Page 10

CHAPTER TEN

ETHAN

I woke up what felt like three minutes later, feeling like absolute crap. My stomach churned, and I barely made it to the bathroom before throwing up again. Crawling back into bed, I tried to sleep it off. The next time I woke, sunlight streamed through the window. It was closer to noon.

Dragging myself into the shower, I scrubbed off the remnants of the night and did my best to look less terrible than I felt. When I finally ventured downstairs, most of them were out on the terrace. I made a beeline for the kitchen, desperate for coffee and something to settle my stomach.

“Good morning, sunshine,” came Sebastian’s unmistakable voice.

I turned to see him leaning against the counter, smirking. I glared weakly, and he laughed.

“Not feeling so hot?” he teased, the smugness in his tone grating and somehow endearing all at once.

I grunted in response as he strolled to the fridge.

“I’ve been better,” I admitted, leaning against the counter for support.

Sebastian, of course, looked effortlessly perfect. His dark-blue linen shirt and crisp white shorts seemed made for him. The memory of last night flashed through my mind, and my face burned.

He returned with a beer in hand, placing it beside me. “Trust me on this,” he said, pushing it toward me with a knowing smile.

I sighed, eyeing the bottle warily before picking it up and taking a sip. It wasn’t as terrible as I’d expected.

“All of it,” he encouraged.

Nodding, I took a few more gulps.

“Thanks.”

He smiled, his eyes scanning my face. “If it makes you feel any better, you look better than you feel.”

I hid my smile behind another sip. “I’m sorry about last night.”

Sebastian shook his head. “You’ve got nothing to apologize for. I’m sorry for being in a crappy mood yesterday.”

I stepped a little closer, lowering the beer. “I think Oliver knows.”

“Yeah,” he said with a shrug. “He yelled at me after he left your room.”

“Shit.”

“I didn’t admit to anything,” he reassured me.

I nodded, relieved.

“Hey, I need to tell you something,” he added, his tone shifting slightly.

I glanced up, watching him move closer. My heart stuttered as I turned to face the counter. “What?”

Sebastian placed his hand on the countertop beside me, his fingers brushing mine. “I’m leaving tonight. There’s a late family lunch, and after that, I’m heading out with my father.”

A pang of disappointment hit me, but I nodded. “Okay. Are you leaving the city?”

“I’m flying to San Francisco for a couple of days. After that, I’ll be in DC. I might make it back next Saturday night.”

I frowned, scrunching my face without thinking.

“What?” he asked, amused by my expression.

“That kind of sucks. I’ll have to drive back with Henry,” I said, making him laugh.

“Is that the only reason it sucks?”

“No. I don’t want you to leave, obviously,” I admitted quickly.

His smile softened, and I shook my head, leaning my forehead against his shoulder for a moment.

“I really didn’t want to kick you out of my room last night, you know that, right?” he murmured.

I shrugged, and he chuckled, his breath warm against my hair. “Next time you come find me, just make sure you’re sober. Trust me, I won’t deny you anything.”

His thumb brushed my jaw, and our eyes met. My resolve wavered as I considered asking him to leave with me right then, to head upstairs where we could finally erase the space between us.

“Ash…” I began, my voice catching.

“Yeah?” he asked, his lips curving into a small smile.

Before I could say anything else, a voice called out from the terrace. “Ash!”

We both turned toward the sound. I glanced back at him, and he chuckled, shaking his head.

“Maybe this house isn’t the right place,” he said, and I nodded, the moment slipping away.

As we stepped outside, the sunlight made me squint. Without missing a beat, Sebastian pulled his sunglasses from where they hung on his shirt and handed them to me.

“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.

Steeling myself, I stepped forward. He slid back in his chair, giving me space.

When I stopped in front of him, he didn’t move, just watched me.

“What?” I asked, confused.

“I’m still waiting.”

I frowned. “I came.”

He smiled slowly, shaking his head before patting his lap.

My stomach flipped.

“Come here,” he repeated.

I hesitated, shaking my head instinctively, but his sigh stopped me. “This one’s on you. Why do you have to make it so difficult?”

Sebastian stood, stepping into my space. One hand slid to the back of my neck, the other tilted my chin, holding me gently. I stared at the open V of his shirt, my resolve wavering.

“I’m not trying to be difficult,” he said softly, his voice a soothing contrast to the tension between us. “I’m trying to savor it and make sure you do too. Please, just do what I’m asking. I promise you’ll like it.”

