And he bought me that black scarf for the same reason he bought the lace mask. Sure, he can turn just about anything into a sexy object, but the way he grinned at that vendor through the black silk cloth while we were both under it, tells me that was Sebastian’s way of trying to show me what life is like through his eyes. He wanted me to understand how he sees…in shades of gray and black. And red.
Even with his impairment, Sebastian sees me better than anyone. On so many levels. Now it’s my turn to tell him that I see him too.
I lace my hands with his and I fold our arms together across my chest. Bringing our clasped hands to my lips, I kiss each of his knuckles and say, “I know about your colorblindness, Sebastian. And if the reason you haven’t told me before now is because you somehow feel it makes you less, you really don’t know me very well. I sure as hell don’t care what the Navy thinks.”
He stills behind me. “How’d you—?” A heavy sigh. “Mina.”
I shrug. “You’ve been trying to tell me, haven’t you?”
He kisses the back of my head. “Colorblindness aside, I didn’t belong in the military anymore. And my visual limitation isn’t something I like to admit to anyone. I didn’t have a choice with Mina, but thank you for saving my ass at the christening.”
If not the changes in his vision, what happened that made him feel he didn’t belong in the Navy anymore? I glance up at him. “The pink and blue ribbons were the pastor’s traditional roots getting in the way. And of course I came to your rescue; I promised I’d be there for you. We’re a team.”
Sebastian shuts the water off and turns me in his arms. Water drips off his nose and down his face as he pulls me close. “You bring color to my life every day in a sea of sameness, Talia. And I’m not talking about this.” He rubs a strand of my hair between his fingers. “Or this.” A sexy smile cants his lips as he glances down at the bit of hair between my legs. “I’m talking about making me feel. I’ve been numb most of my life. You give me something intangible I can’t explain. It’s just the way I feel when I’m with you. Like I’m whole and not a damn thing is missing.”
For a man who claims not to know the words women want to hear, Sebastian has managed to render me speechless. I never thought he’d say anything so beautiful and heartfelt. I wrap my arms around his neck. “You are everything I want, Sebastian. The whole package.”
He folds his arms tight around my waist, his gaze tracing over my face. I can tell something is weighing on his mind, but then he flashes a smile and smacks my ass hard. “Get dried off, grab a shirt from my closet if you’d like, and then meet me in the kitchen.”
The colorful pillows on Sebastian’s sofa make me wonder how long he’s had this place as I walk from his bedroom through the living room, toward the kitchen. Or did someone help him pick them out? He glances up from twisting a corkscrew in a bottle of wine, and a smile of male satisfaction spreads across his face. He takes his time sliding his gaze down my nipples pebbling under his light blue button down shirt to my bare legs and feet. “My clothes will most definitely be a requirement in the future.”
I lift the edge of his shirt and touch the tag sewn on the inside. “While looking for something to wear, I noticed this tag: Light Blue, 3,1. The ties also listed a basic color and numbers.” I tilt my head. “It’s a numbering system, isn’t it?”
He nods as he pulls the cork out of the bottle. “It’s how I’m able to match my ties to shirts and then those to my suits.”
My heart breaks just a little for how he’s had to learn to adapt to the limits of his vision. “Did you come up with it yourself?”
“Yes. It keeps me sane and helps me appear mostly normal. Otherwise, you’d only ever see me wear a black or gray suit, white shirts and gray or black ties. Every once in a while I’d go all crazy and wear a red tie.”
He might sound like he’s joking, but I can tell he’s still dealing with his disability. The fact none of his family knows makes that clear to me. Does his BLACK Security team? And how ironically bittersweet that the injury that turned his dark brown eye mostly blue, changing his unusual two-tone eye color to matching gorgeous blue ones, also stole his ability to see in color. Life can be such a fickle bitch.
“It’s very clever. I’m impressed,” I say, hoping to put a positive spin on things. Running my hands up the front of his shirt, I lift the collar and inhale. “Whoever does your laundry deserves major praise. This shirt is so soft and now I know why you always smell so delicious.”
