Page 58 of When We Ignite

“Can’t let those pretty eyes suffer.”

“Fuck off,” I said, shoving him lightly as I slid them on.

He drifted to his father’s side while I sat next to Charlotte. Oliver was beside her, eyeing me with thinly veiled suspicion. His gaze flicked between Sebastian’s sunglasses on my face and the bracelet on my wrist. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I quickly placed my hand in my lap, out of view.

* * *

Sebastian spent the rest of the time with his dad in the office, and I couldn’t shake the growing disappointment that I wouldn’t see him before he left.

He was still in the office when his dad came out to say goodbye to everyone. I kept waiting for Sebastian to appear, but he didn’t. After the others had dispersed, I found myself lingering near the office, unsure whether to go in.

It was already dark when I knocked on the door, carefully checking to make sure no one saw me. His voice called me in, and I peeked inside.

He smiled, waving me forward.

Sebastian was still on the phone, seated behind a heavy desk that made him look even more commanding. Dark wood bookcases lined the walls, and the room smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and leather. I stepped inside, glancing around. He ended his call just as I approached, holding up his sunglasses.

“I thought you were leaving,” I said.

“I’m meeting my father in a bit. He and Vivian went to say hi to some friends.”

I leaned against the desk, handing him the glasses. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He shifted back in his chair, his fingers laced together in his lap, like he was actively holding himself in check.

“So, I just wanted to say bye.”

“I’ll miss you,” he said, his voice soft but sure.

My heart skipped, and I ducked my head, placing my palm on the desk. “Will you? Are you up for more confusing fights?”

He laughed. “Maybe I won’t miss that.”

“Yeah, me neither,” I admitted, glancing at him. “But I guess I’ll miss you too.”

His grin widened as he leaned back further, looking completely at ease. “Ethan Bennett, are you finally warming up to me?”

I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t help smiling. “Maybe, Ash.”

He tilted his head, studying me. “What are you thinking right now?”

I sighed, rubbing my knuckles against my nose. “You tell me, since you’re so good at reading my mind.”

He shook his head. “Not this time. That’s why I asked.”

I hesitated, the weight of his gaze pressing against me. “I was just thinking,” I started, clearing my throat, “that I’m sober right now.”

His smile grew. “Yeah, I couldn’t help but notice that too.”

There—I’d said it. Surely, it was his move now.

But he didn’t budge.

“So,” I prompted.

“Come here.”

I glanced down. Instantly, it felt like a challenge. A test. I could walk away and keep this back-and-forth going forever, or I could give in.