“Not yet, but soon,” she said, laughing. “I haven’t had a drink in a while. But I think I deserve it now. A lot has happened.” She closed her eyes and rested her forehead on her knees. “So much.” Looking back up, she held up her glass to Sebastian. “To new friends.”
His smile widened as he touched her glass. “Indeed.”
“So, you didn’t answer,” she said after she finished her glass.
Sebastian considered her question. What wouldn’t send her screaming from the room? “I don’t know how to answer it.” Honesty was all he had.
She narrowed her eyes at him. “I believe that, but that’s still not—.”
“Eve, just leave it be for now, please. You just said that you’ve been through a lot. Don’t make me add more now.”
“True and you’re right.” She smiled at him. “May I have another?” She held her glass out.
“I should, just to see what would happen.”
“Eve would be drunk. That’s what would happen.”
Sebastian laughed.
“Please, just one more. Then I’m cut off. Besides, I’m not driving.” She put her chin on her knees and stared at one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen.
“Fine. But I’m not taking the wheel. Iowa’s not exactly close.” He touched her nose before taking her glass.
Eve blinked. What was that? She turned to look at him and almost fell off the chair. When did the world start spinning? Didn’t matter. She almost died. And the man that saved her, hated her, didn’t seem to now. She was going to enjoy the ride. Tomorrows were never a promise, something she learned the hard way, and she wanted that moment.
He brought her new drink back to her. “Thank you,” she smiled.
“You’re welcome.”
She laughed. Did he know what his last talk of pleasure did to her? Her tummy did a little flip and her laugh turned into a giggle.
“I might not have needed this,” she admitted before taking a swallow.
“Probably not.” He glanced at her. “But like you said, you’re not driving. You can take the night off.”
“I still think you did it to distract me.”
“Did it work?” he asked.
She frowned in concentration before smiling. “I think it did. I don’t have a clue as to what we were talking about before.”
“Mission accomplished.”
“There are so many things I want to ask you,” she said, suddenly serious.
“Like what?” he asked, intrigued. When was the last time he had a conversation? With someone that wasn’t like him, that was. Too long.
“Mmm, dumb questions. Like, what’s your favorite color? Food? Music? You know, the ‘get to know’ questions that are really lame.”
“Why do you say dumb questions?” he asked.
“Do you always answer questions with questions?” She took another drink. The alcohol was definitely working. Why was she asking him these things? She wasn’t going to be with them that long.
“Do I?” He winked at her and she burst out laughing.
She pulled the pillow from behind her and threw it at him. “Yes, you do.”
His expression sent her into gales of laughter. Had the poor man never had things thrown at him? “Your face!” she gasped.
“Are you angry?” Another question.
She laughed harder; face pressed into her knees. All she could do was try to shake her head, but that just made her dizzy. “No, but I thought you were.”
“And that makes you laugh? Maybe I should be angry more often.”
That stopped her laughter. “No. Please. Don’t. I can’t handle with that.”
“What does that mean?”
“Why do you get to ask questions when you won’t answer them?”
“Because I saved you.” The glint in his eyes was captivating.
“Well, there is that.” She finished her glass while stalling. She didn’t want to tell him. “It’s weird, but don’t laugh. Promise?”
His smile was soft. “I don’t laugh at weird. I promise.”
Eve stared at him for a moment, debating with herself. She had confided in people before, proving it when they didn’t believe her, and she discovered that her friends didn’t like it when she could tell what they were feeling. It made for a lonely social life. Screw it. It wasn’t like anything was going to develop between them anyway. Maybe this would help prevent it. “I can feel people’s emotions.”
Sebastian’s eyes widened before he closed them, and she would have sworn his skin paled beneath the tan.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
He gave a bark of laughter, his glance incredulous. “You are asking me that? After last night? If you can feel emotions, then…” He trailed off. “That’s why you asked why I hated you.”
She nodded.
He sighed, standing up. “No, Eve. I don’t hate you.” He plucked the empty glass from her fingers and turned away.
She shifted and the room spun again. “I… I think I should take a nap.” She yawned. Trying to unfold herself from the chair, she almost toppled out of the chair.
Setting the glass on the table, he turned to her. “Let me help.”
“Nope. Because you would have to touch me.”
“Then so be it,” he said, holding out his marked hand.
“You confuse me.” Her words were soft as she slowly, hesitantly, reached out to him. The blue appeared between their joined hands.
“You should try being in my shoes.” He gave a slight tug, pulling her to her feet.
The drunk things stumbled, and he caught her against his chest. Her breath faltered as she stared at his shirt. Everything fiber in her being cried out to wrap her arms around him, mold herself against him and it was physically painful to not give in.
“Why are you trembling?” his voice was lower, darker. “Are you still afraid of me?”
Silently, she shook her head. Fear was the last thing she was feeling at that moment. No, this was desire, sudden, pure, and vicious, clawing at her from the inside.
He let go of her hand but kept his arm around her. His free hand stroked her cheek and she balled her hands, trying desperately to keep them to herself. Slowly, he lifted her chin.
