Page 159 of Arianna

“Like a self-absorbed tyrant?”

“That’s part of your charm, yes.” He grunts. “But I also see a man who has the power to spark to life what once was dead,” I whisper, trying to make him see himself the way I do. “I see a loving father and a fearless protector. You are good and kind, even if you don’t see it, Sebastian. “When…” I get choked up with emotion, but I try to hold myself together. Taking a deep breath, I continue. “When I look at you, I see a beauty I never recognized before. I see all that was missing…”

His eyes, which were void of emotion a second ago, melt when I caress his bearded chin. “You, Arianna Parisi, are made of solid gold. Never forget that. Whatever happens, always keep that in mind, baby.” I suck in a breath, stunned by his words. They warm my heart, but something lurks behind what he just said. It almost feels like goodbye. I don't get to dwell on the fact for more than a second when he takes my lips in his, robbing me of air.

I kiss him back with the same intensity, trying to make him understand that together we’re solid, too.

Solid gold.

Pure and rare.

Unshakable.

I know it.

I feel it every time we kiss.

I won't leave him in search of a better man. There is no one better than him, and there's sure as hell no getting rid of me.

This is it.

We are it.

There is no place my heart will not find him.

ARIANNA

Broken Hearts

ARIANNA

“There’s a thin line

between love & hate.” - A

This morning, I woke up alone in bed. After Sebastian and I talked in his study, he brought me back to bed and made love to me until I passed out. There was something different in the way he held me.

Something changed, and it has me on edge.

He kissed me tenderly, but it was not the same. It almost felt melancholic.

Now, he’s nowhere to be found.

Not with Ella or Banning and not in the pool house where he spends time with his security team. I checked everywhere, and I couldn't find him.

Taking the stairs, I make my way to the living room, where I find a gleeful Celene looking out the window.

I am in no mood to deal with this woman today. Not with all that was said between us last night. Celene turns away from the window and looks at me as if she already won.

“You made quite a mess…” she chuckles while holding up today’s paper.

Not caring one bit about what she has to say, I ask. “Have you seen Sebastian?”

She smirks cruelly. The bitch. “I have.”

Feeling exasperated, “Where?”

She turns and points outside. Following her, I see that Sebastian is outside in the freezing cold while rain is pouring down with the paparazzi harassing him. Heart in hand, I rush to the door, knowing something is off.

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