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CHAPTER TWENTY

ETHAN

W hen I woke up, sunlight was already streaming into the room. The TV was still on, its low drone filling the silence. Sebastian was half-sitting beside me, his arm draped over my shoulders while my head rested on his chest. He looked peaceful, his face softened in sleep. I blinked a few times to clear the haze and carefully stretched, trying not to disturb him.

I slipped off the couch and checked on Henry, who was still fast asleep. Afterward, I headed to the bathroom to splash water on my face. When I came back out, a soft knock sounded at the door. I opened it to find Oliver standing there, a pair of bags in his hands and his brows slightly arched when he saw me.

“Hey, E,” he said, his expression shifting into a small frown.

“Hey, Oli,” I replied, feeling a flush creep up my neck. I stepped aside to let him in. “Do you need help with these?” I asked, gesturing to the bags.

He handed me one and headed toward the kitchen. “How’s Henny?”

“Still asleep,” I said, setting the bag on the counter. “He woke up feeling sick last night—threw up a couple of times. Ash helped him change. They’re both still sleeping. I just checked on him.”

Oliver nodded, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

“I still feel bad about yesterday,” I admitted. “Ash told me I could leave, but I wanted to stay and make sure Henry was okay.”

“That’s nice of you, E.”

I hesitated, shifting on my feet before speaking again. “I’m really sorry about what happened. We were just talking, and I brought all this stuff up for him. I want you to know I have his back too, okay? Henry and I are friends. I’m not going to treat him differently or tell anyone about it.”

Oliver’s lips curved into a small smile. “Thank you,” he said simply. “Ethan?—”

“I’m not only doing it for Ash. I know you know about it, about what was going on between us. I really like him, Oli, but I understand why you’re not okay with it. I get it even more now. But Ash has never forced me into anything. If anything, he’s been incredibly patient—he’s always waited for me to come to him, not the other way around.”

Oliver pressed his lips together, his disapproval written all over his face. “What are you trying to tell me?”

“I’m saying I hope you’ll be okay with it one day, even if it takes years. I don’t think I’m going to change my mind about him. And I hope he won’t either,” I said, meeting his gaze.

Oliver leaned back against the counter, crossing his arms as he studied me. His eyes scanned my face, his jaw tight as he bit the inside of his cheek. “Did you really stop?”

I froze, torn between honesty and protecting Sebastian. Instead of answering, I said nothing.

Before the silence could stretch too long, Henry shuffled into the kitchen, interrupting us. “I hope you brought fries,” he said, his voice hoarse but teasing.

Oliver dropped his arms and turned to his brother, concern flickering across his face. “I did. How are you doing?”

“I’ve felt better, Oli, but I’m fine. Just a little mental breakdown—nothing to worry about,” Henry replied casually, opening the bag and pulling out a carton of fries. “Yes,” he muttered approvingly, stuffing a handful into his mouth as he wandered into the living room.

Oliver and I grabbed the rest of the bags and followed him.

Sebastian was rubbing his face with his hands, looking like he hadn’t slept much. When he glanced up and saw Oliver, his expression sharpened briefly before softening again.

“Morning, Oli. Are you taking the next shift? I need to head out,” Sebastian said, stretching as he stood.

“I can stay until midday,” Oliver replied. “I have a lunch meeting before I head home, but you can come with me,” he added, looking at Henry.

Henry scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I’m a grown adult. I know how to nurse a hangover. Stop fussing over me and get back to your lives,” he said, biting into another fry.

“I’m still staying for a while. I can work from here,” Oliver insisted, earning another eye roll from Henry.

“Good,” Sebastian said. “Let me give you a ride home,” he added, turning to me.

“Yeah? Whose home?” Oliver asked, his tone sharper now as he looked at Sebastian, a fry halfway to his mouth.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond to the bait.

“That’d be great. I have a match in a couple of hours,” I said honestly, hoping to defuse the tension.