I closed my eyes for a second.

“Stop fighting me, Ethan,” he added.

He sat back down, his eyes holding mine, steady and unwavering. “Trust me,” he whispered.

I couldn’t keep this up. What was the worst that could happen? I’d hate it and tell him to stop. That wouldn’t kill me. What would kill me was wondering “what if” for the rest of my life.

Staring at my hand on the desk, I steadied myself.

“Can we try that again?” Sebastian asked gently.

I nodded, and the soft creak of leather told me he was leaning back. “Come here, darling.”

I exhaled and pushed away from the desk. His lips parted slightly as I approached, his gaze never leaving mine. Placing a hand on his shoulder, I straddled his lap, my heart pounding.

“There,” I said, earning a low chuckle.

He didn’t move, his forearms resting on the armrests, his composure maddeningly intact.

“Come closer,” he urged.

Clenching my jaw, I leaned in.

His eyes roamed my face, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “Good boy,” he murmured.

My eyes widened. I tried to pull back, but his hands settled on my hips, holding me firmly in place.

“You’re treating me like a pet again,” I accused, my face burning.

“I’m not,” he countered, his voice softening. “You’re so fucking perfect. I just want you to know it.”

His hands pressed lightly, urging me closer. “Stop running from me. Let me take care of you,” he whispered, sitting up and burying his face in my neck. His lips were warm against my skin. “All I want is to make you feel good, darling.”

I closed my eyes, trying to relax, letting him pull me closer.

“That’s it. Put your arms around me,” he murmured.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, his lips brushing just below my ear. A shiver ran down my spine.

“I promise I’ll take such good care of you, Ethan. Just let me.”

Breathing deeply, I relaxed into his embrace, his words melting away my doubts.

He kissed my jaw, his hands sliding under my shirt and moving up my back. His touch sent a surge of heat through me, and I tightened my hold on him.

“Ash,” I breathed.

“Tell me what you want me to do,” he said, his voice laced with anticipation. “Look at me.”

Our eyes locked.

“Kiss me,” I said, my voice barely audible.

His lips curved into a triumphant smile. “Good boy,” he murmured again before leaning in and pressing his mouth to mine.

God, it was electric.

I inhaled sharply, every nerve overstimulated by that tiny touch. As the pressure deepened, Sebastian hummed against me, seemingly satisfied.

His fingers tangled in my hair, anchoring me as his lips moved over mine, careful and claiming.

He pulled back just enough to leave me breathless before returning. His lips were parted, impossibly soft, and his warm breath brushed against my skin as I tilted my head to give him more access. He didn’t hesitate, his tongue grazing the edge of my lips, seeking permission.

I kissed him again, parting my lips fully, meeting him halfway. Sebastian tasted of cigarettes and whiskey—a potent, intoxicating mix that overwhelmed my senses. This shouldn’t have felt as good as it did. Maybe it was the buildup, the forbidden allure, or just him . Whatever the reason, this kiss outshone anything I’d ever known.

It wasn’t just on my lips. I felt it everywhere—an electric current coursing through my body. His stubble scraped lightly against my skin, the roughness a perfect counterpoint to the softness of his lips.

When he pulled back again, I nearly groaned at the loss.

“Did you like that?” he asked, his voice low, gravelly, and devastatingly confident.

“Yes.”

“Do you want me to keep going?”

I nodded, unable to form words.

Somewhere along the way, my hands had abandoned his neck, instead gripping the collar of his shirt. I tugged him back toward me, and he didn’t resist, reclaiming my mouth with even more purpose. His kisses were calculated but passionate, and he set the pace, one I was more than willing to match.

Sebastian pulled on my hair, tilting my head just enough to deepen the kiss. He was good at this—too good. What I’d thought was arrogance was nothing of the sort. This was pure, unshakable confidence born from experience. With Sebastian, every move was a master class in control and restraint.

I surrendered to him completely, moving closer and threading my fingers through his locks. As his pace quickened, so did mine, the intensity building between us. I tightened my grip, needing to hold on to him as his hands roamed my back, pressing me impossibly close.

Then, suddenly, he broke away, resting his forehead against mine.

“Slow down,” he whispered, his breath ragged. His eyes remained closed, his expression unguarded. I had never seen him like this—overwhelmed.