“You should be.” His thumb stroked her bottom lip.
“What’s happening?” she asked.
Her breath was warm against his skin. Another question that he couldn’t answer. How did she have him so mixed up? He tightened his arm and could feel the shudder that ran her length. The way she looked at him, desire in her eyes, the flush in her skin. He could smell her longing. Her hands uncurled, pressed flat against his chest.
“What do you want to happen?” his voice was rough, laced with the same need she was feeling.
#
Her hands moved on their own, sliding up the material of his shirt before wrapping around the back of his neck. He let her pull him down to her.
“You,” Eve whispered. “I want you to happen.” Her breath caressed his skin as their lips touched.
With a groan, Sebastian moved his hand, now cupping the back of her head, delving into her welcoming mouth. Blood couldn’t compare to the taste of the angel in his arms. Whiskey had nothing on the fire burning within him now. She was bold in her exploration, but that didn’t surprise him. From what little he had seen from her, she seemed the type to go after what she wanted. And this time, it was him.
His fingers clenched in her hair, pulling her head back. She groaned as his mouth, his lips, his tongue destroyed her. His teeth teased her lips, nipping softly at the sensitive flesh. Her fingers tangled in the silky brown strands of his hair, holding him tight as he left her mouth, setting fire to her jawline, her throat.
He bent and wrapped his arm behind knees that had gone weak. Eve’s gasp as he lifted her brought a chuckle. He pulled his head back and met eyes hooded with desire. She wanted him. The man that scared her. Turning, he strode from the room. Her fingers traced his face and h
e had a full-on war within himself to not just strip her there and take her on the floor.
After what felt like eons, he made it to her room.
Sebastian set her on her feet before turning to close the door. Hand on the wood, he fought with himself. Could he do this? She didn’t know what she was asking for. This was his moment to play the good guy. He turned to face her.
Eve stood in the same spot, waiting for him, eyes wide and lips parted. Lips he wanted to taste again. Had he ever seen a lovelier sight? He couldn’t leave her. She had him trapped once again. She watched him fearlessly as he came back to her, took her hands and raised them over her head. Her eyes closed as he slowly ran his hands down her sides. His deep breath filled him with the scent of her, the scent of her desire.
How could just a few kisses and touches bring her to the melting point? She couldn’t move, couldn’t think. She just wanted. Wanted so badly it hurt. She barely felt her sweater being pulled over her head, but the cool air brought a shiver. Warm hands spanned her waist and she opened her eyes. Taking a step forward, she rose on her toes and met his lips in an explosion of senses. She pulled his shirt from his slacks and ran hands up the warm skin, reveling in touching him. The wall met her back as he pressed into her. He gripped her hands, pinning them at her sides. A hot mouth trailed across her skin, from the lobe of her ear, down the line of her jaw, to stop at her throat.
He could feel her pulse, beating frantically against his tongue, inviting him to claim it. Gently, he ran his teeth over that pounding vein. The feeling of her hands clenching in his almost broke him. But if she touched him… She tilted her head, pushing away from the wall, baring her throat and he groaned. He was going to give in, was going to show her what she was dealing with. He couldn’t fight the lust, the need, the hunger.
“Sebastian,” she whispered, arching against him, trying to get closer. She was going to die. He saved her to kill her.
Her pleading voice, begging him for things that she didn’t understand, brought him back to his senses. Finding a strength he didn’t know he had, he let go. Stepped back. Left her throat untouched.
“No,” her voice was desperate and when she reached out for him his resolve almost shattered.
“I’m sorry, Eve.” He took her hands in his. “I can’t do this.”
The confusion in her eyes tore at him.
“I don’t understand.” She frowned. “You wanted me.”
“You’re wrong about that,” he said, cupping her cheek. “I still want you.”
“Then…”
He could show her what he was. That would kill the desire and revulsion, horror, terror would take its place. Experience taught him that. And that was a scenario he had no intention of replaying.
But he couldn’t explain that to her. So, he took the cowards way out and walked out the door.
#
Eve stood in the center of her borrowed room, on fire from unfulfilled need and unsure about what happened. She shook her head, trying to clear the booze and lust from her brain.
What did she do? Why did he walk away?
She could still feel his warmth on her wrists, on her cheek.
It wasn’t until she shivered that she remembered her sweater, laying on the carpeted floor. Snatching it up, she pulled it on. That was a mistake. It smelled like him, masculinity and expensive cologne.
Only then did the humiliation begin to set in. Why did he stop? Why did she start? He seemed willing, but something turned him away. His last words were probably meant to spare her feelings.
Eve groaned and spun around. Staring at the door wouldn’t bring him back. She found herself sitting on the neatly made coverlet of her bed with her face in hands. Why did she drink so much? She had other things to worry about then getting laid. Like contacting people. The world she knew probably thought she was dead. But it was mainly her mother she was worried about. Her mom had already lost her husband to an accident and it took her years to recover. Losing her daughter would devastate her.
Maybe she wouldn’t know. If she was in a different state, there was nothing to trace back to her. She might have missed a call from her mom, but that would be it.
