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CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

ETHAN

O ver the next few days, my favorite pastime became discovering Sebastian’s little quirks hidden around his apartment. At first glance, the place seemed almost too empty—minimalist to a fault—but the more I explored, the more I realized it was just meticulously organized. Hidden cabinets and discreet bookcases filled every corner, neatly stashing his belongings. He told me most of his things were still at his apartment in DC, but this space held the essentials he always needed. It only made it that much more interesting when I did find something.

One day, I stumbled across a bookcase in his living room packed with fantasy novels. When I asked him about it, he admitted he’d been a big reader as a kid and still liked to revisit them from time to time. Then he looked at me like I’d grown a second head when I admitted I hadn’t read—or even heard of—most of them. That happened the same Saturday we had sex for the first time. Later that afternoon, after we’d gone for another round (this time with Sebastian insisting on taking it slow), he pulled a book from the shelf, told me all about why he loved it, and handed it to me to read. I started it that night, curled up beside him in bed while he worked on his laptop.

The next day, I discovered his perfume collection, tucked behind the mirror in the bathroom after we’d showered. There were hundreds of bottles. He pointed out the one he wore most often and explained that, while he usually stuck to one or two, he just liked having them. He sprayed it on himself, and I moved close to smell it on his skin. Then he picked one for me, claiming it suited me better. He leaned in to check if it smelled right, and one kiss on my neck later, we were tumbling back into bed.

We barely left it all day.

By Monday, Sebastian’s full staff arrived at the house. The cleaning lady, his chef, and Aria all came bustling in as though it were routine. Aria even brought me clothes—or rather, Sebastian bought them and had her pass them to me while she went over his meetings for the day. I liked her. She was sharp-tongued and had no problem scolding Sebastian, which was both entertaining and refreshing.

It felt odd having people around as we went about our day, but Sebastian seemed completely at ease. Jodi, his chef, told me Sebastian had been eating the exact same breakfast since the day they met five years ago. Apparently, it was a rare treat when Jodi got to make something different. She made me protein pancakes with whipped ricotta and fresh berries, which were so good I scarfed them down happily. Meanwhile, Sebastian sat beside me, eating his usual: three eggs, a single piece of toast, and black coffee.

Aria kept sneaking glances at me throughout the morning. After I’d changed into the sweatpants they got me, I told Sebastian I was heading out for a while. I’d aimed to say a quick goodbye, but Sebastian had other ideas.

“Can you give me a minute, Ari?” he asked, pulling me toward him on the couch.

Aria stood with a knowing sigh, walking toward the kitchen.

Sebastian leaned in and kissed my neck, and I tried to push him back, self-conscious.

“Hey.”

He chuckled softly. “What? I’m just kissing you,” he said, moving to press his lips against mine. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone,” he whispered, his voice low and warm.

My face flushed as I leaned into his kiss despite myself. “Are you turning corny on me now?”

He huffed a laugh. “I’m leaving in a bit. I think I’ll be back around eight, okay?” he said.

I nodded.

“Are you coming back before lunch?”

“I was planning to stop by my apartment to grab some stuff.”

He hummed against my neck, his arms wrapping tighter around my waist.

“You’re getting a little too handsy for this to be public,” I muttered, trying to wriggle free, but he just laughed.

“I’m sorry. Apparently, mind-numbingly great sex makes me clingy,” he said, his lips brushing against my skin.

“I have to go,” I insisted, pushing at his chest.

He sighed dramatically but leaned back. “Fine. See you later. I’ll have Jodi leave food ready in case you come back earlier,” he said, leaning in for one last kiss on my lips.

“Thanks,” I said, laughing softly as I tried to pry his hands off me.

He groaned in frustration, which only made me laugh harder.

“Bye, Ash,” I said, stepping away. He winked at me, and I turned to the others. “Bye, guys,” I called, waving as I walked toward the elevator.

