There was a winter wonderland set up beyond the garden in which the children could play, including a “snow mountain” where they could toboggan, build snowmen, and indulge in snowball fights. There was also a crèche area where the little ones could be supervised at all times and the older ones could retire to when they were tired of playing “outside”.
With all the weeks of planning and hard work invested in this event, she couldn’t believe the day had finally arrived, but the butterflies stomping around in her stomach like a stampeding herd of elephants was a clear enough indication that it had, indeed, arrived. Now, if she could just lay a hand on a glass of champagne to steady her nerves, all would be well in her world.
Suddenly, just the idea of champagne made her queasy. Okay, maybe not champagne then. Making her way over to the bar area, she cast a last, critical eye over the ballroom before the guests arrived.
“Hey Matt, can I have a glass of sparkling water, please?”
“Sure thing, Ms Callum.”
Glass in hand, Serena turned to face the ballroom just as she heard steps behind her. Completing her turn, she spotted Sebastian sauntering her way. It took a moment to catch her breath. The sight of the man in a tuxedo was certainly a sight to behold.
The tailored suit moulded him perfectly, emphasising a body sculpted by the very angels themselves. But when he smiled at her across the expanse of floor, she had to lock her knees to remain standing. Damn, that man was lethal!
As he started to make his way towards her, the first of his guests arrived, and his attention had to be redirected. Releasing a breath she’d not been aware of holding, Serena wasn’t sure if her sigh was relief or disappointment. She silently laughed at herself as she went in search of Ginny. Her right-hand woman was there to help her make sure all went well at the most important event on the social calendar for the year.
A couple hours had passed, dinner had been served, and all Serena had seen of Sebastian were glimpses around the room. She was feeling so tired and feeling a little out of sorts, but given an opportunity, she’d love to spend a bit of time with him.
They’d spent a fair amount of time together over meetings, lunches, and dinners in the build up to the gala. And their attraction seemed to just keep growing. She wondered, though, whether this was just a fling for Sebastian.
They’d shared some mind-blowing sex, and as much as she’d promised herself she’d keep her heart out of it, she found she was getting in deeper with each encounter. It worried her that she had no idea how he felt about it all.
Almost as if she’d conjured him with her thoughts, Sebastian appeared at her side. Laying a gentle hand on the small of her back, he leaned towards her, whispering in her ear.
“I don’t think I’ve told you how beautiful you look this evening.”
Laughing up at him, she replied, “Not that I recall.”
“Well then, let me address that oversight immediately. You look simply ravishing in that dress.”
“Thank you, Sebastian. You’re looking rather handsome yourself tonight.”
A smile and shallow bow were his only response before saying, “I haven’t had a chance to speak to you this evening, piccola. You’ve done such a wonderful job with this gala. Thank you.”
Flushing at the praise, Serena gifted him with another smile.
“I’m so happy you’re pleased, Sebastian.”
Sebastian’s nearness and compliments still seemed to scramble her brain, even after all this time, and while she was frantically trying to think of something else to say, the band started playing a sultry Latin tune.
“Dance with me.”
Looking up into his eyes, the colour of rich, dark chocolate, Serena nodded.
Sebastian used the hand at her back to lead her onto the dance floor, where he then folded her into his embrace. Placing their joined hands against his chest, he pulled her in closer and swayed her to the beat.
Feeling his heart beating strong and vibrant against the back of her hand, she was glad to notice that his heartrate was elevated too. At least she wasn’t the only one affected by their nearness, even if you couldn’t tell by looking at him.
Resting his lips against her temple, Sebastian spoke so she was the only one who would hear him.
“I look at you, mia cara, and I ache for you. You are too beautiful by far for my peace of mind.”
As he pulled her closer still, she felt the evidence of his desire for her press up against her thigh. Sebastian’s gaze heated as he watched her run the tip of her tongue over her plump bottom lip. Seeing him watch her, she felt it all the way to her very core. Felt herself go slick with desire. His words evoked that sweet ache deep inside that only he could soothe.
They circled the floor, swaying to the rhythm of music. Sebastian skilfully led, and it felt as if they’d been doing this for years instead of for the very first time. If this is what it would feel like every time they danced, she would want to do it every day. She felt herself come alive in his arms in a way she hadn’t for anyone else before.
As Sebastian continued to sway her to the soulful music, the sexual tension continued to grow. The dance turned into a tortuous game of seduction. Her nipples beaded tightly, and the rubbing of her dress against them made them all the more sensitive.
“Come up to my suite with me, Serena. I have to have you right now.”
Again, Serena simply nodded her assent. She was so ready it was possible she might combust right on the dance floor before too much longer. Guiding her slowly around the floor, keeping an eye on the other occupants of the room, Sebastian worked his way over to side of the ballroom closest to the door leading to the lobby. Surreptitiously looking around one last time to ensure nobody was paying particular attention, he placed his hand to the small of her back. He guided her from the room over to the elevators in the lobby. Stepping into the car, he slid his key into the slot for the penthouse.
Gently wrapping his hand around Serena’s neck, he leaned in and bit down on her bottom lip. As she gasped softly, he ran his tongue over it, soothing the slight sting of his bite.
