He said nothing, but exited the car and opened her door, helping her out. He led her to one of the metal staircase, holding her hand as they ascended.
When they finally reached the top, Jade took a sharp breath of air. They were in the middle part of the park where a table and two chairs were set up on the lawn, surrounded by hanging lantern lights. Two people dressed in white shirts and black pants were waiting next to the table. A champagne bucket was standing by the side, chilling a green and gold bottle.
“Sebastian, how did you…” Her eyes darted around her, still wondering how he pulled this off. The High Line was a public park, after all, and tonight, they seemed to be the only ones there.
“You like plants, right?” he said, leading her towards the table. He pulled out her chair and helped her sit. “I thought you’d like it here. Have you been here before?”
She nodded. It was one of the few times she ventured out of midtown. “I love the concept of using only local flora. Do you know that all the plants here were sourced from local growers, no more than a hundred miles from Manhattan? The landscaping was actually built to create different microclimates so that’s there’s less—” She stopped short and blushed. “Sorry. I must be boring you. Meredith calls it my ‘science word vomit’ and I’ve been trying my best not to do it.”
Sebastian chuckled. “You’re not boring me,” he said. “Not at all. I’ve never been here. Maybe you can show me the different plants later.”
“I’d like that,” she said.
Sebastian nodded to the two servers, and they quickly went to work. One opened the champagne bottle, and the other scurried to a small tent set up in the corner.
“Thank you,” she nodded and smiled at the young man who filled her glass. “What should we drink to?”
“How about…to the High Line?” he said.
“Yes, to the High Line.” They clinked glasses, and Jade took a delicate sip of the bubbly liquid.
“So, Doctor,” he teased. “What else can you tell me about this park?”
As the waiters brought them their food, Jade began to spout off facts she had read about the park. Being a biologist and bioengineer, she loved everything about the concept of not only re-using the old freight car tracks but also planting species endemic to the area, which meant less waste and fewer plants dying. Sebastian listened to her attentively, asking questions every now and then, which meant he was actually listening to her. She felt a little self-conscious though, as his steel gray eyes stared at her intently, lingering on her lips or between her breasts when he thought she wouldn’t notice. Or maybe he did want her to notice.
“I’ve talked your ear off, I’m afraid,” Jade said as she took a spoonful of the caramel cheesecake. “Why don’t you tell me about yourself? Where did you grow up? Do you have brothers and sisters?”
Sebastian’s eyes suddenly turned a dark, stormy gray, and his body tensed. “I’d rather not.”
“Oh,” Jade said lowering her eyes. The tension in the air was tangible, and Jade felt herself shrinking away from him. She turned her head towards the view of the Manhattan skyline, closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of the cool air on her skin.
“Jade?”
She nearly jumped out of her chair, as Sebastian was suddenly beside her, his shadow looming overhead. “You move so quietly,” she said, putting a hand over her galloping heart. That masculine scent that seemed to cling to him wafted through the air, making her dizzy.
“I got you something,” he said, placing a robin’s egg blue box with a white ribbon on the table.
“I…” She touched the box with her finger. “Th—thank you.” No one had ever given her jewelry before nor did she see the point of buying some for herself, which is why she never wore any.
“You haven’t even opened it.”
Jade undid the white ribbon and opened the box. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a thin, delicate gold chain necklace. Lifting it up with her fingers, she realized it was actually three strands of chains linked together, each a different color of gold.
“May I?” he asked, offering his hand.
She nodded, and he helped her up, then made her turn around. His callused fingers brushed her hair aside, lingering a little longer on her skin. Taking the necklace from her, he draped it over her neck, letting the strands fall between her breasts.
“It suits you,” he proclaimed, leaning down and pressing a kiss on her shoulders. His lips seemed to brand her skin, and she suddenly felt dizzy and feverish. “You should wear jewelry more often.”
“Thank you,” she managed to say.