Oliver shook his head slightly, muttering under his breath, but said nothing further.

Henry glanced at me and shrugged as I put on my shoes. Sebastian did the same, placing a firm hand on Henry’s shoulder in a quiet goodbye before heading for the door. I followed, nodding once at Oliver on my way out.

I sat beside Sebastian in the car, and he gave me a small, knowing smile as he started the engine.

His hand settled on my knee, warm and familiar. “Thanks for staying over,” he said, his tone soft.

“I told you, it was no problem.” I let my hand slide over his, lacing our fingers together.

“Do you want to come over?” he asked casually as if the answer wasn’t obvious.

“I thought you had work,” I replied, narrowing my eyes.

“I do. But I also need to shower, change...and suck you off,” he added with a wicked grin.

I crinkled my nose and looked away, though I couldn’t help the small laugh that slipped out. “I’m not lying about the match.”

“How serious are you about tennis?”

“I wouldn’t call it serious. I’ve been playing my whole life. But it’s not like a career, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“And this match, can you just blow it off?”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “That’s mean, Ash. No, I can’t blow it off. Why?”

He glanced at me, a playful glint in his eye. “I could work from home, spend the day with you, and then we’d still have time before heading to Oli’s for dinner.”

Oh, fuck. “Shit, I forgot about the dinner.”

“You’re staying over, right?”

“Yeah. I’m supposed to,” I muttered, the realization sinking in and leaving me a little crestfallen.

“I have to go to DC tomorrow night,” Sebastian said, his tone dipping slightly. “There’s a ridiculously early meeting on Monday, and I’ll be stuck there for work. Then we fly out for Oli’s bachelor party early Thursday, and I’m not back until maybe next Monday.”

My heart sank. We were running out of time.

“I could call in sick,” I offered hesitantly.

Sebastian’s smile brightened instantly. “Yeah?”

I nodded. “Yeah, I’ll call in sick.” I pulled out my phone and typed out the message, hitting send without overthinking it.

“Perfect. Text Ari and tell her I’m staying home today.”

I arched an eyebrow at him. “You want me to send that from my phone?”

He smirked. “Trust me, Ari knows what’s going on between us.”

I shrugged, texting her too.

“And Henny—ask him to drive us to Oli’s. That way, he can swing by mine, pick us up, and we’ll all get there together. Do you want me to stop by yours to grab your things?”

I nodded. “Thanks,” I muttered, already typing a message to Henry.

Me

Ash wants to know if you can come pick us up to go to Oli’s

Henry Langley

sure E

I’ll swing by at five

Me

thanks

how are you feeling?

Henry Langley

I’m good

thanks for staying over last night

sorry for the scare

don’t worry about it

Me

I’ll worry a little about it if that’s okay with you

I’m here if you ever need to talk

or not talk about it

Henry Langley

thanks

see you later E

I sighed, leaning back in my seat.

“What is it?” Sebastian asked, glancing at me as he drove.

“I thought Henry was an oversharer, but he’s really closed off about this. I understand, but...I feel useless,” I admitted.

Sebastian nodded knowingly. “I know. I’ve felt that way for the longest time. But just being there for him—it helps more than you realize. Don’t beat yourself up over it.” He tightened his grip on my hand, his thumb brushing gently over my knuckles.

When we reached Sebastian’s apartment, he wasted no time pulling off my clothes and guiding me to his bathroom. We ended up showering together, the water cascading down as his hands roamed over me like he couldn’t get enough. Time felt suspended in there, but as soon as we were done, his phone rang. Again.

While he took the call, I sat on the edge of the bed, watching him move with that effortless confidence. When he hung up, he returned with a hunger that left me breathless. He pushed me onto the bed, kissing me deeply, his hands exploring as if trying to memorize every inch of me.

As I was getting lost in the moment, his phone rang again. And just like that, he was gone, leaving me frustrated and aching for more.

