Frayed Obsession, page 16
I want to know what she’s hiding.
I want to know who gives her nightmares every night.
I want to know everything.
My gaze flicks to her lips, waiting for her to give me an answer, but her breath hitches.
Grace’s face is still cradled in my hand, and I would only need to lean down to take her mouth with mine—pry the words she refuses to say from her with my tongue. Without conscious thought, I find myself leaning down just like that until my lips hover over hers, so close I can feel their warmth radiating onto mine. “Tell me,” I say, the words causing my lips to brush against hers.
Grace shakes her head, the move causing even more friction between us, but whether she realises or not, she’s answered one of my questions. I step even closer to her, but she takes a step away, and we end in exactly the same position. I’m not letting her get away so easily, though, and I take another step, but this time when she retreats, she backs into the island bench, effectively blocking her escape. With one last step, I bring myself to where I intended to be the first time, though I have to say this worked out even better.
“Tell me,” I say again, still wanting a name, this time adding more pressure to my lips, so she feels the enunciation of my words as I speak.
Grace draws in a breath, but with our position, she sucks the air straight from my slightly parted lips, and I almost lose it.
“Do you want to watch a movie?” Grace rushes out, and the question is so unexpected I almost jolt back.
It’s clear she’s trying to distract me from our non-conversation, but the moment is gone. For now. One day she’s going to tell me.
I should say no. Things have already gone too far between us. I’m not sure how much further I can push it before I lose all restraint, but I’m also not ready for the night to end yet.
“Okay.”
I let my hand fall from her face, and we go our separate ways for the moment.
After taking Shadow downstairs, I find Grace set up on the couch in front of the large flatscreen television in the lounge area. I take a seat on the end of the couch, leaving enough room between us so as not to impose on the space she put between us minutes before. I can’t even remember the last time I sat down to watch a movie or any television.
Shadow wanders past Grace and me, and although she’s still a little wary at times, she doesn’t seem to be afraid of him anymore. Though she mustn’t be expecting it because when he leaps onto the other end of the couch, she jumps at the sudden move, inadvertently putting her closer to me. When Shadow curls up beside her, she relaxes a little when he appears content to stay where he is. I can only imagine she’s keeping one eye on him, though.
I suppress a chuckle at the thought, but not well enough, and her head spins towards me. “What?” she asks.
“Nothing,” I say, but I can’t stop the smirk that breaks through at the adorable crease between her brows. The crease deepens, but her eyes light up, and I wish I could see them at their brightest.
“What should we watch?” Grace asks.
“Whatever you like,” I say, focussing on the flatscreen for the first time.
Grace flicks through different movies, and I notice she’s using one of those movie streaming apps.
“Mason set it up,” she says before I can ask.
Fuck. Clearly, I’ve been distracted. I hadn’t even thought about them crossing paths, but it was obviously going to happen. I’ve been too preoccupied with everything else to think of it.
Mason Taylor is a good guy. Ex-army special forces. Worked security since leaving the service. I’ve asked him to come work for me numerous times. It’s better pay, better perks, but he humbly declines each time.
Grace finally settles on a movie, though I wasn’t really paying attention to what she picked. Five minutes in, it’s obvious that it’s some kind of action movie.
Did she pick this because she wanted to watch it or because she thought I did?
After another ten minutes, I have my answer when a soft sound escapes her. She’s asleep. The blanket rests on top of the couch between Grace and Shadow, so I lean back and reach for it, stretching my arm out. Only the shift of the couch cushion causes her to tilt into me—her head now resting on my chest.
I freeze, my fingers clutching the blanket. If it wasn’t for the movie playing, I’m sure I’d hear my own heartbeat over Grace’s soft breathing.
When she doesn’t wake up, I slowly pull the blanket across and drape it over her. It takes a few minutes for my muscles to relax, and I try to focus on the movie playing, but the longer I try to concentrate, the more I find my eyes feeling heavy. Before I know it, I succumb to the weight of exhaustion pulling me under.
Blinking my eyes open, I can’t remember when I’ve slept so deep. The weight against my side is a quick reminder of where I am. How long was I asleep for? I turn to the television for some sort of clue and see the credits rolling. Damn.
My head feels foggy like I’ve been asleep all night. With a quick shake of my head, I attempt to stretch, but at some point, my arm has slid from the back of the couch and is now wrapped around Grace’s side.
My fingers flex against her hip, and despite fighting a battle with myself all week, I let myself have this moment. Sliding my hand up from her hip to the middle of her back, I finger the loose hair at the end of her braid, letting the silken strands fall through my fingers. A soft sound escapes her, and I pause, but she just leans further into me and settles again.
The light from the kitchen casts a glow over her face, and I take in every detail. Dark lashes lay against her cheeks, and her skin is smooth and free of makeup, as it always is whenever I catch a glimpse of her. Small puffs of air escape her slightly parted lips, and I remember exactly how they felt against mine. Resting my head back on the couch, I stare at the ceiling, my fingers still playing with her hair.