“I’ve been wanting to do that all evening. Watching you lick or bite on this lip has slowly been driving me out of my mind.”
Looking up at him, she did it again, slowly running the tip of her tongue over her full lower lip. She could swear she heard him growl. With a low moan in the back of his throat, Sebastian gave a quick yank, pulling her flush against his body, going in for a kiss that scorched right through her. Going up on tiptoe, Serena returned his kiss with equal fervour.
Passion spiralled, and by the time the elevator dinged, it took a moment or two to realise they’d arrived. Taking her hand in his, Sebastian towed her in his wake as he quickly made his way to the front door of his suite. Pausing only long enough to close the door behind him, he continued on to the bedroom, Serena’s hand still tightly clasped in his.
“Slow down a second, Sebastian.”
“Cara, I’ve waited all evening for you. I’m not waiting a second longer.”
Impatiently, he yanked at his tie. No sooner had it come off than he started in on the buttons on his shirt. Serena couldn't help but take a moment to admire his beautiful body. Looking up, Sebastian noticed that Serena was staring. Giving her a cocky grin, he said, “Those clothes aren't going to come off by themselves, you know.”
Shaking her head and laughing, Serena began to undress.
“So impatient.”
“You have no idea,” he replied.
Before Serena realised what was happening, she found herself flying through the air and landing on the bed behind her. She couldn’t hold back the laughter that escaped again. Sebastian's playful mood was infectious.
18
Sebastian
The sight of Serena in all her finery for the evening was driving him slowly out of his mind. Her dress may have been full-length and covered all the essentials, but it hinted at all it hid. It moulded itself to her curvy body, showcasing all her
womanly curves. Beautiful as it was though, it had to come off before he lost all control and ripped it.
He was tearing at his own clothes as if they’d caught fire. Who the hell had thought it was such a good idea to put so many buttons on a damn shirt anyway? He almost growled his frustration. Once he had that off, he attacked his pants. When he was finally, blessedly naked, he looked up to find Serena’s eyes on him.
“Those clothes aren't going to come off by themselves, you know.”
Shaking her head and laughing, Serena began to undress.
“So impatient.”
“You have no idea,” he replied.
He watched her like a hawk as she pushed the straps of her dress over her shoulders. With nothing to hold it up, it fell to the ground, pooling at her feet. She stood in a scrap of lace masquerading as a thong and heels. Desire heated his gaze just as it sizzled through his blood. He reached for her.
Lifting her off her feet, he threw her onto the bed. As she landed with a bounce, she laughed out loud. Grinning back at her, he followed her down onto the luxurious mattress.
Pulling her into his embrace, Sebastian ran the tip of his tongue over Serena’s bottom lip, a silent entreaty to open for him. She welcomed him in. Deepening the kiss as passion turned intense, she moaned softly. Breaking off the kiss, he leaned down and gently nipped her in the neck. Laving the bite to soothe the sting, he started to work his way down towards her breasts.
She arched into him, seeking his touch. Obliging her, he ran his hands over her breasts, plumping the mounds together, licking first one then the other nipple. Her nipples were like hard little pebbles, begging for his touch. He leaned over her and enclosed one in the warm cavern of his mouth, tugging on it with his teeth.
Her body bowed up in response. Sebastian heard her breath hitch.
“Hmm, like that do you?”
She nodded. “Yes,” she breathed.
Plumping them up, he weighed the firm mounds in his hands. For a moment, they almost seemed to be fuller and heavier, but sure it was just his imagination, he turned his attention to her other breast. Giving it the same treatment, he drew the eagerly beaded nub into his mouth. She moaned. He loved how she was vocal in her pleasure.
Sebastian slowly worked his way down her body, kissing and laving her silky soft skin as he went. Finally reaching his intended destination, he gazed down at her swollen and glistening core. He reached out a gentle finger to part her folds, opening her further to his gaze.
He parted her thighs to his questing mouth, leaving a trail of open-mouthed kisses across her skin. Coming back to the core of her, he gently nibbled on her clit. Serena arched up off the mattress, giving voice to her pleasure. He licked and sucked her clit, feeling her get wetter.
He inserted a finger, rubbing back and forth over her sensitised channel. Her moans of pleasure were making him harder, so hard he thought he might come out of his skin with want. Sliding another finger into her velvety, wet warmth, Sebastian felt her muscles start to spasm, indicating her impending orgasm.
“That’s it, baby. Come for me. Let me taste you as you come on my tongue. Let me hear you.”
Renewing his efforts, he lapped at her wet folds. Serena arched her back again and splintered apart in his hands. Before her orgasm could fade, Sebastian reached for the condom on the nightstand and sheathed himself in record time.
He sank into her wet heat until she’d taken him all. Without pause, he began to move. Watching her come undone like that had him hot and eager.
“Guardami, piccola.” Look at me, little one. “Let me see those beautiful eyes. I want to see you shatter for me again.”
Slowly, Serena opened eyes glassy with passion. Holding her gaze, Sebastian stroked in and out of her, building them up. Higher and higher, they climbed together. Lost in each other. He could feel himself fall into her gaze, even as he felt himself tighten. His release loomed. He felt the tell-tale tingle begin in the base of his spine.