The hours passed, and by four, our time together was slipping away—and he still wasn’t done.

I walked into his office, knocking lightly on the open door. Sebastian gestured for me to come in without pausing his phone call. The office was different from the one in the Hamptons—less oppressive, but still too cold. I looked around while he spoke, my gaze wandering over the room. When I was close enough, his fingers found mine, and he tugged me gently forward. I fell into his lap, and his free arm wrapped securely around my waist.

He muted the call and kissed my neck. “Are you getting impatient?”

“When are you going to be done?”

“This is the last one. I promise,” he said, his mouth brushing against my skin. “I’m losing my patience too.” His hand slid into my pants, grabbing me firmly.

I groaned, letting my eyes flutter shut. “Blow it off,” I told him.

Sebastian chuckled softly. “ You ?”

“The phone call,” I clarified, grinning.

“Five more minutes,” he promised. “I swear I’ll be done.” He unmuted the call, pulling his hand back and resting it casually on the armrest.

I leaned back against his chest, exhaling in frustration. Sebastian was a workaholic through and through. Even now, on a Saturday, he refused to put anything before work.

Still, watching him in his element was mesmerizing. Sebastian was like a shark. Assertive in his personal life, yes , but compared to the man on these calls, he was almost relaxed outside of work. He wielded power and control so effortlessly, even in the middle of this ordeal with his father. And God, it was attractive. I wanted his attention on me, but listening to him like this—composed, commanding, untouchable—only made me want him more.

What would it feel like to have that kind of power?

Thinking about it—about him —was doing nothing to quiet my hunger. If anything, it was setting me on fire. I just needed to shift his focus back to me.

After all, taking control from a powerful man meant taking it for myself too.

My mind drifted to my conversation with Henry yesterday. He hadn’t been wrong—Sebastian was denying me right now. Then again, I wasn’t exactly out of my clothes.

Smirking to myself, I glanced down at the button-down I’d changed into for our family dinner. Slowly, I undid the first button.

Nothing.

Sebastian remained engrossed in his call.

I moved to the second, then the third, waiting a beat.

Still no reaction.

I reached up with both hands and opened the rest of the buttons quickly. This time, Sebastian’s conversation slowed. I let the shirt fall open, and he stuttered over a word before clearing his throat. I smiled, sitting forward on his lap before slipping the shirt off my shoulders.

Sebastian’s eyes flicked to mine, his gaze dark and intense. His fingers brushed over my collarbone. I tilted my head away, baring my neck, and arched my back just slightly. He cleared his throat again, this time more noticeably.

I turned around abruptly, straddling his lap. He eased back, giving me space, his playful expression doing nothing to mask the hunger in his eyes. I leaned in, kissing along his jawline, letting my tongue glide over his skin. He shifted in his seat, his grip on my hips tightening slightly.

When I kissed the shell of his ear, letting my tongue flick against it, he exhaled sharply. A second later, I felt him harden beneath me. I leaned back, watching his face. He didn’t look the least bit sorry—just amused and completely captivated. He shrugged lightly and continued talking into the phone.

I glanced down between us, moving just enough to see the bulge forming in his pants. Grinning, I ran my tongue over my bottom lip. His eyes followed the motion, and he raised his hand, brushing his thumb over my lip.

Throwing caution aside, I reached for his belt, undoing it quickly. Sebastian’s eyes widened slightly, flicking downward to watch as I unfastened his pants and pulled the zipper down. When I slid off his lap and knelt between his legs, his lips curved into a faint smile.

He shook his head lightly, amusement flashing in his dark eyes. “You’re unbelievable,” he muttered.

I tugged his pants and briefs down roughly, freeing him. Wrapping my hand around him, I began stroking slowly. His lips parted slightly, a crease forming between his brows as his breathing hitched.

He set the phone down on the desk, fiddling with it briefly before glancing back at me. “What exactly is your game plan here?”

“You said you were busy,” I replied, my tone light and teasing. “I figured I’d get a head start.”