It feels good having her in my arms.
Too good.
I can almost feel the shift inside me—my heart warming even more from inside its cold shield.
Sighing, I carefully extricate myself from the couch while making sure not to let Grace fall. I pull the blanket off and throw it over the back of the sofa before lifting Grace into my arms. She sighs against my chest but doesn’t wake—a testament to how little sleep she’s been getting.
Shadow lifts his head, and from his tired eyes, it’s clear he took to napping instead of watching the movie as well.
A faint vanilla scent surrounds Grace, and I breathe it in before heading for the bedrooms, knowing Shadow will follow me. And as expected, he immediately finds a place by the bed to curl up when we enter the room.
It takes a bit of manoeuvring, but I manage to pull the covers back, place Grace down, and tuck the covers back over her. Brushing the hair from her face, I run my thumb over the scar again before leaning down and pressing my lips to it. Her brow relaxes under my touch, and it’s harder than I thought it would be to pull away. So much so I find myself stalling as I crouch in front of Shadow, massaging his head and ears while he leans into the attention.
Up until a week ago, he spent most nights on my bed, but since Grace arrived, I’ve slept alone. Maybe I should get him his own bed for in here. Although, I doubt he’d get much use from it as there’s an expiration date on her stay here.
And I really don’t know how I feel about that anymore.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Emery
Disoriented, I blink my eyes until they adjust to the dark room. Shadow’s light snoring carries through the air, and I sigh in relief at the familiar sound and the recognizable features of the room I’ve been staying in for the past week.
A fuzzy memory of being in Sebastian’s arms comes back to me. Along with one of Sebastian’s lips pressed against my forehead, my scar.
Did that really happen?
Lifting my hand, I brush my fingers against the scar above my eyebrow. I’ll never forget the day I got it. It was the same day I realised I had no other option but to escape him.
I never expected Sebastian to want to sit down for dinner together. Apart from our two close encounters, we’ve mostly kept to ourselves, but last night was different.
I nearly told him.
I don’t know how he knows anything, but when he stood in front of me with his hand on my face and his lips against mine, asking me to tell him who I was running from, I nearly did.
It feels like a dream, except the last thing I remember is being on the couch, and I don’t remember putting myself to bed. And from the less than comfortable clothing situation, it’s apparent I’m still wearing my jeans and not the leggings that have become my go-to ‘pyjamas.’
The door opens, and I still. I close my eyes and try to even out my breathing.
Most mornings, I hear Sebastian come in to get Shadow before his morning run, and every time, I pretend to be asleep.
Soft steps enter the room, and I hear Shadow rouse, but they don’t leave straight away. I struggle to keep up the act, and my heart beats too loud. It’s probably only a minute before the door clicks shut again, and I blow out a long breath.
Turning over, I pull the sheets over my shoulders, holding them tight around me. My mind can’t seem to stop the replay of last night. Something shifted. His questions felt personal. Even when he asked me how old I was, it felt more.
Twenty.
I missed my birthday.
I didn’t even notice the date come and go nearly a month ago.
Another year older. Restless, I turn over again, burrowing under the thick covers so only the top of my head is exposed. Then there was Easton’s unexpected visit as well.
Could he really find out anything about me?
I thought about telling Sebastian what happened, but what good would that do? I do believe Easton is only looking out for Sebastian—he needs someone who cares for him like that around. I don’t want to come between him and his best friend.
I try to go back to sleep, but after tossing and turning for half an hour, I finally throw the covers off and sit up. Muted morning light filters through the bedroom as I pull the curtains open. It’s still early, but between the grey overcast sky and the darker clouds on the horizon, it doesn’t look like we’ll have much sun today.
After making the bed, I head for the kitchen, but as I’m about to turn, the lift doors slide open, and Sebastian steps out with Shadow at his side.
He’s looking at his phone, so he doesn’t notice me standing there, giving me plenty of time to take him in. He’s wearing a pair of black sweats with a black t-shirt that shows off his arms perfectly.
I’ve only ever seen him in something other than a suit a few times and never from this close. He might never wear a tie and often ditches his jacket, but he still always looks the part.
This.
This is something else, and I’m not sure which I like more. There’s something exhilarating about seeing him like this. His hair is damp, darkened with sweat from his run, and despite that, all I want to do is run my fingers through it.
Still unaware of my presence, he grabs the bottom of his shirt and lifts it, revealing the dips and lines of his hard stomach, and I gulp. He then uses the material to wipe the bottom of his face, catching any rivulets of sweat before they fall.
My focus gravitates to the deep V-like grooves disappearing beneath his black sweats and what I would find if I followed them. I’m so invested in what I see, I don’t notice Shadow heading my way until he’s right in front of me, drawing Sebastian’s line of sight.
I snap my gaze away from his bared skin as he drops the edge of his shirt, letting it fall back into place. But from the dark look he gives me, I know I’ve been caught.
My face feels like it’s on fire, and it only gets hotter when he stalks towards me. His chest brushes against mine as he stops in front of me, the movement causing the lace of my bra to graze my nipples, hardening them between us.