Sebastian twisted her around to face him, snaked an arm around her, and pulled her up, slamming his lips down on hers. The kiss was wild and passionate, and she thought her knees would buckle if he weren’t holding her up against him.
“Sebastian,” she moaned, her hands moving into his jacket to get as close to him as possible. The hard muscles underneath his shirt tensed and flexed under her touch and he moved in again for a rough kiss.
“Jade,” he rasped as he pulled away. “I can’t wait. Do you want to leave now?”
She nodded, not sure if she could speak.
“I got us a room, not far from here. Just give me a sec.” Sebastian walked over to the two servers, giving them curt instructions.
A hotel room. There was a small part of Jade that was disappointed. She thought that well, maybe he would take her to his home. Her curiosity was burning with all the secrets Sebastian Creed kept hidden. No, she told herself. Better not to know. There was no point, not when there would be nothing between them after tonight. A stab of pain gutted her, but she pushed it down.
Sebastian walked back to her, placing an arm around her shoulders. “Are you all right?”
Jade tugged her shawl around her tighter. “I’m fine.”
“Let’s go.”
Jade followed him down the metal steps and back into the car. The drive was short, less than five minutes, and they pulled up next to the tall, sleek building. A uniformed man waiting outside opened Jade’s door and helped her out, and then took the keys from Sebastian.
He guided her into the doors of the Gansevoort Chelsea Hotel, walking past the luxurious lobby and straight into the elevators. Jade felt her heart beat staccato rhythm against her chest. A few people got on the elevator with them, and she pressed herself back against the cold metal wall.
After a few minutes, they arrived on the top floor. They stepped out, and Sebastian led them to the door on the right, opening it swiftly with his keycard.
The first thing Jade noticed about the suite was the view—an entire wall was made of glass, giving them an incredible view of the Hudson River. The room itself was massive, decorated in a modern style in dark gray and black tones. There was a large sofa in the middle facing the window, a bar in the corner and a kitchen/dining area to the left.
“I hope you like the room,” Sebastian said, walking up behind her, removing his coat and loosening his tie. His arms came around her waist, pulling her to him. She gasped when she felt the bulge poking against her lower back. “Change your mind yet?”
She shook her head and then turned around in his arms. “No. I want this. I want you.”
With a low growl, Sebastian picked her up and walked them towards the bedroom, lying her down on the soft mattress. He removed the loosened tie and began to unbutton his shirt.
Her eyes devoured him. As he removed the shirt, she watched the muscles on his arms and chest ripple with contained power. She also found out the answer to her question that night at Blood Moon. The tattoos went from his left wrist all the way across his chest, a mix of various designs from tribal to classic to modern lines. There were a few military ones, too, and some she didn’t recognize. But she thought they were all beautiful and suited him so well. God, he was massive, and she felt a twinge of fear that he would crush her. But she knew he wouldn’t. Not Sebastian.
“Hmmm…” Jade mewled, throwing her head back. Sudd
enly, Sebastian grabbed her by her legs and pulled, hauling her up on his lap. She could feel his erection pushed up against her nakedness, and she grabbed onto his shoulders to get some leverage as she ground against him.
“Slow down, cowgirl,” he teased. “This won’t be like last night. This time, it’s gonna be the real thing. Are you ready?” His gray eyes searched hers, waiting on her, giving her one last chance to turn back.
Jade nodded. “Yes. Sebastian.”
He let out a growl from deep within his chest, and she thought she saw a flash of gold in his eyes. That was probably her imagination, her brain heady with pleasure. His hands reached behind her, finding the zipper of her dress and pulling it down. Jade eased down the straps on her shoulders, exposing her breasts to his heated gaze.
Sebastian bent his head, kissing her between her breasts, then capturing a nipple with his mouth. The sensation of his warm tongue on her sensitive nipples sent pleasure straight between her thighs.
“God, you’re so perfect,” he murmured against her skin.