Sebastian chuckled softly. “Is that all?”

I nodded, holding his gaze. “If you find it in you to cut it short,” I said, shrugging one shoulder lazily, “then I guess you could join me.”

His eyes darkened as they swept over me. “You’re going to be the death of me, Ethan Bennett.”

I grinned, leaning forward to run my tongue along the underside of his cock, my eyes never leaving his. His lips parted further, his jaw tightening as he let out a sharp exhale.

For a moment, he broke eye contact, something from the call pulling his attention. I took it as a challenge. Tightening my grip, I took him into my mouth, making sure to suck as I moved upward. His voice faltered, and I knew I had him exactly where I wanted him.

Sebastian didn’t taste like anything, but he felt hot and heavy on my tongue. The power of it—the knowledge that I could reduce him to a shaking mess—was intoxicating. I focused on everything he’d taught me last time—using my hand to match the rhythm, keeping my pace steady—not too fast, not too slow. Even though he was still talking, his words were growing shorter, clipped, and less coherent.

His hand slid into my hair, his touch light, not pushing me down—just there, brushing through the strands. I glanced up at him, and the sight made my breath hitch. His lips were parted, a faint sheen of spit catching the light. His tongue flicked briefly at the corner of his mouth, and his chest rose and fell unevenly. His dark, focused eyes burned into mine.

I pulled back, letting him slide from my lips before taking him deeper, pushing myself further. Sebastian’s eyelids fluttered shut, and his head fell back against the chair. He bit his lip, hard enough to leave a faint mark, and I could see the strain in his jaw as he fought back a sound. For someone always so composed, it was a revelation. The pleasure written so plainly on his face was beautiful, almost addictive. I wanted to see more of it—needed him to lose himself completely.

I repeated the motion, taking him as far as I could, and he shifted beneath me, lifting his hips slightly. His hand found his phone, pressing something before both hands tangled in my hair, and a long groan escaped him.

“How the fuck did you catch up so quickly?” he rasped, his voice breaking into another groan.

I pulled back just enough to grin at him. “I have a good teacher,” I said with a wink.

He huffed a laugh, the sound strangled. I ran my tongue along the head of his cock while my hand worked over him, earning another groan that made heat pool low in my stomach.

“Come up here,” he said, his voice rough.

“Aren’t you still on your call?” I asked, glancing at the phone on the desk.

“I hung up,” he said simply, grabbing my wrist to pull me to my feet.

He unbuttoned my jeans and tugged them down roughly. His lips trailed from my abdomen to my cock before taking me into his mouth. My head fell back, a shaky moan escaping as I gripped the back of his chair for support.

“Kick them off,” he ordered, and I obeyed seamlessly, stepping out of the fabric.

Sebastian pulled me onto his lap, his mouth finding mine in a deep, consuming kiss. My fingers pressed on his nape, my blunt nails biting into his skin hard enough to make him groan into my mouth.

His hands roamed over me—down my back, gripping my thighs, cupping my ass to pull me flush against him. He shifted forward in his chair, the sound of a drawer opening faint but unmistakable.

I broke the kiss to glance back. “What are you doing?”

He pulled out a small tube, flipping the cap open with practiced ease. “Lube,” he said matter-of-factly before kissing me again. This time, urgency burned in every movement. I wanted him—needed him. Everything about him had become a dangerous addiction—the way his dark eyes smoldered, the curve of his lips when he smirked, the faint scent of cigarettes clinging to his skin, and the way his kisses made my head spin, always just enough to leave me chasing after him.

When his fingers brushed against me, I didn’t flinch. Instead, I shifted, spreading my legs wider to give him more access. Sebastian groaned softly, one hand stroking me as the other breached me. My breath hitched as I adjusted to the sensation, the desk digging into my back as I propped myself on my elbows for balance.

