Page 42 of Blood and Thorns (Twisted Ever After #1)

Arabella

I was sore, the ache between my legs both delicious and frustrating. I’d never admit it to his face, but I’ve never orgasmed so hard. I was pretty sure I’d passed out, because I had zero memory of leaving the club, never mind waking up with Sebastian glowering over me.

He was like a cornered animal when pushed for his feelings, and in my professional opinion, had the emotional maturity of a rock. Not even a pretty rock, but a boring grey one that had been smoothed by the vicious waves of the sea, but if broken open it would be jagged and sharp.

It was as if he made the conscious decision to repress himself. Hide his emotions in the same way he wore that mask.

But he wasn’t hiding when he chased me through the club, his eyes alight with pure sadism and desire. They’d brightened further when he’d caught me, hurt me. Except, he wasn’t hurting me. His bruises weren’t out of pain, but out of possession. Need. Desire.

I wasn’t surprised to wake up alone, Sebastian having left my room early in the morning. Pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, I came out expecting to be greeted by Beatrice, except I was alone. Not even Chip or any of the cleaners were present.

The place always seemed achily empty when I was the only one here.

Disappointed, I grabbed my notebook and a pen but found myself outside his bedroom. The door was closed, and I almost lifted my fist to knock. To see whether he was…

Shit. What the hell was I doing?

Turning on my heel, I went to the kitchen, grabbing one of the muffins waiting on the counter before sitting on a stool so I could comfortably write.

The story in my head flowed so easily onto the page. It was just a first draft and would likely always remain a first draft. But it was cathartic, putting all my feelings in black and white. Putting the fictional characters through trials and heartbreak. Making them suffer and then succeed.

I don’t know how long I wrote for, my hand aching when I came to the final page, and the muffin nothing but annoying crumbs beside me. I stared at the words, a hollow feeling inside my chest that the story wasn’t finished, and there was no more paper.

That my story wasn’t finished.

“What are you writing about?”

I jumped from the stool, catching it before it clattered to the floor. “Bloody hell.”

Sebastian stood in the doorway, dressed in his statement black-on-black. The suit stretched across his broad shoulders, perfectly tailored to his large frame.

I huffed, “Remind me to put a bell on you.”

His upper lip twitched, but other than that his face remained in his usual scowl.

“It’s nothing.” I closed my notebook, freezing when something moved across his chest. “Sebastian…”

He brought up his hand, allowing the giant fucking spider to scramble over his fingers before skittering further up his arm. “So scared of something so small,” he mused, closing the distance between us.

“Don’t you dare.” I moved around the island, keeping it between us at all times.

Lazy amusement glistened in his eyes. “Come here, belle. ”

“I swear if you come near me, I won’t be held accountable for my actions.”

“Raven won’t hurt you.”

I almost scoffed. “You named your spider?”

“Come here.” The lethal tone of his voice reminded me who held control of the situation. Hint, it clearly wasn’t me. And still my gaze strayed sideways, looking for a way out. “Arabella…”

He caught my wrist, tugging me back until I bent awkwardly against the counter. I stilled, unable to look away from the spider perched on his shoulder.

“I could kill you so easily,” he mused, his hand sliding around my throat. “And yet you’re more scared of Raven.”

I swallowed against his palm, trying to bury myself against the countertop. Sebastian cocked his head to the side, staring down at me. After a moment he released his fingers, and I released a shaky breath.

“Put your choker on,” he ordered.

I eyed him warily as he pulled the spider from his shoulder and held it in his palm. “Where are we going?”

“You said you wanted to go for a walk, so let’s walk.”

“You said we were walking,” I commented, but there was no agitation behind it because at least I was outside. Sort of, anyway. In the passenger seat of Sebastian’s car counted because I’d opened the window and had a breeze. Honestly, I was feeling spoiled.

He didn’t reply–what a surprise–so I snuck a peak at him beside me. It was weird to see him drive, something so ordinary, and yet he looked at ease. Almost relaxed, if Sebastian could ever actually remove that stick up his arse and do such a thing.

“That spider thing wasn’t funny,” I muttered beneath my breath.

“It was,” he said without a change in his expression. “She wouldn’t have hurt you.”

“You don’t know that.”

He glanced at me from the corner of his eye before returning his attention to the road. “Don’t worry, she lives in a terrarium in my home office.”

“Why do you even have a pet spider?” I wondered.

“Because arachnophobia is a very common yet irrational fear.”

“So you keep her because the majority of people are scared? That’s… horrible.”

Sebastian let out a puff of air, almost like a laugh.

“Also, it’s not an irrational fear. They’re creepy. Who needs eight legs?”

Sebastian pulled over, turning in his seat to raise a brow. “Are you finished?”

I pursed my lips, looking out the window to realise we were in part of the city known to the locals as the Graveyard. He didn’t seem bothered about leaving his expensive-looking car in an area notorious for theft, rape, and homicides .

Another car pulled in behind us, a 4x4 that looked to be built like a tank.

“Stay here,” Sebastian said, and before I could reply he was out of the door and stalking to the car behind. I watched in the mirror, seeing him lean down to the driver’s side to speak to the twins that were trailing us the entire time.

After what looked to be a tense conversation, the twins drove away, and Sebastian reappeared to open my door.

“What was that about?” I asked, and Sebastian’s jaw clenched.

“Caden’s overprotective.”

