Page 37

How could he have invited him here?
Sebastien whispered, “Listen, we can’t talk about this here. Let’s enjoy our engagement party, and we’ll talk about it home.”
I knew Sebastien was right. But boy, was I going to give it to him as soon as we got home.
For the rest of the night, people I didn’t know kept coming up to me to congratulate me on my engagement. My team, who were here tonight, seemed genuinely happy for me. And the other Quantum men offered their congratulations under the watchful supervision of Sebastien.
But despite the happy faces, the upbeat music and the dancing taking place, my nerves were a mess, thanks to the stunt Sebastien had pulled by inviting Elliot. My eyes were constantly glued to the door, expecting him to bust in with a group of men,throw me over his shoulder and toss me back into that damn hotel. To calm my nerves, I kept my champagne glass topped up.
Throughout the night, Sebastien kept returning to my side, to take pictures, steal a quick kiss or just stand there and place his hand on the small of my back. The more champagne I drank, the more receptive I became to his touch.
After a while I was loose enough to enjoy the attention of almost being Mrs. Sebastien Quantum, and enjoyed the party till the very end.
***
Three and a half hours later, as soon as Sebastien closed the front door behind us I turned to face him, champagne flowing freely through my veins, loosening the words on my lips.
“Now that we’re here, what were you thinking, inviting Elliot without telling me?” I snapped.
“If I had told you, you would’ve made up an excuse not to attend, and I couldn’t have that,” he stated.
“But did you even consider how seeing him there would affect me? I was scared shitless! And I kept thinking that he’d return and grab me, and I’ll never see you or Dean again!”
Sebastien stepped towards me, but I moved out of his grasp.
“I’m sorry that having him there affected you negatively, that wasn’t my intention. And there was no way Hawthorne would’ve gotten to you. I needed to see him face to face to let him know that you’re under my protection.” Sebastien’s gaze was dark.
“But you could’ve seen him anywhere!” I screamed. “Why did you have to see him when I was around? I don't like what you did! That was a risky move, Sebastien. Elliot could’ve escalated things, exposed me and make good on his threat of claiming that Dean was deep into the drug trade and human trafficking!” My eyes glistened.
“Men like Hawthorne aren’t street thugs. He wouldn’t have escalated anything knowing that his reputation was on the line,” he said gently.
“But he—”
Sebastien shook his head and interrupted me, “No buts, Delilah. The deed is already done. You were safe the entire time. Did you really think that I, or my brothers, for that matter, would let anything happen to you? Think about it.”
I bit my lower lip. I knew in my heart that Sebastien would protect me, but that hadn’t stopped me from being nervous. I folded my arms across my chest, still glaring at him.
“That still didn’t take away the fear I felt at the time.”
Sebastien stepped towards me, but this time I didn’t step back.
“Why are you still this angry? What are you really annoyed about?”
“You put me in danger and I didn’t like it,” I pouted. I knew it was childish, but I didn’t care.
“You were never in danger,” Sebastien reminded me.
“You weren’t in my shoes, and you don’t know how I felt!”
Elliot’s snide tone and his crude compliments echoed in my mind, making my skin crawl.
“You know what I think?” Sebastien’s tone had a hint of amusement in it.
“I’m sure you can’t wait to tell me.” I rolled my eyes.
“I think you’re angry because he interrupted our kiss. Do you still want me?” Sebastien smiled smugly.
I swallowed hard as images of the kiss we shared before Elliot interrupted us flashed through my mind. My nipples began to swell and pressed against the thin fabric of my dress.