Page 45 of Strings

“Oh I had my coffee. Three cups actually. And look, you’restillugly. Guess it’s pretty accurate.”

“When did you… How long have you… When did you…?” Sebastian struggles for words. He clears his throat and starts over. “When did you find out Talia was your neighbor?”

By his response, I’m guessing he’s worried she overheard our conversations. He doesn’t know you can’t hear through the walls.

“I saw her that Sunday after our trip to Detroit. I glanced out the window and she was walking toward the building. She was carrying Target bags and talking to a plant. It was then I realized she had a mental disability.”

I lick my lips and take a step toward her. Sebastian moves to block me. “What else did you see, or, um, hear?” he asks nervously.

He’s still worried she knows more than she does. I clarify it for him before Bella can answer. “Don’t worry, babe. The walls are so thick, I’m sure Bellzy couldn’t hear you make me scream in ecstasy last night.”

He does a double take at me as I continue. “Press your ear to the wall all you want, Bells. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to having Sebastian in bed. Jealous much?”

Sebastian’s eyes grow wide as he stares at me. His shoulders relax when he realizes what I’m trying to tell him. Then he scrubs a hand over his face and tries not to smile.

“Me? Jealous ofyou?” She laughs and places her hand on her stomach. “Oh let’s see. What should I be jealous of first? Your inferior manners, lack of class, or perhaps your pathetic wardrobe?”

I grit my teeth and Sebastian speaks. “Okay, well, this was fun. Bella, excuse us. We need to go.”

“It’s really sweet of you to give her a ride, but girls like her really do belong on the bus with the rest of the losers.”

I lunge forward and Sebastian pulls me back. “You know who doesn’t belong, Bella? You. It’s very unbecoming of you to come into Talia’s home and be so rude. It seems to me the only person lacking class here is you.”

“Sebastian, I…”

Sebastian turns his back to her as she attempts to speak and lifts my bag from my hand. “Let me get that for you. Have you eaten?”

I shake my head. I’m slightly in awe of him.

He leans toward me, kisses me on the forehead, and lifts my chin to gaze into my eyes. “Then not only do I need to drive you, but I need to feed you, too. Let’s go, beautiful.”

I smirk at Bella as I step past her and into the hall. She stands in my doorway, dumbfounded and trying to think of something she could say to get back into Sebastian’s good graces.

Sebastian attempts to pull the door closed, but Bella is in the way. “Bella?”

“Yes…” she replies breathily.

“Move.”

She steps out of the way and he closes the door, checking the handle to make sure it’s locked. His eyebrows furrow in irritation as he walks past her. When only I can see his face, he winks and makes a motion like he’s throwing up. I cover my mouth with my hand to hide my smile.

Bella unlocks her door and slams it behind her.

We lean on the back of the elevator wall as the doors close. As soon as they do, we both start to laugh.

“That. Was. Amazing,” I tell him, nudging him with my shoulder.

He shakes his head. “Scream in ecstasy? Her mouth almost hit the floor. Why in God’s name does she like me so much? I’m not nice to her, ever. And you… She’s lucky I held you back. I’m guessing Bella would have had a lot more bruised than her ego if I hadn’t.”

My smile fades as I stare up at him. “Thank you.”

“No thanks necessary. You’re doing me a favor. I owe you a lot more than a ride to work.”

“I meant thank you for defending me.”

“She was out of line.”

“Well, no one has ever done that for me before. It’s probably why I’m always ready to fight to defend myself.”