Just as the doors were closing, I heard Sebastian laugh loudly. Glancing back, I caught Aria giving him a stern look, her hands firmly planted on her hips.

* * *

By Wednesday, I was starting to feel more at ease around everyone. Jodi kept making amazing food, Bertha, the housekeeper, would gently usher me out of the room and toward the table, and Aria chatted with me while Sebastian stayed absorbed in his phone. In my explorations, I had also discovered his vinyl record collection, an impressive assortment of board games, and an absurd number of chargers and cables, all meticulously stored away.

“Is he like a closeted hoarder?” I asked Aria, who laughed while nodding.

“It’s more of a shopping addiction. Have you seen his closet yet?”

“I have good taste, and I like pretty things. There’s nothing wrong with indulging,” Sebastian chimed in, smiling at me and reaching for my cheek.

I dodged his touch with a smirk. “Yeah? Then why the board games?” I teased, watching him try to hide his smile behind his coffee cup.

“Mr. Langley is downstairs for you,” Bertha announced, stepping into the room.

Sebastian’s face immediately tensed. “Which one?”

“Mr. Henry,” she clarified.

His shoulders relaxed. “Have him come up, Bertha. Thank you,” he said cordially, returning his attention to his phone.

Henry walked in a minute later. “Oh, hey, full house,” he greeted, plopping down at the table beside me and immediately picking at my plate.

“Have you eaten?” Sebastian asked, his tone more amused than annoyed.

Before Henry could answer, Jodi appeared with a plate in hand.

“I guess I haven’t,” Henry said, grinning and tapping Jodi on the back. “Still as hot as ever,” he added with a wink toward Aria.

“That’s my cue to leave,” Aria said, rolling her eyes.

“I’ve been hitting on her for years,” Henry said, grinning at me. “She thinks I’m not serious, but I’m telling you, our kids would be stunning.”

“Are you leaving with me?” Aria asked Sebastian, who nodded regretfully.

“See you at eight?” I asked as Sebastian turned to me with a playful pout.

“See you at eight, darling,” he said, pulling me toward him and planting a kiss on my cheek. “Are you tagging along?” he asked Henry.

“I didn’t come to see you. I figured Ethan was here,” Henry replied, smirking.

Sebastian arched his brows. “Fine.” He turned back to me, tilted my chin up, and pressed a kiss to my lips. “Please don’t be drunk when I get back,” he said softly, pressing another kiss to seal the deal. He shot Henry a warning look before leaving.

As soon as the door closed, Henry grinned at me. “So, this sure went from high school boyfriends to married couple in a matter of weeks.”

“Fuck off.”

“Have you been staying over?”

“Yeah, since Friday. He asked me to,” I admitted, taking a sip of coffee to busy myself.

Henry’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Ash asked you?”

“He’s working here this week, so…” I trailed off, but Henry kept staring at me like I’d grown a second head. “What?”

“Nothing,” he said, but his expression betrayed him as he took a bite of his food.

“It’s clearly something.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never heard of him doing extended sleepovers before.” Henry shrugged, glancing at Jodi. “Have you, Jodi?”

“Not past one night,” Jodi chimed in casually.

“Ash is so weird about you,” Henry said, the statement making my heart race.

“I think he wanted to end things after Friday,” I confessed quietly.

“Because of your jealous frenzy?” Henry guessed, smirking.

“Yeah, that…and then—” I stopped abruptly, glancing back toward the kitchen.

“Do you want to step out for a smoke?” Henry offered, giving me a way out.

I nodded gratefully, and he grabbed his plate as we headed to the balcony.

“So, what’s the dish?” he asked, grinning.

We started at each other for a minute.

“Don’t make me say it.”

Henry laughed. “Good for Ash—poor sod was gagging for it,” he said, almost looking proud.

“Yeah, yeah,” I said, trying to wave him off, though my face heated.

“So…” Henry said, his grin widening.

“What?”

“How was it?”

“You really want me to tell you how sex with your brother went?” I asked incredulously.