He curved his finger, hitting something inside me that made me cry out. Over and over, he repeated the motion, the growing heat between us making every touch electric. Sweat slicked our skin, and my head tilted back as the pleasure intensified.

“More,” I moaned, my voice raw with need.

Sebastian nodded, pulling his finger out before pressing two inside me. The stretch burned slightly, but it was nothing compared to the waves of pleasure that followed each motion.

“Do you like that, pet?” His voice was a low, mind-altering growl against my ear.

“Yes,” I groaned, desperate. But it wasn’t enough. I grabbed his hair roughly, pulling his lips to mine. “Ash,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“Tell me, darling,” he murmured, his tongue brushing over my lips.

“Let’s do it. Let’s have sex. Right now,” I said, the words tumbling out in a rush.

Sebastian froze, his fingers stilling inside me as his eyes widened. “Ethan?—”

“Yes,” I said firmly, cutting him off. “You said you wanted me to be dying for it. Well, I am. Fuck me, Ash. Please, fuck me.”

He shook his head, groaning. “There’s not enough time.”

“There isn’t,” I agreed, pressing down on his fingers, urging him to move. He resumed the motion, earning another moan from me. “Let’s do it before you leave again,” I pleaded.

He kissed me hard, swallowing my words. “I’m going to make it so good for you, darling. Trust me on that. But we need more time. Henry’s getting here in less than an hour.”

I let out a frustrated groan, my head falling back as his fingers pressed deeper, his pace quickening. “Let’s blow him off too. Stay here with me. Lock the door. Fuck me until you have to leave.”

“You’re killing me.”

“So are you,” I shot back. “Say yes.”

“Please stop asking.” He dropped his head against my shoulder. “I’m not going to be able to hold back.”

“That’s the idea. Please, Ash. I want you.”

Sebastian growled softly, shaking his head. His hand moved faster, and I reached down, stopping him. “No, don’t do that. I don’t want to finish without you.”

His gaze darted to mine, desperate and searching. After a moment, he nodded. “Okay. I have an idea. Bend over the desk.” Time stilled as we stared at each other for a long second. “It’s not sex. I’m not going to do it. But I’ll come with you. Is that okay?”

My breath caught in my throat as I turned to face the desk. The rustle of fabric followed, and I felt his hands on my shoulders, guiding me down.

I placed my palms on the desk, resisting his push at first.

Sebastian leaned over me, his body a firm presence against my back, his lips brushing close to my ear. “Don’t fight me on this. I’m trying to give you what you want. Do you want me to come with you?”

“Yes,” I whispered, barely audible.

“Then don’t fight me, darling,” he urged. “I need you to bend over. You look like a fucking dream like this, fulfilling about a million of my fantasies, but I can’t do it if you don’t help me.”

His words sent a shiver through me, and after a brief war with my pride, I dropped forward, letting him guide me.

Sebastian groaned softly, his hands smoothing over my sides in encouragement. “That’s it, pet. Legs together,” he said, positioning himself behind me, his thighs bracketing mine. He grabbed the lube, the faint sound of the cap snapping open pulling my attention.

“What are you going to do?” I asked, feeling heat creep up my neck.

“Give you a little preview,” he replied simply, his hand pressing between my shoulder blades, pinning me down as he adjusted. He bent his knees, slicking himself before aligning his hips with mine. Slowly, experimentally, he began to rock, sliding his cock between my legs.

The position made my face flush, the intimacy overwhelming.

“Seeing you like this might be enough to get me off,” he murmured, his voice tinged with awe.

I reached back to grab his thigh, trying to spur him on, but he didn’t budge. Instead, he slid a hand up to my neck, curving his fingers to keep me in place.

“Give me a minute to drink you up like this, darling,” he whispered, his lips grazing my ear. “Then I’ll give you what you need.”

I nodded, my breathing uneven.

“Palms flat on the desk,” he commanded, his tone firm but not harsh.