“I’m just following you,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes opened, their intensity unmatched. “I was talking to both of us,” he admitted with a small, self-deprecating smile.

Before I could respond, he kissed me again, and I melted into him. This time, the kiss was softer and drawn out. A low groan escaped his lips, sending a thrill through me.

“Why are you so good at this?” he murmured, his brows lifting in what looked like genuine surprise.

“Me?” I echoed, incredulous.

He nodded, kissing me once more.

Sebastian’s hands slid to my hips, and I tugged his hair to tilt his head back. I kissed him with abandon, rougher this time, feeling the tension between us dissolve into pure need. His control faltered, and I loved it.

Every kiss was a revelation, a reminder of how good he was at this—how good we were together. My doubts melted away, replaced by the sheer pleasure of his lips moving against mine. It was as if nothing else existed.

Sebastian leaned forward, his lips never leaving mine until I felt the hard edge of the desk on my back. His hands pushed against me, urging me higher.

“What are you trying to do?” I asked, breathless, as his lips moved to my jaw, trailing heat down to my neck.

“Get you on the desk,” he murmured against my skin, his hands sliding under my shirt and up my back. The sensation made me shiver.

I chuckled, my voice unsteady. “Not very successfully.”

He laughed softly, his breath warm against my neck.

Wrapping an arm firmly around my waist, he lifted me onto the desk in one fluid motion. His forehead rested against mine for a moment as he caught his breath. When our eyes met, his were darker, full of intent.

His smirk returned. “Better?”

My hands were still tangled in his hair, and I pulled him closer, nodding.

His smirk deepened as he leaned in, our lips just inches apart.

A sharp knock sounded on the door.

“Ash?” Oliver’s voice boomed from the other side of the door.

We froze, wide-eyed, caught in a moment that stretched unbearably. Sebastian’s gaze darted to the door, then back to me.

“Did you lock the door?” he asked urgently, his voice barely above a whisper.

I shook my head, panic rising. “What do I do?”

“Desk,” he said simply.

Without hesitation, I crouched down, slipping under the desk as Sebastian slid his chair forward, framing me between his legs. My face burned at the sheer intimacy of the position. This was compromising to say the least.

“Come in,” Sebastian called out. The door creaked open, then shut with a soft click.

“Sorry, are you busy?” Oliver’s voice came closer.

I pressed a hand over my mouth, stifling a nervous laugh.

“A little,” Sebastian replied, his tone clipped.

I nearly lost it, biting down on my hand to stay silent. Leaning slightly, I rested my cheek against his thigh. Sebastian flinched—barely perceptible, but I felt it—and a wicked smile crept onto my face. For once, I had the upper hand, and it was glorious.

“I just wanted to ask you something before you go,” Oliver said. I heard the creak of a chair as he sat down.

This was too fucking hilarious.

“Shoot,” Sebastian said casually, though his thigh tensed beneath my cheek.

I slid my hand over his knee, savoring the way his muscles tightened at the touch. Emboldened, I let my fingers trail just under the hem of his shorts, exploring the lean strength of his legs. His breath hitched almost imperceptibly, and my grin widened.

“I know you’re busy with work, but I was wondering if...”

“Oli, I’m never too busy for you,” Sebastian interrupted quickly.

“That’s a lie,” Oliver huffed.

I pressed my lips softly against the inside of his thigh, feeling the fabric of his shorts against my nose. This time, Sebastian’s hand came down to his leg, his fingers twitching near mine.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. Tell me what you need,” he said, his tone shifting to something gentler.

I turned my face, brushing my lips over his thigh again, letting my breath linger. His hand found my jaw, his thumb resting just below my chin, a silent warning and plea for control.

“I know things have been kind of tense between us, with the whole Ethan thing,” Oliver said.

If only he knew.

Sebastian’s thumb moved higher, brushing against my lips in a way that made my stomach flip.

“It’s understandable. I’ve already told you nothing’s going on,” Sebastian lied smoothly, his voice unwavering.

I shook my head ever so slightly, defying him. His thumb pressed firmer against my lips, a subtle reminder to behave.

“So you say…” Oliver muttered skeptically.

“So I mean,” Sebastian interjected.

Oliver clicked his tongue. “It’s not even about that,” he complained.

“Oli, I’d love to be your best man. I’m not too busy to be part of your life, and I would be honored,” Sebastian said.

