Falling for Sakura: A Secret Proposal Part 1 (Sakura and the Princeton Brothers Book 3)

by Alexia Praks

  “Look, I know how much you want to stay with your mother, but it’s for your safety.”

  “Mrs. Clark?”

  He nodded.

  Sakura didn’t like the sound of that. “So you brothers will protect me?”

  “Yes.”

  “But what if she doesn’t do anything? Wouldn’t that just be like wasting your time?”

  He chuckled. “Sakura, for you, it is never a waste of time. I can spend the rest of my life with you and I’d never complain.”

  That statement struck deep within her heart. She felt so warm and wanted. She blushed and felt more than little too hot and bothered. She tried to move out of his embrace, but he wouldn’t let her and tightened his arms around her.

  “Sebastian,” she said softly, trying not to offend him. She knew he and his brothers were concerned about her wellbeing. She knew they wanted to help her. But really? Did she need to move in with them? She didn’t want to be an inconvenience to them. She also wanted to stand on her own two feet. She was sure she’d be fine.

  “Look, I understand you and your brothers want to protect me. But really, this is getting a little too out of control. I mean, I’m old enough to look after myself. Besides, there’s Sosuke as well. And you brothers are just one floor above. Also, the apartment building is fully secured, right?”

  At his nod, she continued. “So really, there’s no need for me to move in with you. I don’t want to bother you guys.”

  Sebastian said, “So your problem is you don’t want to bother us even if your life is in danger?”

  She nodded at his statement. Then she quickly changed her mind and shook her head. “No, that’s not it.”

  Sebastian couldn’t help himself. He threw his head back and laughed out loudly. Sakura was mesmerized by his laughter. When he stopped and turned his attention to her, he had a big grin on his face. Sakura sucked in her breath. Because of her problems for the past few days, she’d forgotten how disarmingly handsome this man was and how much he could affect her. In a good way, though. Gosh, she really did love him.

  She said, “You’re making fun of me.”

  “Perhaps it would be easier for you to move in with us if you’re my girlfriend, Sakura,” he said, matter of fact. “How about that? Do you want to be in a real relationship with me?”

  The question took her by surprise, and Sakura just didn’t know how to reply. She bit her lip and stared hard at his chin. Gosh! He did have very good chin. Strong and firm. She wanted to stroke his chin and feel that five o’clock shadow beneath her palm. The thought caused a thrill of delicious sensation to rush through her body.

  Sebastian felt her shivering and thought he’d gone too far. He shouldn’t have asked her that, knowing how much she loved Darcy as well as him. He couldn’t really back down now, could he? It was too late. Yes, he admitted he was greedy where Sakura was concerned. But damn, he loved her and would do anything to protect her.

  “I…” She began.

  “Sakura,” he said, nudging her chin up so she looked him in the eyes. “Do you love me?”

  Sakura didn’t need to think twice about that. “Yes,” she said without hesitation. “I love you, Sebastian.”

  “Then be my girlfriend,” he said. “Come and live with us.”

  Sakura stared up at him, wondering how to give him her answer. As she dug deep into her thoughts, she didn’t notice Darcy was standing just at the door. In fact, he’d been there for a little while and had heard their conversation clearly. He hadn’t intended on eavesdropping, but when he’d heard Sebastian asking her about whether she loved him or not, he found his legs couldn’t move.

  When he heard the word yes from Sakura, he felt his gut churning with sickness. Suddenly, he felt weak and defeated, as if he’d just lost a battle that was very important to him.

  With drooping shoulders and a burning pain deep within his heart, he turned on his heel.

  “I love you, Sebastian.” The words echoed across to him as he blindly opened the door.

  “Then be my girlfriend. Come and live with us.”

  Darcy didn’t need to hear the answer. He knew in his gut what it was. Now, however, he needed space. He needed to be alone. He headed out of the penthouse, got into his car, and drove away.

  Back in the courtyard, Sakura said, “I’ll think about moving in with you and your brothers.”

  “And what about being my girlfriend?” He couldn’t help asking.

  Sakura knew she needed to phrase this properly so she wouldn’t hurt him. “I love you, Sebastian, but you do know I love Darcy as well.”

  Sebastian nodded. “I respect that wholeheartedly.”

  “I need time. I cannot blindly go into a relationship knowing I’d hurt one of you. I’m sorry, Sebastian. I really am.”

  Instead of sounding like he’d just gotten dumped, Sebastian laughed. This surprised Sakura, and she gazed up at him, amazed.

  Sebastian lowered his head and kissed her on her forehead. When he moved back, he said, “Then I’ll do my best to win you over.”

  Sakura tightened her arms around his big frame as well and whispered, “Thank you for understanding.”

  * * * * *

  Alone in the parking lot, facing the harbor and New York City, Darcy stood gazing across the vastness, taking in the cool air and the bright night lights.

  “Snow.” He whispered Sakura’s nickname between his lips, thinking about what he'd witnessed only moments past.

  He raised his head and closed his eyes, feeling the dull ache crushing his chest. Hadn’t he told himself before that if Sakura chose Sebastian, he’d be happy for her? Hadn’t he decided already that he’d be happy for them both? After all, Sebastian loved Sakura dearly and he’d be a great boyfriend and, eventually, husband for her.

  But why oh why couldn’t he settle tonight? Why was his heart aching so much he felt like screaming?

  No! He wasn’t going to scream. He would have to crush the pain and hurt and bury them deep within his heart. He’d lock them away and never allow them to see the light of day ever again. He would be happy for Sakura and Sebastian. He would respect Sakura’s choice and be happy for her.