I obeyed, feeling the weight of his control. His hands gripped my hips, pulling me back as he set a slow, measured rhythm. “All of you, pet. Get your chest on the desk too,” he added, his voice as smooth as steel.

My pride flared briefly, the urge to rebel against his dominance flickering to life, but I shoved it down and dropped my chest against the desk.

Sebastian’s fingers tangled in my hair, pulling just enough to hold me down. I closed my eyes, forcing myself to stay still despite the building tension.

He kissed my cheek softly, the tenderness contrasting with the unyielding hardness of his body. “I’ve never wanted anybody more than you, Ethan,” he said, his voice losing its steadiness.

I exhaled, my next words slicing through the moment. “Then stop telling me about it and just fucking take me already.”

His hips stilled. The weight of his breath fell hot and uneven against my neck, and then, a rough, breathless laugh broke free from him. “Tell me,” he said, his voice daring. “How exactly do you want me to take you?”

I hesitated, my mind racing. Then I gave in. “Hard, rough, fast,” I breathed, the words tumbling out in quick succession.

Sebastian’s grip on my hip shifted, his free hand sliding to my cock. He stroked me with intent, his voice thick with promise. “With pleasure. Be loud for me, darling.”

Before I could respond, his pace picked up. His hips snapped against me, each thrust harder than the first, the sound of skin meeting skin echoing in the room. I gasped, unable to keep my voice steady, his name slipping from my lips in broken pleas.

“Push back,” he growled.

I did, matching his rhythm as best I could, the friction driving me closer and closer to the edge. My hand twitched, instinctively reaching for him, but he released my hair and slammed my palm back down.

“Don’t move your hands,” he demanded, his voice rough, and I nodded, surrendering fully to him.

The heat built between us, the room feeling stifling as my body teetered on the brink. “Ash,” I gasped, my breath hitching.

“Tell me, pet,” he said, his voice strained.

“Come on me, Ash.”

“Anything for you,” he murmured, the rawness in his voice unmatched.

I arched my back, pushing harder against him, the pleasure building to an almost unbearable intensity.

“Grab yourself, sweetheart,” he commanded, letting go of my hips to steady me with a firm grip, his fingertips pressing into my skin like a brand.

I stroked myself fast, chasing the release that was so close I could almost taste it.

“Fuck,” Sebastian groaned, his voice thick and guttural as his hands tightened painfully on my hips. He stilled, his body locking up as his climax overtook him.

I gasped when I felt the heat of his release spill onto my skin, the sensation catching me off guard.

“Did you just finish?” I asked breathlessly, turning my head slightly.

He pressed his forehead against my back, exhaling heavily before nodding.

Before I could react, he pulled me upright, his chest pressing flush against my back as his arms wrapped securely around me. His hand slid between my thighs, smearing his cum against my skin before wrapping around my cock again. The slickness made his strokes feel impossibly good, and I closed my eyes, moaning as I leaned into him.

“Grab my hair. Can you reach?” he asked, his voice a deep, sated rumble.

I shifted, managing to hook my fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck, holding on as I tried to steady myself. His free hand trailed along my thighs again, moving lower, and then his fingers pressed into me.

“Oh my God,” I gasped, my body jolting at the intrusion. The angle made it harder, the stretch more intense, but it only heightened the pleasure.

His hand on my cock didn’t falter, his pace relentless as he searched for the spot that would undo me. When he found it, I whined, the sound spilling from my lips unbidden.

“Fuck, that’s it,” I managed, my voice breaking as he pressed against the spot again and again.

“Do you like that?”

I nodded quickly, unable to form words as I gave in to the overwhelming sensations. My toes curled against the plush carpet, my back arching as I chased the release building inside me.

“I could spend the rest of my life watching you come like this and never tire of it. You look so fucking good,” he whispered, his voice thick with awe. His hands were magic, relentless and knowing, driving me closer and closer to the edge. “Ready to finish, covered in my cum?” he murmured, the filthy promise breaking me completely.