I smiled. He could be so kind when he wanted to be.

“How did you know?” Oliver asked, surprised.

“Your lovely wife-to-be told me.”

I licked my lips, feeling the tip of his finger brush over them.

Oliver sighed, and Sebastian chuckled softly.

“Don’t be upset. She was just trying to help. I would never have guessed on my own. Why didn’t you just ask me? It didn’t have to be a big production—a call would have been enough.”

Sebastian had such a great voice. Under the desk, its low, deep register resonated in my chest. I exhaled quietly as he ran his thumb over my lip.

“Ash, I know how bad things have been with Dad. Ever since he said he was stepping down, he’s been on you nonstop. You’ve been here all day with him. When did that ever happen before?”

Sebastian’s finger halted. “You know how Dad is—a control freak. He’ll get used to it and move on. It’s just a phase.”

“I thought he killed your project,” Oliver said.

Sebastian tensed again.

I frowned.

“He hasn’t,” he replied curtly.

“But I thought...” Oliver’s voice trailed off hesitantly.

“He hasn’t,” Sebastian repeated firmly.

Was that what had put him in such a bad mood yesterday? I grasped his wrist gently, and he resumed moving his thumb. He seemed lighter today, and I didn’t want him slipping back, especially not after he’d finally kissed me.

“I’ll drop it, okay? I didn’t want to burden you. I thought I’d ask when things got better, but they haven’t,” Oliver admitted.

Sebastian relaxed, his thighs parting slightly.

“It’s not a burden. Besides, if not me, are you going to ask Henry? Can you imagine the bachelor party he’d throw?” Sebastian joked.

Oliver laughed. That was better.

I brushed my lips over Sebastian’s thumb, and he shifted in his seat.

“God no. I actually have some requests regarding that,” Oliver said quickly.

“Let me guess—no strippers?”

I smiled as Sebastian’s hand stilled against my face. He resumed stroking my bottom lip with his thumb, and I flicked my tongue out to graze it lightly, this time with intent. His hand curled gently under my jaw.

“No strippers,” Oliver agreed.

“It’s not like I want them, but good luck keeping them away from our little brother,” Sebastian said, his voice sounding a bit unsteady. He inhaled deeply as I leaned forward, letting his thumb slide into my mouth and over my tongue.

“And no deserted island getaway either,” Oliver added.

“It’s got to be a getaway. Come on, Oli,” Sebastian protested.

“Fine, just don’t let Henny help too much,” Oliver conceded.

Unable to resist, I took his thumb all the way into my mouth, sucking lightly.

Sebastian adjusted himself in the chair. “I promise I won’t,” he replied.

I released his thumb, guiding his index finger into my mouth. As I swirled my tongue around it, he leaned forward slightly.

“Are you okay?” Oliver asked him.

Triumph bubbled in my chest. I released it and let his middle finger join in.

“I’m fantastic, Oli. I just need to make a call before heading out. Why don’t we have lunch on Sunday? You can walk me through what you want—just us,” Sebastian suggested.

“Sure. You’re going to be back next weekend?” Oliver asked.

I continued running my tongue over his fingers, lightly nipping them with my teeth.

“Yeah,” Sebastian answered.

“You’ve been in the city a lot lately,” Oliver noted suspiciously.

“And I expect you’ll see more of me. Now both of my brothers live there. Plus, I have a lot of work to take care of. Ari loves it.”

I paused, frowning. Who the fuck was Ari ?

“That’s actually nice, Ash. I’m glad,” Oliver said warmly.

I bit down on Sebastian’s fingers. He tried to pull his hand back slowly, but I held onto his wrist.

“So, I’ll see you Sunday? I’m sorry, I really have to make that call,” Sebastian insisted.

“Sure, and thanks for agreeing,” Oliver said, the chair scraping as he stood.

“Thanks for asking, Oli. Truly, I’m honored,” Sebastian replied.

I sucked on his index finger once more, pulling away slowly before releasing his hand.

“Say goodbye before you leave,” Oliver called as his footsteps receded.

“Sure thing,” Sebastian responded.

The door clicked shut, and silence filled the room.

Sebastian moved back slightly, looking down at me with wide, amused eyes. His lips twitched into a smirk.

“Yes?” I asked innocently.

“What the hell was that?” he asked, lifting his hand.

