal person would call the police after what you did.”
He doesn’t let me get far, wrapping his arms aroundme. “Are you mad though? I shouldn’t have done that.”
I sigh, rolling my tongue around my cheek while I think about how to answer him. “I’m not mad… just tired, Sebastian. The same issue that drove me to run away is still prevalent today, and I don’t see how we can work past it.”
With a tense body, he blows out a breath, as if preparing for an answer he doesn’t want to hear. “That’s why you ran? Because I didn’t say I love you?”
Shaking my head, I lean my forehead against his chest. “There was a whole array of reasons, but this one feels like it’s the easiest to explain.”
Sebastian tenses, his fingers flexing where he’s holding me. “If I explain why, will you give me more time to work through it?”
My heart jumps in my throat, and I’m nodding before I can speak. I rub at his chest, feeling his heartbeat under my fingers. “Yes, just open up to me.”
He swallows and lets go. “Okay, I’ll think about it. It’s—I don’t talk about it.”
Worry twists my stomach, and it’s on the tip of my lips to ask for more, but I don’t want to push him. I concede the battle for today and give him a soft smile before letting him lead me to the food he brought.
Chapter 17
Sebastian
My fingers traildown her back. I’m unwilling to roll her off my chest to I get up and ready for the day. At some point during the night, she draped herself over me and in turn I curled my body around her. Unlike when we slept in her dorm, I’m not smashed against a wall to keep us on a small mattress.
Gianna murmurs, her face pressing deeper into me. My phone continues to vibrate on the nightstand and I sigh. The day is waiting, but I finally have her in my arms the way I’ve dreamed about for years. I want to forget all my responsibilities to stay here with her.
Her eyes flutter open and I swoop down, kissing her lips gently.
“Good morning, beautiful.”
She scowls, pushing my face away with a groan. “What time is it?” Her voice is hoarse and groggy from sleep.
“Almost seven,” I say with a chuckle.
