Page 159 of When We Ignite

“I don’t think I can move,” I confessed, feeling the weight of exhaustion and satisfaction seep into my limbs.

Sebastian grinned at me, that slow, devastating smile that always made my stomach flutter.

“Your sheets are probably ruined,” I added.

He turned onto his side, urging me to do the same. He gently pulled me closer, hooking his leg over mine. His hand cupped the side of my face, his thumb brushing over my cheek, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.

He was looking at me differently. The usual smirk that teased at his lips was gone, replaced by something softer, something that felt almost tender. His expression was unguarded, and it sent a pang through my chest.

“What are you thinking?” His flushed lips curved into a small smile.

Instead of answering, I leaned forward, pressing mine to his. “That you really like sex,” I joked when I pulled away.

Sebastian chuckled. “I do. But it’s especially good with you.”

I pressed my lips together and his eyes flicked down.

“I love it when you smile like that,” he added.

“Like what?”

His hand stroked my face again, his fingers threading gently through my hair. “When you’re trying not to grin. You look so fucking cute.”

“Don’t call me that,” I complained, though a treacherous flush creeped up my neck.

“Why not?”

“Cute is what you call a pet,” I muttered.

Sebastian laughed, and it wasn’t his usual controlled chuckle. This was different. It was a little goofy, a little mocking, but so much more relaxed. It was the kind of laugh you couldn’t fake, and hearing it made my chest ache in the best way.

I had been wrong before. This was it. This was his real laugh.

“I don’t think you’re my pet, Ethan. If anything, you’re the master in this relationship. You should know that by now.”

Sometimes, he let things like this slip.Relationship. It was a little crack in his fortress, and I had no idea if I should let myself hope or not.

“So you have to do everything I say, right?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

His gaze met mine. “Anything you want, darling,” he whispered, pressing a soft kiss to my lips.

I bit my lip, swallowing the words threatening to spill out. What I wanted more than anything was for Sebastian to fall in love with me. I wished it were as simple as giving an order and having him obey without resistance.

“Kiss me like you’re never going to get to do it again.”

Sebastian’s lips curved into a grin. He moved over me, one hand cradling the back of my neck, the other cupping my jaw. For a moment, he just looked at me, his eyes scanning my face like he was memorizing every detail. Then he kissed me, slow.

I tangled my fingers in his hair, angling my head to deepen the kiss. Sebastian shifted, settling between my legs, his hand sliding up my ribs to my back. When I bit his lower lip and sucked it into my mouth, he groaned softly, his control slipping for just a moment.

“Can I ask you for something?” he asked between kisses.

I nodded, breathless.

Sebastian kissed my cheek, then my jaw, his lips grazing my skin as he spoke. “I know it’ll be a while, but could we have sex again when your hair grows out?”

I blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

“I feel like I missed out,” he said sheepishly, running his tongue over his lip. “You can say no if you want, but I’d really like to.”