Suddenly, her eyes flew open as she felt something against her thighs. Something…vibrating? “Sebastian!” she called.
“Yes, darlin’…” he soothed, his hand stroking her back and his mouth drawing in the other nipple.
“Sebastian…no…”
His head popped up, a confused look marring his face. “No?”
“I mean yes, but…there’s uhm…something vibrating in your, er…pants?”
Sebastian let out a cuss and released her. He shoved his hand into his pocket and retrieved his phone. “Shit!” he cursed, looking at the screen. With a sigh, he gave Jade an apologetic look. “I told the office to contact me for absolute emergencies only. Sorry, darlin’.”
“It’s fine,” she replied in a breathy tone. “Go ahead.”
With a nod, he answered the phone with a gruff hello, and then slid away from the bed. Jade watched as his ripped back muscles tensed. He slowly turned to face her.
The look on his face made Jade’s blood run cold. He put a hand over the receiver. “Where’s your phone?”
“It’s in my purse,” she answered.
“Go check it,” he urged.
Her heart thumped, and she knew something was going on. She slunk off the bed, pulling the straps of her dress up to cover herself. Walking out into the main suite, she snatched her purse and pulled her phone out. Eight missed calls. All from Fenrir. Dread gripped her chest like a vice, and she quickly tapped on the green button to call the number back.
“Dr. Cross,” Nick Vrost answered, his voice tight. “Where are you?”
“I’m…I’m out,” she said nervously.
“Are you safe? Do you have your protection detail with you?”
“Yes.” I supposed this counted, she thought to herself.
The Beta let out a sigh of relief. “Good. Stick to your security team. Whatever you do, don’t come to Fenrir. Go home.”
“Mr. Vrost, what’s going on?” She chewed on her lip, anxiously waiting for Nick to give her good news.
There was a pause, and finally, Nick spoke. “I’m afraid the mages tried to break into Fenrir. Marcus is dead.”
She let out a soft cry. “I’m sorry. I mean…” Oh God, she would never get to talk to Marcus now. They would never find out how the mages were controlling humans. It was all her fault for being so weak.
“Jade,” Sebastian called as he stood in the doorway. “Did they tell you?”
She nodded, the lump in her throat preventing her from speaking.
He padded over to her, gathering her in his arms. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise, nothing will happen to you.”
God, she wanted to break down. He was so big and warm, and she felt so safe. She wanted his comfort and his solace.
“You know who’s out to get you, don’t you?” he asked, his voice growing cold. “Tell me, Jade. Tell me so I can put him away.”
She tried to speak, but all that came out was a choked sob. “I…I don’t know.”
“You’re lying,” he growled, his hands going to her shoulders. “Tell me now.”
What was she supposed to say? Should she make something up? She shouldn’t have done this, shouldn’t have gotten so close to him. Now she not only lost the opportunity to deal a major blow to the mages, but their secret could be exposed. “I’m sorry, Sebastian,” she pulled away from him. “Take me home now, please.”
The anger seemed to roll off Sebastian, and she nearly shrank under the heaviness of the air around them. He turned as silent as a stone and stalked back to the bedroom. Jade stood there, rooted to the spot until he came out again, buttoning his shirt.
“Let’s get out of here,” he said, not looking at her.
She followed him meekly, keeping her distance. It all seemed like a blur to her, the events whirling in her mind. Soon, she found herself in his car, and then they were right outside her apartment building. Her door clicked open and she stared at the short, stocky man waiting patiently for her.
“Dr. Cross, I’m Aiden James,” he said, holding out his hand, friendly blue eyes looking at her curiously.
She took it, and let him help her out of the car. When she heard the car door slam shut, she flinched visibly.
“Aiden is my right-hand man, Dr. Cross,” Sebastian explained as he walked around the car. “He’ll stay with you tonight.”
“Where are you going?” she asked, unable to help herself.
“Out,” he said brusquely. “I have work to do.”
