Page 53 of Tainted Rose

Sebastian clears his throat and wipes his mouth with a napkin, setting it down on his plate before turning to me. “I thought you’d broken things off with Scarlett.”

“Sebastian …” June’s eyes get big as she sets my omelet down in front of me.

I suck in a breath, ignoring his question. “Did you see her this morning?”

He assesses me carefully before answering. “I did. We didn’t speak, though.”

My jaw locks as I stare back at him. “I know she’s yours.” I fling my hand across the island. “It’s obvious from June’s face that she knows, too. Probably knew the second she met her. I’d be willing to bet that June’s known there was a child out there for years.” My angry gaze flicks to June for a second before it comes right back to Sebastian. “This secret isn’t going to keep much longer. I’ve seen the photo—more importantly, I’ve seen what’s written on the back of it. You worried? Because I think maybe you should be.” I let that bomb drop heavily between us, ready to explode. I slap my hand on the counter. “I tried to help you. I tried to get rid of her. I thought it would be better for your wife if Scarlett dropped out of Rosehaven and left. What the fuck were you even thinking paying for her to come to school here? You had to know this would get out.” I study him for several seconds, only to be met with silence. I grind my teeth together, jaw twitching. “Dammit, Sebastian, I’ve put everyone’s needs before my own. I broke up with her. I hurt her so badly that she never should have forgiven me.”

He shakes his head slowly, narrowing his eyes at me. “What the fuck happened, then?”

“I fucking fell for her, okay? I’m in love with her. I regret every second I wasn’t with her—every awful thing I did to try to make her hate me.” I shake my head. “And somehow, she’s forgiven me. I won’t push her away again. So, whatever you did, you’re going to have to fucking realize that it might come out. I hope you’re ready.”

Through his teeth, he grits out, “You little shit.”

“The worst part is you know what Mom went through with my dad. I swear if you hurt her or Janie with this, I will never forgive you.”

His face has gone a mottled red color, and it’s as if the next words are pried from his lips. “Does she know I’m her father?”

“Yes. She’s waiting for you to confirm it. Nice job ignoring her this morning. You better man the fuck up and sort your shit fast.”

“Don’t speak to me like that, Xander.”

“What? Like a man?” I push back and stand. “I won’t let you hurt them. Not any of them.”

Sebastian shoots off of his stool and gets right in my face, finger jabbing into my chest. “Keep your damn mouth shut.”

The side door opens, and neither of us move an inch. We are still nose to nose when Mom comes in. “What the hell is going on?”

“I’ll let your husband explain that.” I push past him and go back up to my room.

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