His words sent me spiraling over the edge, my climax hitting like a bomb detonating inside me. I cried out, my hand covering his as I spilled over his desk, the intensity of it leaving me trembling and utterly spent. My body felt like it was on fire, every nerve alight as the aftershocks wracked through me.

Sebastian’s fingers slipped from me, and I stumbled back slightly. “Shit, wait,” he muttered, steadying me with his hands on my waist as I swayed.

I winced as his mess smeared further on my skin, but the ridiculousness of it made me laugh softly.

He chuckled, pulling me back into his lap as he collapsed into his chair. I let my head fall back against his shoulder, my breathing ragged as I tried to collect myself.

Sebastian glanced at his hand, then at me, a wry smile curling his lips. “What a fucking mess,” he said, his voice warm with amusement.

I laughed, the sound coming out hoarse. “We might need another shower,” I told him, clearing my throat.

“You think?”

I couldn’t help but chuckle again, my body limp and spent from the pleasure. I couldn’t even imagine what actual sex with Sebastian would feel like if this was how far we’d come without it.

“I’ll get us there as soon as I can get my legs to start working again,” he added, leaning his head back with a satisfied sigh.

“Too much work for you, old man?” I teased, earning a laugh from him.

“Not nearly, trust me,” he replied with a grin. “You’re just short. Makes it harder when I have to bend down that much.”

I elbowed him lightly in the ribs, making him laugh louder.

“What? It’s the truth.”

“You could still be nicer about it,” I grumbled, though I was smiling.

Sebastian pressed a kiss to my cheek, his affection warming me. He was still holding his hand awkwardly away from his body, trying not to touch anything else.

“Just clean it on me. I’m already a mess.”

“No,” he said firmly, pushing me forward with his chest. “Get up. Let’s get to the shower. Henry’s going to be here any minute now.”

We kissed through the entire shower, barely finishing in time to dress before heading downstairs. I slid into the back seat, expecting Sebastian to ride up front with Henry, but he joined me instead.

“Do I look like your fucking Uber driver?” Henry asked with a chuckle, sounding like his usual self.

Relief washed over me at the return of his normal attitude.

“Hey,” I greeted, reaching out to pat his shoulder.

Henry smiled in response before Sebastian settled close to me, his arm slipping possessively around my shoulders.

“I’m leaving tomorrow, and this car ride is all the time I have with him before I go. Drive and don’t complain.”

My heart raced as he leaned in and kissed me. It was the first time he’d kissed me so openly in front of someone else, even if it was Henry.

“You’ve turned into a fucking teenager,” Henry muttered.

Sebastian chuckled against my lips. “You used to do it to me too. Consider it retribution,” Sebastian said, his grin impossibly handsome as he pulled me closer, his hands greedy.

I kissed the side of his jaw, and he turned to press his lips to mine again.

“When I was in high school,” Henry argued, rolling his eyes.

“Fine then,” Sebastian quipped, turning back to him. “Play something loud on the radio while I make out with my high school boyfriend. Just make sure you keep your eyes on the road so you don’t catch me sticking my hand down his pants.”

Henry laughed loudly, and my eyes widened in shock, heat rushing to my face. It was clearly a joke, but the casual use of the word “boyfriend” made my heart skip, butterflies erupting in my stomach.

“That happened once. I was drunk and sixteen. You can’t hold that against me,” Henry said, still chuckling as Sebastian joined in.

I met Henry’s gaze in the rearview mirror, and he gave me a knowing smirk before focusing back on the road. Sebastian said something else, but I didn’t hear it. My mind was too preoccupied. There had been a shift in me, subtle but undeniable, brought on by his touch and proximity.

Sebastian turned to face me, his dark-brown eyes intimate. His lips curved into a smile that felt like it was meant just for me, and in that moment, I knew.

I was falling in love with Sebastian Langley, and there was no stopping it now. Full throttle ahead—I was in deep fucking trouble.