“Not the specifics, clearly, but it was your first time with a guy. You’re good, right?” His tone softened slightly.

“Yeah, I’m good. It was…great,” I admitted, pressing my lips together to stifle a smile. Henry grinned knowingly, and I finally gave in, laughing. “Fucking mind-blowing fantastic, honestly. We haven’t stopped since Saturday.”

Sex with Ash was an eye-opening experience for sure. Everything I thought would be demeaning was the exact opposite. Giving him control, surrendering to him, felt like nothing I had ever felt. It was like my body craved it before my mind had a chance to catch up.

“That’s great, E. I’m glad for you. Both of you.” He ruffled my hair like I was a kid, and I swatted his hand away.

“You’re so fucking weird.”

“Is he really that good?” Henry pressed.

I nodded emphatically. “He should get an award. He’s that good.”

Henry leaned back, frowning. “That’s actually a little upsetting. I’m kinda jealous now.”

“What exactly are you jealous of?”

“Don’t make it weird. I just wish someone would say that about me. And I’m regretting having slept with Chris after him.”

“So fucking weird,” I repeated, shaking my head.

Henry shrugged. “Why did you think he wanted to end it?”

“We tried on Friday after the fight. It didn’t work out. I freaked out, we talked… I sort of asked him if he had feelings for me, and he figured out I was lying about it being just sex. But then we did it, and that changed everything again. I think. I’m not sure what’s going through his head,” I admitted.

“I think there’s only one thing going through his head at the moment. You had the guy on abstinence for months. Can’t say I blame him,” Henry said, leaning back in his chair.

“It’s the only thing on my mind too. Only I’m not exactly keen on the end date,” I confessed.

“Doesn’t look like he is, either,” Henry said.

I smiled to myself, hoping he was right. “I’m going with him to Barcelona on Monday.”

“Yeah, I know,” he admitted.

“Does Ash tell you everything?” I asked, feeling a twinge of annoyance.

Henry snorted, shaking his head. “He didn’t tell me you’d had sex, so no, he doesn’t tell me everything. I didn’t know you were having an extended slumber party, either.” He grabbed my vape and took a drag. “I’m taking the meeting at South Beach tomorrow,” he added.

“That’s great.”

Henry shrugged, but I could see the hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “I think I might crash your international date too.”

Honestly, that was a relief. I wasn’t sure I could entertain Sebastian one-on-one for that long without either of us needing some space. Sebastian had this commanding presence that made everything about him feel so…intense.

* * *

I spent the rest of the day with Henry, and we ended up back on the terrace that evening. True to his word, he didn’t get me drunk, but somehow, he managed to procure weed.

When Sebastian came home, he found us laughing and passing a joint on the terrace.

“I should’ve been more specific, shouldn’t I?” he said dryly, stopping in the doorway.

Henry and I both burst into laughter.

Sebastian shook his head and walked over to me.

“Hey.” I tugged on his tie to pull him down for a kiss.

His lips brushed mine slowly, his hand lingering at my waist. Sebastian sat down in another chair, his expression tighter than usual.

“How was work?” Henry asked, taking a lazy drag from the joint.

Sebastian shrugged, lighting a cigarette.

I glanced at my watch—quarter to six. “You’re really early,” I pointed out, rather stupidly. He probably knew that already. I pressed my lips together to stifle a laugh.

“I wasn’t in the mood to stay,” he said flatly.

Then I saw it—the taut line of his shoulders, the slight downward pull at the corners of his mouth. He was in a bad mood. Without thinking, I pushed up from my chair and climbed into his lap.

Sebastian’s eyebrows shot up, surprised, but I ignored it, leaning in to press a kiss to his jaw. His arms instinctively wrapped around my waist, holding me close.

“Do you want a smoke?” I offered.

Henry immediately snorted. “That’s one of Ash’s big no-nos,” he explained with a knowing smirk.

“What?”