I chuckled, my cheeks warm. “Why? Did you hate it?” I placed my hands on his knees and leaned against them.

Sebastian seemed to drink in the sight, remaining still. “Definitely didn’t hate it,” he said, his voice low and rough.

I braced myself on Sebastian’s thighs, ready to stand, but before I could, his arm looped around my waist. With a deft movement, his hand hooked behind my leg, pulling me onto the desk as his other arm secured me. He leaned in, his lips hovering close, but I pressed a hand to his face, stopping him.

“Who’s Ari?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He smirked, his lips twitching with amusement. “She’s my assistant. Very much a girl, very much not interested.”

“Don’t mock me,” I warned, though I couldn’t suppress the smile tugging at my lips.

“I like that you’re jealous, even if it makes you a bit vicious,” he teased, his gaze flicking down to my mouth. “You’ve got me all to yourself, darling. What are you going to do about it?”

Heat crept up my neck as I fought the urge to defy him, to keep him waiting. “Are you going to make me ask for it again?” I challenged, my voice steady despite the way he unsettled me.

Sebastian shook his head, leaning in without hesitation. His lips crashed into mine, hot and insistent, a kiss that demanded everything. His arm tightened around my waist, pulling me closer, while his other hand braced against the desk.

It was overwhelming, his intensity. The feel of him between my legs was unlike anything I’d known—his size, his presence. He was so much bigger than me, imposing yet exhilarating. My pulse raced as I bit down gently on his lip, then sucked it into my mouth. His groan vibrated against my skin, and I felt the power shift, if only for a moment.

“I thought you weren’t sure about this,” he murmured, his lips brushing mine. “Where the fuck did shy Ethan go?”

Before I could answer, he kissed me again, silencing any reply.

My hands found his hair, tugging firmly. He moaned appreciatively, his body leaning into mine. The dull press of the desk against my back was a small discomfort overshadowed by the way he held me.

I knew he was strong. His body was lean but toned. Wherever I could get a glimpse of his skin, there were muscles adorning it. Right now, I was feeling his strength too. He wasn’t using all of it, and something about that was so appealing.

Tentatively, I hooked one leg around his. He stepped closer. Emboldened, I repeated the motion with the other, pulling him tighter against me. His hand slipped from my waist to press against the desk. He braced himself with one hand while the other roamed over me, his lips never faltering.

“You need to stop doing that,” he warned, pulling back slightly, his breath hot against my skin.

I tugged him by the hair, refusing to let him go.

“Ethan,” he growled, his voice low and rough. “I’m going to fuck you over this desk if you keep this up.”

His words should have scared me, but combined with his weight and that low rumble, it sounded too fucking hot. I knew he could feel me hard against him, and as our eyes met, the realization flickered in his.

A wicked smile curved his lips, more devastatingly handsome than ever. “Would you like me to?”

Before I could reply, he rolled his hips against mine, the friction igniting a wave of pleasure that left me breathless. I bit my lip, holding back a sound that would only fuel his ego.

I pushed my hips upward, watching his eyes darken. “Do that again.”

“Definitely not shy,” he mused, his voice laced with wonder.

He moved against me again, and this time I couldn’t hold back. A quiet moan escaped me, and he stilled, his gaze locking with mine. His hand cupped my cheek, his thumb brushing tenderly along my skin.

“You’re a fucking masterpiece,” he whispered, his voice reverent.

My heart thundered as he leaned closer, his lips capturing mine in a kiss that left no room for thought. As he moved against me, the sensation intensified.

He adjusted his weight, aligning our bodies perfectly as his kisses grew more hungry. I arched into him, my arm winding around his neck. He seized the opportunity, slipping his other arm under my back, erasing any remaining space between us.

My mind went blissfully blank. My fingers found his hair, grasping roughly as I wrapped my legs around him, leaving him little room to move. He still managed perfectly. His lips were insistent, almost bruising in their intensity.

His hand trailed down to my leg, fingertips pressed into my skin, sliding upward. They slipped under my shorts, pulling me closer as he moved. His hand gripped my hip firmly, edging its way backward.

A flicker of hesitation crossed my mind, but he timed it perfectly with a slow glide of his tongue, melting my thoughts away. I kissed him back, pressing my body to his. His hand continued until it cupped my ass, large enough to encompass it fully. He rubbed softly before gripping firmly.

“I need to get you out of these clothes,” he muttered, his voice thick with desire. “I can’t stand them anymore.”