  From now on, what he needed to do was keep his distance. Give the couple some space. And eventually, Darcy knew he’d forget Sakura. Forget he ever loved her. Forget he’d ever given her the name Snow. Forget they’d ever kissed under the cherry blossom tree on St. Joseph Island.

  “Sakura,” he said, smiling sadly. “Help me stop loving you. Please.”

  * * * * *

  CHAPTER 31

  Unforgettable Love

  “Edward Fabre!” the voice on the other end of the line shouted in Ned’s ear. “Do you realize how much trouble you’ve caused?”

  Ned looked heavenward and sighed. He knew when his sister Beth started calling him by his proper name, she was really pissed with him. He had no doubt it was about Sakura and the Princeton brothers. He, however, had no choice in the matter. He had to abandon his promise of making Sakura come around. His new gallery was about to open in a few months, and he was late on setting up the business. There was still a lot to be done yet, and he was getting more than a little stressed about the whole thing.

  He said, “Look here, Beth, I can’t just leave when everything here is in such chaos.”

  He heard Beth sigh. “Well, that’s all you ever think about. Your arts and business. If you must know, Edward Fabre, the Princeton brothers have already found Sakura. They didn’t need your help after all.”

  Ned laughed. “Well, that’s great. Then I don’t need to go back to New York until this end is done and dusted.”

  “Believe it or not, I’m alone at the moment. The brothers are at their parents’ penthouse.”

  “I thought you enjoyed your me time,” he teased.

  “Yes, but this time I feel left out,” she muttered. “Those brothers!”

  “Look, Beth, I have to go,” Ned said.

  “So you won’t be back for a cou
ple more months, then?” Beth asked.

  “Afraid not. I’ll email Sakura and let her know. I’m happy everything worked out for her and the brothers.”

  “Yes,” Beth agreed. “Oh, and has Sakura told you about her going to Hawaii for a photo shoot?”

  Ned frowned over this. “No, she hasn’t.”

  “Well, they’ll be away for weeks, since I heard the brothers say they’ll be doing a bit of vacationing as well. I’m going to see if I can tag along.”

  Ned laughed. “You’re getting too attached, Beth.”

  “I have a right to be, Edward,” she said clearly, indicating she was still upset with him. “I’ve been with them since they were kids.”

  “Look, I really have to go,” Ned said. “Call me again, okay?”

  “Maybe, Edward,” Beth said and cut the line with a definite sharpness.

  Ned shook his head as he stared at his cell phone. That was Beth all right. She’d never change, and he loved her just the way she was.

  He walked out of the office and came to inspect his new gallery. Tradesmen were going about their business, painting the walls and fitting in the lights and switches. Once he was sure everything was in order, he headed into the storeroom and carefully went through the paintings that had just been delivered a few hours ago.

  He unwrapped his favorite and stood back, staring at beautiful lines of the curves of a woman lying in bed with only a thin bed sheet covering her. Slowly and lovingly, he traced his fingers across the delicate face and felt a tug deep within his heart.

  “Haruka.” The name softly slipped between his lips. “Will I ever see you again?”

  As he said that, he knew he’d never see her again. She’d left him cold turkey that winter day and never returned. All she’d left was a note that said she didn’t love him and didn’t want to be with him anymore. That she had to return to Japan and it was best they didn’t keep contact.

  A sigh escaped his lips as Ned withdrew his hand from the painting. He picked up the cover and threw it back over the canvas and then left the room, his heart still aching—even after twenty-five years.

  * * * * *

  Next in the Sakura and Princeton Brothers story

  Thank you for reading Falling for Sakura: A Secret Proposal Part 1. The story of Sakura and the seven Princeton brothers continues in Falling for Sakura: A Secret Proposal Part 2, which will be released in February 2017.

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  If you enjoyed this novel, please leave a review and recommend it to a friend.

  More Books by Alexia Praks

  Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance

  The Princeton Brothers Series

  Sakura & Princeton Brothers Serial: Falling for Sakura

  Billionaires’ Brides Series

  The Billionaire’s Hired Girlfriend

  The Billionaire’s Kiss

  The Billionaire’s Love

  Dark New Adult Contemporary Romance

  Dark Billionaires Series

  Chained to You Serial: James and Mia

  Chained by Love Serial: William and Savanah

  Enthralled by You Serial: Scott and Yuki

  About Alexia

  My dear reader,

  This is Alexia, and I would like to thank you very much for purchasing this book. If you like Falling for Sakura Vol. 3: A Secret Proposal Part 1, then I encourage you to write a review. Better yet, rate this book and post your thoughts on Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter.

  Here are some things about me.

  I’m a self-confessed hermit who love to write romance; be it contemporary, historical, fantasy, paranormal, or a combination of any of these. Aside from romance, I also write young adult. Unlike my romance novels, my YA counterpart falls into various subgenres such as fantasy, science-fiction, thriller, supernatural, dystopia, mystery, and of course, romance.

  I live in historic, students-infested Dunedin, Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud), aka New Zealand. It’s a lone, isolated, beautiful country with ranges of exquisite mountains and breathtaking rivers.

  Apart from writing and occasionally losing myself in my own dream realm, I love self-cultivation, is fascinated about Chinese metaphysics, and spend most of my spare time watching anime and TV dramas, and of course, reading books and manga.

  You can get in contact with me via my website at: alexiapraks.com/contact.