Frayed Obsession, page 19
True to her word, a couple of days after I found her sitting on my bed, Mason brought up this bag, and I knew immediately it was the clothes Lauren was going to donate. Without even looking at the contents, I threw it in the wardrobe. I don’t know why I didn’t ask Mason to take it straight away.
I’m not a charity case.
But maybe it would be okay if I borrowed something just for tonight.
Half an hour later, I find Sebastian waiting in the lounge, sitting on the arm of the couch.
He stands when he sees me, his gaze slowly making its way down my body. Butterflies erupt in my stomach, and I smooth my hands down the dress I found in Lauren’s bag. It’s a deep blue with small white flowers, half sleeves, and a flowing body.
Apparently, Lauren likes clothes that hug every inch of her. I thought the floral dress was a safe option.
I glance down the front of my dress to the V-shaped neckline created by the bow tied between my breasts. And whilst it’s long, the skirt scoops slightly in the front.
Is it too much? I should have gone for one of the blouses to wear with my jeans.
My grey laced shoes are the only pair I have, but I thought they paired okay with the dress. Their relaxed style might have made the outfit, as a whole, a little more casual, but that suits me better anyway.
Maybe I got this all wrong, and we aren’t going to dinner.
“You look beautiful.”
My head snaps up. His gaze follows the flush burning a path from my chest onto my face until his eyes clash with mine. I hate how easily he affects me. I was crazy to think I’d be able to keep my feelings under wraps during my time here, especially when he gives me the same burning stare I’ve seen a few times now.
“Thank you,” I say, stomach fluttering.
“We should go,” Sebastian says, leading me to the lift. “Sorry, buddy, we’ll be back later.” He crouches down in front of Shadow, who was ready to follow us out, and massages his head and ears between his hands.
Shadow looks less than impressed that we’re leaving him behind, but he does as he’s told and stays put.
“Will he be okay here by himself?”
“He’ll be fine. We won’t be gone long enough to need to worry,” Sebastian says.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask when we’re seated in Sebastian’s BMW.
“Nope,” he says, but I catch the slight tilt of his lips.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Emery
We drive through the city until Sebastian parks on a street nearing the edge of the city centre. Stepping out of the car and onto the sidewalk, I take in my surroundings. Several restaurants are scattered along both sides of the street, each one bustling with energy.
Though, even with the busy restaurants, it feels calmer than being in the middle of the city.
Sebastian joins me on the sidewalk, and I let him lead us to wherever we are going. Our hands bump as we walk down the street, and the fleeting contact is enough to send a zing of electricity up my arm. Sebastian flexes his hand but doesn’t react otherwise.
We walk a bit further down the street, and I instinctively move closer to Sebastian as other people pass us by.
“Here,” Sebastian says, his hand moving to my lower back to guide me into the alcove of a small restaurant. He opens the door, his hand falling away from me, and follows me inside.
Just inside the entrance, we stop and wait to be greeted, and I use the moment to take in the space. It doesn’t have the biggest dining area, and most of the tables are taken, but the homey feel is somewhat comforting, even in the crowded space.
“La Dolce Rosa!” I say, noticing the sign on the wall that I’d missed outside. I spin to Sebastian, a grin slowly spreading across my face. I’ve only had it a couple of times, but it’s easily the best Italian I’ve ever had.
His eyes spark, but we’re interrupted by the waitress. “Good evening, Sebastian. Table for two?”
“Yes, thank you,” Sebastian says, and I should be more surprised that they know him by name.
My stomach flips when his hand returns to the small of my back as she leads us to a small table by the windows. Removing his hand, Sebastian pulls out my chair, and the waitress practically swoons.
She’s not the only one.
Seated across from Sebastian, I feel oddly nervous, and I rub my palms over the skirt of my dress. Taking a sip of water from the glass the waitress brought by, I try not to think all the times I’ve been pressed against him these past two weeks, his lips teasing mine in the best possible torture. But it’s also messed with my head. I crave him more now than I ever have before, but I’m still left questioning what he feels for me, if anything.
Several couples are seated around us.
Is that what we look like?
A couple?
It might only be a non-date dinner, but it feels like more.
Clearing my throat, I ask Sebastian, “Do you think Shadow’s okay by himself?”
“He’ll be fine. I’m sure he’s been loving all the extra company he’s been getting with you there.”
“I like his company too.” I never thought I’d say that, but it’s true. Shadow spends most of the day by my side, but I hadn’t thought about Shadow being alone before I was there. Sure, he has Mason, and Sebastian spends as much time with him as he can, but he still must get lonely. And when I’m gone—
I snap out of that train of thought straight away. I don’t want to think about leaving Sebastian or Shadow. At least not until I have to. And going by how long I’ve been here, I doubt I have long left.
Sebastian tilts his head at me, and I understand his curiosity since the start of my and Shadow’s relationship was rough of sorts. But he almost looks pleased as well.
Sebastian’s manner around me has changed significantly since that first day nearly two weeks ago, but I can barely figure out what I feel, let alone what he does. All I know is whatever it is that draws us together has been slowly building with each day that passes.