The thought of being bare before him was daunting, but the promise of feeling his skin against mine was irresistible.

I nodded, and he groaned, his forehead resting against mine. “You’re supposed to tell me to stop.”

“I don’t want you to stop,” I rasped.

He groaned again, the sound vibrating between us. “You’re too fucking much. Enjoying me so far, darling?”

I nodded.

Sebastian’s kisses grew hungrier, his tongue exploring with renewed intensity. His hands gripped me tighter, his nails digging lightly into my skin. I let go of his hair to run my fingers through it instead, delighting in the way it messed up his usual perfection. When he tried to pull back, I tightened my legs around him, gripping his hair and holding him to me.

A faint smile played on his lips as he relented, trailing kisses along my jaw. The intensity between us felt unstoppable, the rhythm of our movements building to something inevitable.

Then, the door clicked open.

“Ash, are you about done?” Henry’s voice rang out as he walked in.

We froze, our breaths mingling in the small space between us, eyes wide as we turned toward him.

He stopped short, his eyebrows shooting up before a grin spread across his face. “Oh, I fucking knew it,” he laughed, shutting the door behind him.

Sebastian exhaled sharply, gently untangling himself from me. His hands steadied me as I sat up, both of us scrambling to regain some semblance of composure.

I rubbed my hands over my face, trying to process the mortifying reality of being caught. At least it was Henry and not Oliver. Small mercies.

“Could you get the fuck out?” Sebastian snapped.

I pressed a hand over my mouth to stifle my laughter, but it spilled out anyway, a nervous, breathy sound that grew uncontrollable. Sebastian looked at me, bewildered, which only made me laugh harder.

Henry chuckled, unfazed. “See? At least E has a sense of humor about it.”

“Sorry,” I managed between laughs, my voice shaking. “This is just…unreal.”

Sebastian sighed, dragging a hand through his already disheveled hair.“What did you want?” he demanded, directing his irritation at Henry.

“Relax, Ash. I didn’t walk in on purpose. I’m supposed to drive you, remember?”

I stood, brushing down my shirt and turning to face them. Henry had his hands raised in mock surrender, though the amusement in his eyes hadn’t dimmed.

“How many times have I told you not to enter my space without knocking?” Sebastian’s tone was clipped.

“In my defense, this is only the second time I’ve walked in on something like this, and the first time was a million years ago,” Henry quipped, his grin growing sly.

A pang of jealousy hit me, sharp and unexpected. The thought of someone else sharing this kind of moment with Sebastian gnawed at me, but I quickly shoved it aside.

Sebastian’s hands went to his hips, his stance firm. “Henny, not everything is a joke,” he said, his voice softening but still carrying weight.

Henry glanced away, his grin fading slightly. He shrugged, a little sheepishly, before letting out another huff of laughter. “Fine, got it. So, are you done?” He shot me a quick side glance. “You’re lucky it was me. Oli wanted to come get you.”

“Oli knocks,” Sebastian said tersely.

Henry rolled his eyes. “I’ll be in the car waiting,” he muttered, turning toward the door. He paused to glance back at me, a playful smile curving his lips. “Good luck, E,” he added with a wink before leaving.

The door clicked shut, and the room fell quiet. Sebastian exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair again. “We need to be smarter about this,” he said as he turned to me.

“You’re right. Sorry,” I said, nodding.

He shook his head, stepping closer. His hands found their way back into my hair as he leaned down, kissing me gently, his lips soft against mine. “Don’t apologize. I loved having you in my arms,” he murmured. “We just need to be smarter. Lock the doors.”

“I’ll remember that next time.”

He grinned, brushing another kiss over my lips.“I’ll text you later. I really have to go.” He stole a couple more kisses, his reluctance evident.

“Okay. You’re back on Saturday?” I asked softly, not wanting him to leave.

He nodded, his grin turning playful. “Keep thinking about me like you were,” he teased, giving my hair a light tug before kissing me deeply one last time. His lips lingered, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Next time, I’m getting you out of these clothes.”

A jolt shot through me—anticipation and anxiety at once.

His grin grew devilish before he turned to the door.

I watched him leave, the sound of the door closing pulling me back to reality. Sitting down in the chair, I rubbed my hands over my face, letting out a groan.

“Shit,” I muttered to the empty room, my voice muffled against my palms.