“No drugs,” Sebastian said simply, taking a drag from his cigarette.

“Seriously? But the smoking, the drinking, the shopping…” I trailed off, genuinely confused.

Henry burst out laughing, and even Sebastian chuckled softly.

“That’s exactly why, darling. I don’t need to add to the list.”

“Shit. Are you mad I did?”

Sebastian shook his head and pressed a quick kiss to my cheek. “Not mad. You’re free to do as you like.”

“Well, I’m off,” Henry announced, slapping his thighs and standing. “I have an early flight, and you two are getting very close, very fast.”

He left with a wink, and I stayed curled up on Sebastian’s lap while he smoked quietly.

“Do you like Henry?”

“Yeah, I do. You know I do,” I replied, smiling to myself.

“You know what I mean.”

“I don’t like him like that. We’re friends. Why would you even think that?” I asked, sitting up to look at him properly.

“You seem really relaxed around him. You’ve known each other practically the same amount of time, and you have private jokes,” he said, his voice tinged with something I couldn’t quite place.

“Yeah, because we’re friends.” His bad mood was still lingering, and I didn’t want to stir it up further. “You and I have private jokes too. They’re just dirtier,” I added, flashing him a grin.

Sebastian chuckled, some of the tension easing. “Speaking of which,” he said, crushing his cigarette in the ashtray, “I have a surprise for you. Get up.”

Curious, I followed him to the bedroom. He stopped just inside the doorway, looking down at me expectantly.

“What?”

He nodded toward the wall.

I turned—and burst out laughing. “Are you serious?”

Sebastian nodded with a wide grin, stepping behind me and wrapping his arms around my neck. Together, we looked at our reflection in the full-length mirror now standing directly across from his bed. We looked good together, his bigger frame wrapping itself over mine.

“I figured this could solve our problem,” he murmured, biting his lip.

“What problem?”

“You said you didn’t like bending over because you couldn’t see my face,” he whispered.

My cheeks burned as I closed my eyes in embarrassment. “You’re such a fucking pervert,” I muttered, and Sebastian’s laughter filled the room.

* * *

Less than half an hour later, I hated to admit he’d been right.

Sebastian knelt behind me, his hands gripping my hips, fingers pressing into my skin as he pulled me back onto him. It felt deeper—better —each drag of his cock sending waves of pleasure through me. But the best part wasn’t the feeling—it was his face.

Sebastian’s gaze darted between our reflection in the mirror and the place where our bodies joined, unable to decide which view worked better for him. His lips were parted, his expression caught somewhere between awe and hunger. Every push forward contorted his features with ecstasy, and the strain in his muscles only made him look even more incredible.

I’d expected this position to feel demeaning, but the way he looked at me—like I was the best thing he’d ever touched—made me feel powerful. In that moment, it was like I had him in the palm of my hand, completely undone by me.

“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered. His hand slid up my back, spreading heat along my skin, before he leaned forward. One hand braced against the bed, the other curved around to my neck, holding me in place. Our eyes locked in the mirror, and he groaned, the sound thick with want.

“Spread your legs,” he commanded.

I dropped lower, my chest grazing the bed, and the head of my cock rubbed against the sheets, teasing me in the best way. Sebastian’s moan filled the air as his gaze flicked down to my body.

“So fucking perfect,” he murmured, his grip tightening. He thrust harder, his hand firm on my neck, and I let out a high, needy sound.

“That’s good,” I managed, my voice trembling with pleasure.

Sebastian nodded, his movements growing more intense. “Do you like that, pet?”

“Yes, but go harder, Ash,” I said, a teasing smile curling my lips.

His eyes snapped to mine in the mirror, dark and wild. “Yeah?”

“Yeah. Come on, give me tough love .”

A groan ripped from his throat, and I knew I’d said the right thing. He loved it when I asked for it. His hand left my neck to grab my wrist, pulling my chest flat against the bed. His other hand fisted in my hair, tugging hard to keep me in place. I couldn’t see him anymore, but I could feel him—his face close to my neck, his panting breaths warming my oversensitive skin.