After a glance at the menu, we place our orders for dinner, and a few minutes later, the waitress brings over the bottle of wine Sebastian ordered, pouring it into our glasses.
The deep red wine swishes in the glass as Sebastian raises it to me, and I pick up my own, clinking it with his. “Thank you. For tonight,” I say, my throat feeling thick.
Thank you for saving my life four years ago without even knowing it.
I wish I could tell him the truth. But it would hurt us both, and I’m so close to finally having a way to get out that I can’t risk it.
“The pleasure is all mine,” Sebastian says, and I find myself smiling again, the butterflies starting up once more. In this moment, with the cosy restaurant, the wine, the atmosphere, it feels more like an actual date.
No matter how crazy that sounds, I don’t bother fighting the feeling. We’ve spent so much time trying to distance ourselves from each other these past two weeks. If I only have a few days left with Sebastian, I don’t want to spend them locking up my emotions, even if it wrecks me in the end.
Our meals arrive, and it’s even more delicious than the times Sebastian has brought it home for us.
“What made you get into photography?” Sebastian asks.
“My mum.” I smile softly. “She loved photography, but she never got the chance to pursue it professionally.” A lump tries to form in my throat, but I don’t let it. I never talk about them, but I find myself wanting to with him. “My dad gave me her old camera when I was seven, and I’ve loved it ever since. Though, I think he might have regretted that decision when I started photographing anything and everything whenever I could.”
“I doubt he regretted anything at all about that decision, Grace.”
Warmth spreads through me at his comment, especially after everything I did to him with the stalking and the photographs.
Sebastian refills our glasses, and I take a sip of the red wine, hints of sweetness bursting on my tongue.
“Sebastian, it’s been too long since you’ve come to visit!” an older woman says, stepping up to our table, her words carrying a thick accent.
“I was here three days ago,” he says.
“Ah, but you left so quickly,” she admonishes. Turning her attention to me, she asks, “Are you going to introduce me to your girlfriend?”
Sebastian coughs on his wine and pats his chest. “Grace isn’t… she’s not my girlfriend.”
The woman tsks him and grabs my hand, sandwiching it between hers. “So, you’re the one who’s been stealing my Sebastian,” she says, pinning me with a stare.
“Oh, I don’t… ah…”
While I’m trying to figure out a response, a grin spreads across her aged face, and she pats my hand.
Sebastian clears his throat. “Grace, this is Rosa. Rosa, Grace.”
“Rosa like La Dolce Rosa?” I ask, my gaze snapping to his. When he nods, I twist back to the woman who still has a hold of my hand. “Your food is amazing. It’s the best pasta I’ve ever had.”
“Grazie. I like her, Sebastian. You must bring your beautiful girl here more often.”
“She’s not—” Sebastian starts but gives up and sighs.
It might be the wine, but I swear there’s a slight red tinge to his cheeks. Rosa pats my hand once more before releasing it, only to pinch Sebastian’s cheek between her fingers. “Isn’t he handsome, Grace? Molto bello.”
Yes.
If I thought there was a tinge of redness before, there absolutely is now, and seeing Sebastian blush is my new favourite thing. But I have to agree with her. Sitting there in his white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar and sleeves rolled up, I can’t deny how good-looking he is.
He shoots her a look, and she lets go of his cheek before patting the area and laughing. “Are you having dessert?” she asks.
“I think we need to get going,” Sebastian says, glancing at his watch. “We left Shadow inside.”
“Wait, wait,” she says before disappearing into the back.
I finish my glass of wine while Sebastian settles the bill. Rosa returns with two containers in hand, only handing them over after Sebastian promises to visit soon.
The alcohol in my veins leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy inside, but the cool night air is enough to send goosebumps across my body.
My hand brushes against Sebastian’s again as we walk, and I don’t know if it’s the alcohol or my resolution to make the most of my remaining time with Sebastian, but this time I slide my hand into his.
My heart stops, waiting for his reaction, but after a moment’s hesitation, his hand closes around mine, kick-starting my pulse into overdrive.
It feels like only a minute later we’re at the car, and I mourn the loss of his touch. Sebastian opens the door for me to get in, then hands me the containers Rosa gave us.
Still feeling the loss of his touch, I eye the hand Sebastian has rested on his thigh and try to channel the same boldness I’d had on the walk back to the car. Although it doesn’t work out as well this time, and I get as far as the centre console before nerves stop me in my tracks. Sebastian must have caught sight of my movement and hesitation, though, because, in one swift move, he envelops my hand in his and brings it back to his thigh. The fluttering starts up in my stomach again, only this time, they feel like fireflies, the warmth building with every second that passes.
Despite being a Saturday night, it doesn’t take long to get back. Shadow greets us as soon as the doors to Sebastian’s penthouse open, and Sebastian takes Shadow back down to take him outside.
I take the containers to the kitchen, but curiosity gets the best of me while I wait for Sebastian. Peeking inside one of the containers, I spy a large slice of chocolate cake, and my mouth waters.
Shortly after, Shadow comes trotting over, and I stroke the fur on his head. Sebastian follows closely behind and walks towards me.