“I’ll make sure she’s safe,” Aiden said.
Sebastian said nothing but gave his friend a curt nod. He walked back to the driver’s side, slipped into the sleek car, and then started the engine.
Jade watched the car speed away. She felt an ache in her heart, clawing at her, and it wouldn’t stop until she sent it a plea. “No,” she choked.
“Did you say something, Dr. Cross?” Aiden asked.
“I didn’t…I mean, I’m just tired,” she sighed.
“No worries. Sebastian wants to make sure you’re safe for tonight. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll be crashing on your couch, but I won’t be sleeping,” Aiden explained. He nodded to the car parked across the street. “Additionally, we have two guys watching your building.”
“Uhm, thank you,” she mumbled.
“No worries, Dr. Cross. Sebastian had this on top priority. Anything you need or want, just tell us, okay?”
“Thank you, Mr. James,” she replied.
Aiden nodded. “Of course. Let’s head back to your place and make sure you’re settled in. Don’t worry about anything. You can sleep soundly tonight.”
Jade very much doubted that.
Chapter Fourteen
After tossing and turning the entire night, Jade couldn’t take it anymore. She marched into her bathroom, took the coldest shower she could manage ,and dressed for the day. It was six o’clock by the time she was ready to go to work.
“Good morning, Dr. Cross,” Aiden greeted her, his expression turning from surprise to concern as he looked at her face.
She knew she looked awful. She’d seen it in the mirror this morning. There were bags under her eyes, and her skin was sallow. Her hair was still wet, too. She didn’t have the patience or time to dry it this morning, so she left it hanging over her shoulders.
“I’m going to work,” she said, slinging her purse over her shoulder.
Aiden got up from the couch and rubbed his face. “Sure thing. Just give me a second.”
She eyed the gun on her coffee table as he grabbed it and placed it into his shoulder holster, then put on his jacket. “Let’s go.”
Aiden opened the door, taking the lead as he escorted her downstairs and into the waiting car. She squeezed into the back with one of the Creed Security guys as Aiden slipped into the front seat. The traffic was light, and her apartment wasn’t far from Fenrir. When they got to Fenrir Corp’s headquarters, Aiden exited the vehicle, helped her out, and then w
alked her into the building. He hung back, though his eyes trained on her as she entered the private elevators. As soon as she got into her lab, she ran up to her inner lab and got to work, booting up her computer and reading through the texts, pouring over them in case there was something she missed. There was absolutely no time to waste.
Jade became engrossed in the readings, and she was glad because they were the only thing that kept her mind from drifting off. She had to stay focused. Study the texts. Stop thinking about last night.
“Jade!” A familiar voice exclaimed, jolting her out of her trance. “Are you okay?”
She turned around saw Meredith entering the lab, Nick right behind her.
“Dr. Cross,” he began.
“Mr. Vrost,” she said, swinging her chair around to face them.
“They told me you came in early.”
“Yes, I needed to get some work done,” she explained. “Please, tell me what happened last night.”
Nick and Meredith sat down on the chairs in front of her desk. The Beta took a deep breath. “There was a break-in in the building. Six armed men and two mages. They caught us just as we were changing shifts. They forced their way in and made it all the way to the basement levels.”
Jade gasped. “How far did they get?”
Meredith frowned. “All the way to the detention levels. I don’t know how, but they knew where to go. They went right past my cell and straight to Marcus’. They used Ognevaia to blow down the doors.” Ognevaia was a magically-powered explosive that had ten times the power of a molotov cocktail. The mages would have only needed a small amount to create a massive explosion.
“Marcus died instantly,” Nick explained. “They didn’t want to take him alive. And then they went to find Daric.”
“Did they get him?” Jade asked.
“No, our security forces came just in time. There was a fight, and we were able to take down two of their guys, but the mages and the rest got away,” he said, his jaw tensing.
Jade sighed in relief. It was a good thing they didn’t free Daric. “What now?”
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