Page 24 of Sebastian

A pure and light sound that tickled her ear.

Joy flooded her, and she interlaced her fingers with his. “Come on. Tell me,” she persisted.

“I’m taking you back up to the house so you can get some rest,” Sebastian said, refusing to answer her. “When you wake up, you’ll be glad we didn’t act on this.”

“I’m pretty sure when I wake up, I’ll still want to kiss you, and I’ll still want you to—”

Sebastian held up a hand as if her saying the words would obliterate his resolve. “If that’s the case, we’ll discuss it at that time.”

“Why are you fighting this?”

“Because kissing you would be a distraction I can’t afford if I’m going to keep you safe.”

“That’s a lame excuse,” Gabrielle said, then yawned loudly.

“That’s it. You need rest.”

They walked in silence the five minutes up the sand dunes to the beach cottage. They’d gotten there too soon for her liking.

“Last chance,” she teased.

“Is it?” Sebastian challenged.

Gabrielle smiled. “Will you at least come inside? Sleep in the guest bedroom.”

Sebastian winced. “Not a good idea. But I’ll walk you to the door,” he said, then looped her arm in his.

They climbed the steps slowly until they were standing outside the door. Gabrielle turned to face Sebastian. He released her arm and took a step back, then another. His eyes darkened with unbridled lust. She had naughty thoughts of what he might be doing in the hammock after she retired to her bedroom. Knowing that he could be pleasuring himself thinking of her while she did the same thinking of him was exhilarating.

Sebastian licked his lips slowly and inhaled a sharp breath. “Good night, Gabrielle.”

“Good night, Sebastian.” She forced the words out before she did something they might both regret in the morning.

Turning the knob, she pushed the door open.

The scream came from the depths of her.

Her body shook violently as her eyes darted across the living room.

The chilling scene stretched before her.

Blood.

Everywhere, there was blood.

Splattered and pooled on the floor.

Splashed over the furniture.

Streaked on the walls.

Organs that resembled hearts scattered across the room.

And a single message written in blood on the wall.

You will always be mine.

Chapter16