I watch as he gets closer, and when he stops in front of me, I slice off a piece of cake and hold out the spoon for him. He takes it from my hand, and I pick up the other spoon I’d grabbed and slice myself off a piece. The rich chocolate cake melts in my mouth, and I have to stop myself from groaning out loud.
Only the light from the foyer lights the open area of the penthouse, and it feels almost romantic standing here with Sebastian in the dim light, sharing a piece of chocolate cake. We make it through three-quarters of the cake before putting our spoons aside.
Gazing at Sebastian, I spot a bit of chocolate smeared on the corner of his mouth. Without a second thought, I reach up and laugh as I swipe the chocolate away. Only the sound dies when I get caught in his stare.
Desire burns from his eyes, and his nostrils flare.
My hand still rests on his face, and he wraps his own around the back of my neck. I suck in a breath before he leans down and presses his lips firmly to mine, his tongue teasing the seam of my lips, seeking entry.
I open for him, and his tongue darts into my mouth. Soft and teasing at first, but it soon turns fierce and demanding, stealing any and all worries of this being a bad idea.
Sebastian spins us until my back meets the bench, pressing the length of his body against mine. His tongue lashes against mine, tasting of chocolate and red wine, and I moan into his mouth at the flavour.
Sliding my hand from his jaw to his hair, I wrap my other arm around his waist, pulling him against me so I can feel every inch of him. He groans and rocks himself into me, his hard length pressing into my stomach.
Sebastian abruptly rips his mouth from mine, and I whimper at the loss.
“Shit, what are you doing to me?” he asks, resting his forehead against mine.
“The same as you do to me.” My words are breathy, and I barely recognise my own voice.
His eyes flick between mine, and one of his hands comes to rest on my jaw. He swipes his thumb across my lips, and then his mouth is on mine again.
This time it’s different. Somehow, it’s both soft and hard. Deep and delicate.
I can feel his energy flowing into every part of me like we were always meant to be like this.
Sebastian lifts me, and I automatically wrap my legs around him, letting him take all of my weight. With my dress pooled at my hips, only the thin material of my underwear separates me from the large bulge pressed right against my core.
He turns for the hall, and I gasp as the movement causes me to shift against him. I slowly roll against him as he carries me down the hall, chasing the foreign feeling that’s sending sparks of electricity straight from my core to every other nerve ending in my body.
Sebastian groans into my mouth, and he pulls me even tighter against him.
My back bumps into the wall as Sebastian works on getting the door open, but then we’re moving again.
It’s mostly dark inside, but the city below shines a dull light through the open curtains. Enough for me to make out we’re in Sebastian’s bedroom.
He lays me on the large bed, and I prop myself up as he starts unbuttoning his shirt, not taking his eyes off me as he does. Dropping it on the floor, he undoes his belt and the button of his pants before crawling over me and sealing his lips against mine.
He breaks free from my mouth to trail kisses along my jaw and up to my ear, nipping my earlobe before placing an open-mouthed kiss on the delicate skin just behind my ear, and I sink my fingers into his hair again.
Sebastian continues to trail kisses down my neck, nipping at the skin every so often, only to soothe the sting with his tongue.
Using one of his hands to hold himself up, Sebastian reaches down, sliding his other hand up my thigh, dragging my dress along with it.
“Sebastian.” His name leaves my lips on a breathy moan.
He responds by grinding himself against my core, letting more of his weight settle on top of me. His hand skims over the front of my underwear, dipping down until his finger presses against my entrance through the material.
My breathing picks up even more, and he drags his hand back to the waist of my underwear, only for him to dip inside and follow the same path back to my core.
His fingers glide easily through my folds, and I shiver with the feeling of his touch on my bare skin, his thick finger circling my entrance once more—this time with nothing to stop him from being able to press inside me if he wanted to.
Sebastian breathes into my neck, the hot air burning my skin.
My eyes slam shut as my chest rises and falls with every beat of my heart. Though, with every second that passes, I fall further away from what he’s doing to me and closer to the black abyss trying to consume me.
I barely feel him move his hand to my stomach.
“Grace,” Sebastian says, his voice thick. And with my world clouded in darkness, I realise he’s no longer lying on top of me.
His hand is still pressed to my stomach, his fingers lightly moving across my skin.
“I’m sorry,” I say through quick, shallow breaths, forcing my eyes open.
The dim city lights illuminate his face as he sits back on his heels, still straddling my hips.
His expression is pained—a contrast to his dishevelled appearance.
“Who did this?” he asks, and my heart sinks as his fingers trace over my scars. His muscles are so tense they look like they’re going to break through his skin, and I close my eyes so I don’t have to face him.
“Tell me,” he demands, anger lacing his tone. My eyes snap open, and he sighs. “Please,” he says, almost pleading.
I want to lie.
To run from the truth so he doesn’t hear it.
But my heart screams at me to let him in.
“When my dad died, I was left with nothing. No one.” I swallow thickly, the words sticking in my throat. “Except that wasn’t exactly true. My dad had a younger brother I didn’t know about, and with nowhere else to go…” I take a deep breath to settle myself.