Something about giving him this power—of feeling him take it—was just so fucking hot.

He didn’t speed up. Instead, he drove into me harder, deeper, his cock rubbing just right as the friction against the sheets sent jolts of pleasure through me. I arched instinctively, chasing the sensation.

“God, you’re a fucking dream, Ethan,” he rasped.

Wet kisses trailed along the back of my neck, making me shudder.

“I want to spill inside you,” he whispered.

I nodded into the mattress, completely lost to him.

His grip on my hair tightened, sending a sharp jolt of pleasure through my spine. “Do you want that too?” he asked, his breathing ragged and uneven.

“Yes,” I gasped.

Sebastian let go of my wrist and moved his hand under me. I frowned when I didn’t feel it wrapping around my dick.

“Drop down on the bed,” he growled in my ear.

I obeyed, feeling his palm open under my cock.

As he thrust into me, his hand created just enough friction to drive me mad. It was teasing, perfect, and unbearable all at once. My body trembled, and I moaned helplessly, overwhelmed by the sensations. I ground my hips down on his hand, chasing the feeling.

“Don’t do it yourself,” he murmured. “Just push back against me. I’ll get you there, pet.”

I nodded, moving in rhythm with his thrusts. Our bodies were slick with sweat, sliding together with each push.

He held me there for what felt like hours, my body begging for release while he kept holding me back, keeping his thrusts slow and even. I both loved and hated how he held me in that place, refusing to let me fall over the edge.

“Please,” I begged.

“I’m sorry, darling,” he whispered, his lips brushing against my cheek. “You feel so fucking good. Just a little longer. Let me have your body a little longer.”

Frustrated, I reached back, grabbing his hair and pulling hard.

He groaned in response. “Ah, don’t get mad,” he teased, his tone light but wrecked with desire. “Look how much you like it.”

His thumb brushed over the head of my cock, and I sobbed at the intensity of the sensation, my body convulsing.

“You love it, don’t you? You love how I fuck you.”

“Yes.”

His thumb slid over me again, and I shuddered violently, teetering on the brink.

“Ah, ah, ah. Not yet,” he said, stopping just before I could tip over.

A frustrated groan escaped me, muffled into the mattress. My body was trembling, every nerve alight. Sebastian stayed still, giving me just enough time to calm down before he began moving again.

“This is fucking torture,” I muttered.

Sebastian chuckled softly, his lips grazing my neck. “Not having you is torture. This? This is fucking heaven.”

I closed my eyes tightly, caught between annoyance and desire.

He started moving again, his thrusts slow at first, but building in intensity, each one rougher than the last.

I released his hair, pressing my hand against the bed to steady myself as his pace quickened.

“That’s it, pet. Give in to it,” he said, his voice a husky whisper.

“Please.”

“No,” he murmured against my skin, almost apologetically. “I want to fuck you for hours.”

I let out a whine and pushed my hips back hard, meeting his thrust. The movement caught him off guard, and he gasped, his breath faltering. I did it again, adding more force, and this time he groaned deeply, the sound vibrating against my neck.

“That’s good. Keep doing that,” he said, thrusting harder in response.

For a second, I thought I had him, that he might finally give in. But his breathing evened out again, his self-control frustratingly intact. He moaned softly into my neck, and I let out a helpless noise.

I felt his smirk against my skin. “I’m sorry, my darling. I’ve been doing this for as long as you’ve been alive. Beautiful effort, though. Keep going.”

I had half a mind to pull his hair again.

Then he ground his hips down hard, his cock pressing deep, his hand rubbing over me perfectly. I gasped, teetering on the edge. He did it again, just once more, and I was so close—so fucking close.

And then he stopped.

“You’re a fucking asshole,” I growled, my voice muffled against the bed.

Sebastian laughed. “You’ll catch more bees with honey.”