“Are you with me, little one?”
“Yes … so close,”
Sebastian wove the fingers of his left hand with Serena’s. With the fingers of the other hand, he reached between their bodies and coaxed her even higher. He watched her lose the battle to keep her eyes open as the pleasure bit deeper.
“Come for me, angelo. Let me see you shatter once more. Come with me.”
His words had the same effect as a match to gun powder. He felt the walls of her channel clamp down on him like a fist. Hungrily, greedily, they gripped him, demanding his release in return.
With a growl, Sebastian gave in to the waves of pleasure that washed through him and came long and hard. His teeth clenched, and he held himself still as the orgasm crashed through him, leaving him breathless. He collapsed on the bed, taking care to keep his weight off Serena. Rolling to his side, he tucked her under his chin and lay there trying to catch his breath.
19
Serena
Sated, Serena stretched, luxuriating in the twinge from muscles well-used. She glanced over at her watch on the nightstand. Sitting bolt upright in the bed, she exclaimed, “Oh God, Sebastian, we’ve been upstairs for nearly an hour! People will be looking for us.”
Eyeing her in all her naked glory, he couldn’t bite back a grin.
“Easy, piccola. We’ll make our way downstairs in a moment.”
With a gentle slap on the ass, he urged her out of the bed, giving her another one of his cocky grins as he gracefully got up and began the process of covering up that gorgeousness that was his body. Despite being the one to point out how long they’d been gone, Serena sighed with regret before following his lead.
She went into the bathroom and shuddered at the damage their tryst had done to her hair and makeup. Thankfully, she had what she needed to repair it in her clutch; otherwise, she’d be spending the rest of the night in Sebastian’s room.
When she was happy she looked as she had before, she left the bathroom. Sebastian straightened from where he’d been leaning against the window to watch her as she walked. Coming to stop in front of him, she shivered deliciously as he drew her into his arms.
His eyes were dark with some unrecognisable emotion as he studied her for a long moment. Eventually, he dropped his lips to her forehead, placing a gentle kiss there.
“Will you stay with me this evening?”
Serena looked up into his beautiful face. She studied him, trying to fathom what was going on behind the inscrutable look, but Sebastian was a master at hiding his thoughts.
She took her time answering. She enjoyed spending time with Sebastian, but was she ready for spending the night? Her mind raced.
Gathering her courage, she eventually nodded. A boyish smile lit up his features.
“Wonderful. I look forward to it. In the meantime, best we return to the ballroom before they send a search party for us.” As had become his habit, he put a hand to the small of her back and guided her from the room. Leading her over to the elevator, he continued, “It’s probably best if we return separately, to avoid causing any tongues to wag.”
“Yes, it probably would be best.”
He stopped in front of the elevator and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head before reaching over to insert the key to activate the lift’s descent.
Riding down, Serena absently rubbed a finger over her bottom lip. She could still feel his lips on her, still taste that unique flavour that was all Sebastian.
When the elevator stopped, she straightened her posture before exiting. As she walked back into the ballroom ahead of Sebastian, she looked around to ensure that all was well. She noticed Ginny standing to one side, eyebrow raised. She could actually feel herself blush as she met her assistant’s gaze. Giving her a shrug and a grin, she turned towards the bar for a glass of sparkling water. Glass in hand, she walked over to Ginny.
Serena wasn’t entirely sure she’d made the right decision in agreeing to spend the night with Sebastian, but she couldn’t deny she really wanted to. The
best she could hope for was she wouldn’t regret it.
20
Sebastian
As agreed, Sebastian waited a few minutes before following Serena down to the ballroom. Just as he reached the door, his cell phone rang.
“Marino.”
A tearful tirade of Italian flowed from the phone as he held it to his ear. He listened without interruption until the words petered into silence. All colour left his face as the words sank in. In a brisk tone, he informed his mother he would be home as soon as humanly possible. Pushing through the doors, he scanned the room for any sign of Serena. Failing to see her in the ballroom, he searched for her assistant. Strangely, Ginny wasn’t anywhere to be seen either.
Hauling his cell phone back out of his pocket, Sebastian tried Serena’s number. It went straight to voicemail. In frustration, Sebastian disconnected and tried again. Once more, it went straight to messaging.
Serena, where the hell are you? He hated talking to voicemail. He’d try her again once he was on the plane.
Sighing, Sebastian ended the call. He placed the next call to Ari to collect him from the hotel and ensure his private jet be ready to depart as soon as he arrived at the airfield.
Impatiently, he scanned the ballroom one last time for Serena. When he once again was unable to find her or Ginny, Sebastian left the room and hurried across the lobby to the entrance. Ari was pulling up to the door just as he exited the building, and he hopped out to open the door for Sebastian.
“Fast as you can, Ari.”
“Yes, sir.”
Sebastian leaned back in his seat, suddenly feeling the familiar burden of responsibility weigh him down. He’d been able to forget for a while as he’d lost himself in Serena’s arms. Now, there would be no getting away from it.
Destined Page 5