But she came to a realization. She couldn’t stay there. Not with the attraction she felt to all these men. To Sebastian. She was going to lose herself. But she couldn’t leave. Not with the mark on their hands. They were going to try to fix it. Talk about a rock and a hard place.
She groaned.
A nap. That was what she needed. Sober up, get some rest. Deal with everything else later.
Call her mom. Call the library.
Figure out what other meant.
She lay back on the bed and grabbed a pillow, curling in on herself.
CHAPTER THREE
A knock at the door woke her.
Was it Sebastian? Did it matter? If it was him, she’d close the door in his face and go about her business. Or stay in bed.
The knock came again.
Sitting up, Eve winced at the pain in her head. Damn whiskey. “Coming!” she called out, swinging her legs off the bed.
She had no idea what time it was, what day it was and barely who she was. Naps tended to have that effect on her. Especially those fueled by booze and self-pity. Closing her hand around the knob, she gave a brief prayer that it wasn’t her boogie man on the other side. Finally, she took a breath and opened it.
Essie stood on the other side holding a glass of water and a small tray with two tiny pills. “Master Sebastian said you might be wanting this, miss.”
Eve was tempted to tell Essie that she could tell master Sebastian he could kiss her ass, but the banging inside her head begged for the water and aspirin. The smile that sprung out of nowhere irritated her. Why should she be pleased that he thought about her comfort? He didn’t when he left her standing in her room, body on fire for him. Begrudgingly, she accepted the gifts.
“Thank you, Essie,” she said, trying to wipe the smile off her lips. “Evidently, I can’t keep up with them in drinking.” She swallowed the pills and washed them down with the water.
Essie frowned at her for a moment. “Of course ya can’t. Why would you try?”
It was Eve’s turn to frown. “What do you mean?”
Gideon stepped into view, right behind Essie and cleared his throat. The older woman spun to him and put her hands on her hips. “Why doesn’t she know?”
“Know what?” Eve just decided that her life was going to be one of confusion from that moment on.
“We… haven’t exactly had time for heart to heart chats, Essie. Things like that take time.” Gideon ducked his head and Eve had to hold in the laugh. He looked like a little boy.
“Well, ya need to be making the time. Three days, Gideon. Else I’ll do it myself.” She took the glass of water from Eve before turning and nearly storming down the hallway.
“Gideon? What do I need to know about?”
He sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “Let me get with the others. Discuss some things with them. Then, we’ll talk.”
“Promise?” she asked. Something about him told her that he didn’t give his word lightly.
“Be careful what you ask for, Eve.” He took her shoulders in his hands. “You’re not going to want to hear what we have to say, but yes, I promise.” His fingers tightened on her, a breath away from hurting her before he let go. “I came up here to ask if you would be joining us for dinner. You don’t have to. You can eat here if you wish.”
Stay in her room.
Then she wouldn’t have to look at Sebastian. But no, she wasn’t a coward. And besides, she liked the others. Why should she deny herself their company? “I’ll come with you.” She wished her voice matched her bravado but the smile on Gideon’s face made it worth it.
He turned and held out his arm and she tucked hers through it, making sure to not touch his skin. Together they walked to the dining room. She was laughing at a comment he made about how the builders thought he was on drugs whe
n he told them how he wanted the layout of the house when they entered the room.
There was a hint of anger and something else… Jealousy? There was barely time to register it before it disappeared. She looked up and met Sebastian’s eyes at the end of the table. Screw him. Well, not in the biblical sense. Already tried that. Holding her head high, she walked at Gideon’s side.
“Where would you like to sit?” Gideon asked and she looked at the chairs.
The whole table was empty, but he was at the far end. There were places closer. “That’s fine.” He let her arm go and pulled her chair out for her. She sat and he slid the chair back it. Such gentlemen. But the time Sebastian did it, he hated her.
Her emotions were still to raw to be around him now and that was something she needed to figure out. It wasn’t like they were dating. They barely knew each other. So, something inside her wanted him more than her next breath. So, she felt like she was born for him. She was also attracted to every other member of the household that she had met. He wasn’t that special.
Gideon sat beside her and she smiled up at him.
“Thank you for inviting me. I hope I’m not intruding,” she said.
“If you had been intruding, I wouldn’t have invited.” He gave her a wink and she laughed.
Another lick of anger. There was a glass of water in front of her and she reached for it, hand once again shaking. Why was she so anxious? Why was he angry? He had his chance. She turned to look at him and caught his frown before his face went back to expressionless. “Thank you for sending me water and aspirin, Sebastian.” She tried to smile at him, but it felt weird on her lips. “Safe to say I won’t be drinking with the men anymore.”
He returned the awkward smile. “That’s a pity,” he said. “It was fun.”
Of course he didn’t mean it the way it sounded. She knew that. But the words still cut a bit. She made some sound in reply and looked back down at her place setting.
He knew he hurt her. It wasn’t his intention. But maybe if she thought he was a bastard, he wouldn’t hurt her worse. He looked at Gideon and could read the question in his best friend’s eyes. A quick shake of his head and Gideon frowned.
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