He started again, and I tried to push my hips down against his hand, desperate for friction. He froze, his voice suddenly firm and his hand tightening in my hair. “Don’t cheat, or I won’t let you come at all.”

I forced myself to relax, letting my body sink into the bed, and he started thrusting again. I tried a different approach. “Ash,” I moaned, letting my voice take on that breathy, pleading tone I knew he loved.

“That’s more like it, pet. Keep going,” he encouraged.

I pushed back against him and moaned his name over and over.

He released the hold he had on my hair and braced his forearm on the bed. His fingers curled under my chin and tugged upward. “Look up, darling,” he said, his voice rough with desire.

I did as he asked, opening my eyes and meeting his in the mirror.

We were both wrecked. Our hair was a mess, our faces flushed, and Sebastian’s eyes were dark and half-lidded, lost in the pleasure of it all.

He bared his teeth slightly, grinding into me with more force. “Let me see you come.”

“Yes,” I gasped, barely able to form the word.

“Don’t close your eyes. Look at me,” he commanded, his gaze locking on mine.

He thrust harder, his cock dragging perfectly inside me. My hands twisted in the sheets, gripping so tightly I thought they might tear.

“Fuck,” I groaned, my breath catching.

Sebastian thrust again, harder this time, grinding into me with precision. He kept going, his pace turning relentless as he did it over and over again.

It was too much, and finally, I shattered.

My body arched as the pleasure ripped through me, my muscles contracting as my orgasm surged. I gasped and trembled, my mind blank and my body overwhelmed.

“You’re perfect,” he whispered, his voice filled with awe.

“Ash,” I breathed, barely coherent.

He was still moving, his thrusts losing their rhythm as he chased his own release. He pulled out suddenly, discarding the condom and stroking himself roughly as his other hand grabbed my hip hard enough to leave marks.

“Ethan,” he groaned, his voice breaking.

The heat of his release pooled on my lower back, and he leaned over me, his weight braced on one hand as he rode out the aftershocks.

“Fuck,” he exhaled harshly, his body still trembling. Our eyes met in the mirror once more, and he smiled, his expression soft and blissful. “That was fantastic.”

I returned his smile weakly, turning my cheek against the bed. I felt utterly boneless, my body spent in the best possible way.

Sebastian sat back, running a hand through his damp hair. He glanced toward the bathroom and then back at me. When I shook my head, he chuckled and grabbed a shirt, using it to clean my back.

He climbed back onto the bed, lying beside me. I kissed his shoulder lightly, feeling the comfort of his warmth next to me.

“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.”

I stared at him, the honesty in his expression disarming. “Okay,” I said finally.

His face lit up with a boyish smile. “I can’t wait,” he said, biting his lip before leaning down to kiss me again.

My chest tightened at the thought. He didn’t want to close the door on us. Not yet. “Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Do you kiss everybody like this, Ash?” My voice was small, uncertain, but I couldn’t hold the question back.

Sebastian’s smile softened, and he shook his head.

I searched his face for any hint of a lie, but all I saw was truth.

His smile grew, and he pressed his lips to mine again. “I’ve never liked kissing anybody like I like kissing you.”

My fingers tightened in his hair as I parted my lips, inviting him in.

“I love kissing you, almost as much as you love it,” he teased, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“I do,” I admitted.

“Do you kiss everybody like this?”

“No. Definitely not. Nothing I’ve done even comes close to you,” I said honestly.

Something passed between us—something electric and far more intimate than what we’d just done. The way our eyes locked on each other, it was like the moment was suspended in space. Stretching in time.

Sebastian’s smile faltered, and I watched as his walls came back up.

His eyes drifted from mine, and he cleared his throat. “Well, I’m glad you’re liking me so far,” he said lightly, but the warmth from moments ago was gone. He sat up. “Do you want to eat anything?”

I watched him walk to the bathroom, regret twisting in my chest. “Sure, Ash.”