“Of you?” I accepted his hand as he held it out.

He looked at me from the corner of his eye. “You seem amused.”

“Maybe a little,” I teased. “Is it because of that woman?”

“No. He’s always been overprotective.”

He was right; I was pleasantly amused that someone as powerful as Sebastian had people caring for him enough to be overprotective. “That’s nice, that you have people looking out for you like that.”

Sebastian frowned, his fingertips tracing my hand. “And you don’t?”

I laughed, but there was no humour in it. “So, you going to share why we’re here?” I looked down the street, at the broken windows and abandoned buildings. This part of the city seemed to have been forgotten by the council, leaving it to become derelict and desperate.

“I have someone I need to meet, and you said you wanted some fresh air.” He looked down at me, his expression cold even as he held my hand.

It was a strange contrast, especially when he pulled me closer.

“So… no mask? ”

“Not unless I want to start a war.”

The Fluffy Duckling looked completely out of place amongst the rest of the street, with its adorable theme and old, Tudor-style building.

The outside was untouched, unlike the surrounding businesses that looked worse for wear.

There wasn’t a scratch on the windows or a dent in the door.

Inside was warm, with a few patrons turning to glare before quickly returning to their drinks once Sebastian turned his attention to them.

Luckily it was quiet, considering it was early.

Everything seemed made from the same type of wood, from the tables and chairs, to the long, worn bar and decorations adorning the panelled walls.

It was rustic and incredibly hostile if I went by the bartender’s scowl.

Nothing “fluffy” about this place. Not to mention I didn’t see any ducks anywhere.

“Тебе здесь не рады,” the bartender muttered, shaking his head. “Sasha won’t like this,” he continued in English, his Russian accent thick enough it took me a moment to understand.

“We have a truce.” Sebastian’s hand tightened in mine. “I’m looking for a man named Ryder.”

The bartender’s thick brows practically rose to his hairline. Without another word he nodded to a man at the end of the bar, his dark hair around shoulder length as he spoke animatedly with another patron.

Although, he clearly wasn’t reading the vibes, because his friend was looking at him like he was debating whether he’d get away with murder.

“And I was like… of course it’ll fit, love,” Ryder said, ending the comment with a chuckle. “As if… Hey, are you okay, mate?”

The unnamed man paled, eyes widening on Sebastian who’d moved to stand behind Ryder. With a single jerk of his chin from Sebastian, he scrambled from his seat, and Ryder frowned, watching his companion leave in a rush.

“What the fu…”

Sebastian gestured towards the vacant stool, moving behind me like he was death personified. Ryder blinked, barely giving Sebastian a courtesy acknowledgement before settling those warm brown eyes on me.

“Why, hello there, love,” he purred. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing in a shithole like this?

” He was typically handsome, with straight features and a sharp jawline that held the faintest stubble.

From the way he stretched his legs beneath the bar, I would also guess he was almost as tall as Sebastian, just not as broad.

“Are you Ryder?” Sebastian asked, his tone so icy I was surprised frost didn’t appear.

Ryder grinned, finally looking up at him. “Never heard of him.” Taking a long drink from his glass bottle, Ryder slammed it onto the bar. “Now, if you’ll excuse me…” He went to stand.

“Sit. Down.” Sebastian’s tone left no room for argument. “Or you won’t like what happens.”

Ryder’s smile turned fake, revealing dimples. “Do you know who owns this pub?” He looked around, as if manifesting help from the surrounding wood. “I don’t think he’ll be too pleased that you’re threatening his loyal customers, now, would he?”

“I have a proposition for you,” Sebastian said. “I need you to find something for me.”

“Mate, I think you’ve got me mixed up with someone else. I’m just trying to enjoy my drink after a hard day’s work.”

“I’ll pay 50k.”

“Fuck me.” Ryder coughed, choking on his own spit. “ Now, I’m clearly at a bit of a disadvantage. You seem to know who I am, but I have no idea who you are.”

“He owns The Thorn ,” I said, noting how his smile didn’t tighten or slip. Only the slight narrowing of his eyes gave away his understanding. He knew exactly who Sebastian was.

“Thought you were supposed to wear a mask?” Ryder hummed, but when he didn’t get a response, he continued. “ The Thorn ’s supposed to be a nice place. Not that I know personally, considering I’ve never been allowed in. Bit elitist if you ask me.” He raised a sly eyebrow.

“I need you to find this.” Sebastian pulled out a photograph from his breast pocket, the older woman in it beautiful.

He pointed to the brooch on her chest, a white crystal rose that looked like it cost more than my entire life. Which amusingly wasn’t true, considering I sold myself for double what Sebastian was paying for the brooch. Clearly, I knew my worth.

Ryder studied the photograph. “By find, I assume you mean steal?” Sebastian remained silent, and Ryder smirked at me. “Is your boyfriend always this intense?” he asked.

“Yes,” I answered honestly, and Sebastian curled a hand around the back of my neck in a loose grip. He squeezed a little, and I understood the silent ‘behave.’

“Speak to her again, and I’ll cut out your tongue,” Sebastian warned, and Ryder laughed, throwing his head back.

“Alright, don’t get your knickers in a twist.” He studied the photograph once more. “When do you need it by?”

“As soon as possible.”

A single nod, his teasing expression turning serious. “Give me everything you have on the owner, and I’ll get it to you within the week.”