POV: Zoey
“What was that for, Rosalie?
Why were you whispering to my grandfather, what game are you playing?” Natalie asked her friend furiously as Sebastian went into his office to vent his anger on the poor vase on the window and the bookshelf. I could hear the sounds as he shatters anything he could lay his hand on. I feel so guilty right now.
“Come on, Nat, don’t be like that. You know I have always been fond of your grandfather and he sees me like a daughter already. I’m always a chatterbox and you know it.” She let out innocently, laughing as if this was all a big joke to her.
“You are saying that this has nothing to do with the way you feel about Sebastian?” Natalie asked her sternly, keeping her eyes fixed on her.
“Of course not, Nat. Come on, don’t be like that, you know me too well and you know I do not do petty fights. You said your brother is in love with this lowlife stranger and I respect that. I would never stoop so low for a man, and you know it. I have moved on with my life and I suggest you stop reminding me of my silly crush.” She told her furiously, pretending to be offended by her question. I was a few feet away, but I heard them pretty good.
Natalie apologized for bringing it up in the first place and they hugged it out as friends. It was when they hugged that Rosalie smirked at me, obviously enjoying my frustration. I shook my head at her, I will never have a friend like this in my whole life. I mean, with friends like this, who needs enemies?
“We are heading home, Zee. Its no use trying to talk to Sebastian when he is this furious. I suggest you come home with us, I’m sure he is going to be fine.” Natalie told me, Smiling warmly at me. I smiled back, my eyes looking back at Sebastian as he paced his office furiously. I wanted to leave with them, I was tempted to walk away. But then I asked myself, “What would Sebastian do?
“Will he leave me all alone and walk away when I need him the most?” I thought within me. Nah, he’ll never leave me like that. Within these few days that I’ve known him, he has proven to be a thoughtful and loving man. He saved my brother, protected me and is willing to fight his grandfather for me. I won’t leave him like that, I just can’t .
“Go ahead Nat, I’ll stick around and wait for him.” I told her, smiling warmly.
“Whatever!
You can sleep out here if you wish, it still doesn’t make you the right woman for him!” Rosalie let’s out fiercely, her eyes fixed on me as she glared dangerously at me before walking away, swaying her hips as she did.
“I’m so sorry, Zee. Its my fault that you have to deal with her always. Please forgive me, maybe one day you’ll understand my reasons for putting up with her for so long.” She told me, hugging me gently. I watched them walk away and for a brief second I thought I saw Natalie smile shyly as she walked past a man standing with a group of people, discussing business. He looked like some I know and I wonder if that could be Natalie’s boyfriend because he looks older than her, I mean, way older than her.
I walk towards Sebastian office to be with him. I need to be by his side to comfort him and also apologize for being the cause of the fight between him and his grandfather. I wanted to knock on the door, but I thought to try opening it first to confirm if he locked himself in. I turned the lock and pushed the door open. Luckily, it pushed open with ease, granting me access to him.
I stepped into Sebastian’s office, my heart heavy with guilt. The sleek, modern space, with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline, felt colder than usual. Sebastian sat behind his desk, his broad shoulders slumped, his usual confident demeanour replaced by a weary resignation. I closed the door softly behind me, the click echoing in the silence. The air between us was thick with tension, a stark contrast to the playful banter we usually shared.
“Sebastian,” I began, my voice soft but steady,
“I’m so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I shouldn’t have let you introduce me to your grandfather. I know how much he means to you, and I’ve caused nothing but trouble.” I paused, my eyes searching his for any sign of forgiveness. His grandfather’s fury had been severe, his words sharp and cutting, and I know that I was at the center of it all.
Sebastian looked up, his dark eyes meeting mine, and for a moment there , I saw the weight of his frustration as he looked into my eyes deeply, a weak smile plastered on his face. But then, as if a switch had flipped, his lips quirked into a teasing smile with a mischievous smirk,
“You have a terrible way of apologizing, Zoey. Next time, you can leave the many questions out of the apology, and instead, you can take off your thong and throw it at me. That would be the best apology ever.” He told me teasingly. My cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and amusement washing over me. I knew Sebastian’s humor was his way of deflecting, of easing the tension, but I couldn’t help but play along.
“Is that so?” I asked, raising an eyebrow In question.
“And what makes you think I’m wearing a thong?” I inquired, biting my lips seductively. Before he could respond, I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper.
“You can leave me, Sebastian. You can be with Rosalie if that’s what your grandfather wants. Trust me, I’ll understand.” I told him sadly. The words were bitter on my tongue, but I forced them out, needing him to know that I wouldn’t stand in his way. His smile faded, replaced by a look of genuine surprise.
“Zoey,” he said, his voice low and firm, warning me strictly,
“Don’t you dare say that. You’re not the problem here. My grandfather’s expectations are the problem.” He stood abruptly, closing the distance between us in two long strides. His hands found my hips, pulling me close, his touch both comforting and possessive.
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily,” he murmured, his breath warm against my lips. And then he kissed me, his mouth pressing firmly against mine, his hands sliding up to grip my ass, pulling me tighter against him. I melted into the kiss, my guilt momentarily forgotten as I wrapped my arms around his neck, returning his passion with equal fervor.
The kiss deepened, our tongues tangling in a rhythm that felt both familiar and electric. Sebastian’s hands moved restlessly, his fingers digging into my skin as if to remind me and himself that all this was real, that I was his. When we finally broke apart, breathless and dazed, my heart was pounding in my chest. I looked up at him, my eyes sparkling with mischief.
“How’s this for an apology, Seb?” I asked, my fingers slipping beneath my gown as I smiled mischievously. With a slow, deliberate motion, I slid my thong down my legs, holding it up for him to see before tossing it playfully in his direction. He caught it with a laugh, his eyes darkening with desire.
“That is so hot and sexy.” he said, his voice hoarse. He closed the gap between us again, his lips brushing mine in a series of soft, teasing kisses.
“But I think you’ve only just begun to apologize.” He let out teasingly, buying my lips gently to gain access to my mouth as he kissed me more passionately, sucking my tongue and lips. Before I could respond, he swept me into his arms, his strength surprising me as he lifted me effortlessly. I wrapped my legs around his waist, my arms tightening around his neck as he carried me toward the couch in the corner of the office.
The room, once a space of tension and guilt, was now charged with a different kind of energy, one that was raw, unapologetic, and undeniably hot. Sebastian put me down on the couch, his hands never leaving my body. He knelt in front of me, his eyes roaming over my body with an intensity that made me shiver.
“You are so beautiful and incredible,” he murmured, his fingers tracing the curve of my thigh, making me shiver in desire.
“And you’re mine. Don’t ever forget that.” He warned, smirking at me. My breath hitched as he leaned in, his lips pressing kisses along my neck, his hands sliding up to cup my boobs. I arched into his touch, my head falling back as a soft moan escaped my lips. The guilt I’d felt earlier was now a distant memory, replaced by a hunger that demanded to be satisfied.