“If you’re going to look at me like that, Grace,” he says, grasping my chin and tilting it up towards him. “You need to be prepared for what it’s going to make me do.”
My breath stutters. He smells like sweat and something I can only describe as uniquely Sebastian.
Intoxicating.
“What would it make you do?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
He leans down, his lips brushing mine so lightly I can’t be sure they actually made contact before he brings them to my ear.
“Something I shouldn’t want to do, but it’s getting really fucking hard to stop myself. Especially when you stand there, caressing my body with your eyes to the point I can practically feel your touch on me, your mouth, tracing every part of me,” he says, each word sending shivers through my body as his lips move against my ear in a gentle torture.
Our chests move together with each breath, the friction of the lace continuing to make my nipples tingle. Then he grabs my hip with his free hand, his fingers flexing. “Is this what you want?” he asks, using my hip to pull me closer so our bodies are completely flush with each other.
I gasp as his hard length presses into my stomach.
“Because if it’s not, then you need to stop.” He nips at my earlobe, and I shudder.
I wasn’t aware I was doing anything. I had no idea I was affecting him like this, but if this is his reaction, I’m not sure I want to stop.
Sebastian drags his mouth back to mine, his lips hovering just out of reach.
“Be ready in ten,” he says, letting go of my chin and releasing my hip before stepping past me and heading for the hallway.
Before I can even gather my thoughts or ask what we’re doing, he’s disappeared from sight.
Ten minutes later, I sit on the arm of the couch, waiting—my windbreaker draped over my knees just in case.
Shadow lounges at my feet, his ears perking up when he hears Sebastian’s footsteps down the hall. He jumps up and runs over, his tail swishing excitedly when Sebastian comes into view,
“Let’s go,” Sebastian says, glancing at me as he walks past, Shadow trailing after him. His hair is still wet from a shower, and he’s dressed back in a pair of slacks and a shirt which he’s rolled up at the sleeves, a coat hanging from one arm.
“Where are we going?” I ask, hurrying to catch up.
“Out,” he says as we enter the lift, giving me a quick look before facing straight ahead. Shadow stands between us, and as soon as the doors open, he trots ahead of us, going straight for a sleek, black BMW.
Sebastian opens the back door, and Shadow wastes no time jumping in. He then opens the passenger door, waiting for me. I study his face, looking for any clues about what’s going on, but he merely raises a brow at me, giving nothing away.
I slip into the passenger seat, and he shuts the door behind me. The car’s interior is full of sleek black features, and the cool leather of the seat beneath me seeps through my jeans as Sebastian rounds the car and slides into the driver’s seat. It still has that new car smell with the slightest hint of leather underlying it.
We drive in silence, my gaze straying to Shadow every so often as we head further from the city.
Half an hour later, Sebastian turns into a small parking lot. The clouds are still heavy and dark, and there are only a couple of other cars parked. The clock reads eight fifteen as he pulls into a spot, away from the other cars, facing the water.
“The beach?” I ask, already shivering internally. Although, I don’t know whether it’s from the prospective cold or excitement.
“Is there a problem?” he asks, shifting to face me.
I study his face—from his strong, stubbled jaw to his eyes that don’t seem quite as icy as they usually are. “No problem,” I say softly. It feels like forever since I’ve been to the beach, and I have the sudden craving to sink my feet into the sand, regardless of how cold it may be.
After a moment, he gets out of the car. Shadow is already out and running ahead of us by the time I join him, but a loud whistle from Sebastian has him stopping in his tracks.
A gust of wind hits me front on, and the cool morning air made almost arctic from the nearby ocean seeps through my thick knit. Putting on my jacket, I zip it up and join Sebastian, and we make our way down the path I assume leads to the beach.
As soon as we’re close enough, Shadow starts off again, this time staying at a reasonable distance and stopping every so often to make sure we’re still behind him.
The path leads us through small dunes and onto the beach. My shoes kick up sand as waves crash into the shore not too far away, and I take a moment to absorb the view, inhaling the fresh sea breeze even while it chills my lungs.
“Here,” Sebastian says, and I turn to see him holding out the coat he’s yet to put on.
“Ah…” My gaze flicks between his face and the coat. “I’m okay—”
“Grace, take the coat.” He sighs.
“What about you?”
“I’m used to the cold,” he says, and somehow, I don’t believe he’s only talking about the weather.
I hesitate for a moment longer, but when he doesn’t let up, I take the coat from him, muttering a thank you. It fits easily over my layers, and the thick wool is like a warm blanket around me.
Sebastian takes my hand, and I startle at the unexpected contact.
He starts to fold the material that hangs past my hand, and I watch his face as he concentrates on his task. When he’s finished, he takes hold of my other one and starts folding it the same way.
“What do you need, Grace?” he asks, still focussed on what he’s doing.
“What do you mean?” I ask, searching his face.
He finally lifts his head, and the look he gives me is so much more intense than I expected but somehow soft at the same time.