Pouring a glass of red wine, he snorts. “I’ll be sure to tell Teresa.”
“Who’s Teresa?” I ask, trying not to sound jealous.
He sets the bottle down on the black granite island and peers around the apartment. “The same woman who decorated this place, buys my groceries, and pretty much runs this place for me.” He smirks and nods toward the pillows I ran my hand across as I walked through the living room. “Hopefully she chose the colors well.”
I look at the bold turquoise and red pillows, and then take in all the glass, marble and chrome. “Your place definitely has a masculine feel, but your house manager has added warmth with her color choices in the pillows, rugs and art pieces. Very high-end too. Apparently being in the security business pays off.”
Picking up the two wine glasses, he strolls around the island and holds the red wine out to me, keeping the sparkling water for himself. “Yes, business is good. I know you don’t usually drink red, but I’d like you to try it. The wine came highly recommended. And it just seems appropriate for this toast.”
“A toast?” I ask, taking the wine.
Sebastian nods and lifts his glass, his bright blue gaze full of warmth. “I was your first, and now you’re mine.”
I lower my glass and raise an eyebrow. “You were no virgin, Sebastian. So what first am I to you?”
He moves closer, and it’s hard for me to concentrate with his muscular chest and six pack abs just inches from me. He’s pulled on a pair of soft dark gray lounge pants that hit him low on the hips, displaying those two muscles that dip past his pants waistline…the ones that make even the smartest women lose brain cells.
Tapping my glass with his, he lifts my chin until I meet his gaze. “You’re the first woman I’ve brought to this apartment—a place I’ve always considered my personal sanctuary. You’re the first woman to drink a toast here with me.” His voice drops to a seductive purr as his finger traces my jawline. “The first to help me christen the door, the couch, the shower, the chair, and the first to share my bed.”
I choke back the emotion swelling inside, my fingers curling around the glass stem. What he’s saying is so heart-stopping I focus on something else so I don’t get too caught up in his words. He said some amazing things in the shower, but he hasn’t professed any kind of deep commitment and he may never. “We haven’t had sex in a chair or in your bed for that matter.”
Sebastian releases a knowing laugh. “The night is young, Little Red. Drink your wine and tell me what you think.”
I take a sip and am surprised by the rich taste and how easily it slides down my throat. I raise my eyebrows. “Mmmm, it’s delicious.” I take another sip and savor the intense earthy flavor spreading across my tongue. “I can tell the tannins are firm, but with its spicy notes, the combination is the smoothest red I’ve ever tasted.”
Sebastian smiles, pride in his eyes. “It’s Italian, the Primitivo grape, known for its deep color and full-bodied flavor. I’m glad you like it.”
I eye him with amused suspicion. “You know a lot about wine for a man who doesn’t drink.”
He skims his fingers over my collarbone, his touch arousing my senses. “I’ve found knowing wine reaps its own benefits.”
“And you just happen to have a bottle of this fabulous wine on hand for guests you never have?”
“Actually, yes and no. It ties together.” He starts to say more, then pauses. “Hold that thought.” Draining his sparkling water, he sets the glass down, then walks throu
gh the living room over to a black and chrome built-in bookshelf. Sliding open a drawer above a row of books, he takes something out, then turns around and dangles a pair of silver handcuffs. Eyes sparkling turquoise blue, his gaze sweeps slowly over me, primal and predatory. “All I’ve been able to think about is seeing you in these. Will you let me bind you, Talia?”
While every nerve-ending jumps to life at the look in his eyes and the knowledge that he’s been thinking about me wearing those in what I’m sure will be a mutually satisfying sexual experience, my brain won’t shut off. Is he saying something deeper? More symbolic? Then again, who keeps wine in a place no guests supposedly ever visit? Do I even want to know about the handcuffs? Why can’t my brain take a fucking break for once?
I start to confess my conflicted thoughts, but a buzzer sounds at the door. Sebastian walks over and touches a panel on the kitchen wall, saying in a gruff tone, “That you, Connelly?”
“Yeah, just delivering Talia’s purse. I thought she might want it.”
I set my wine on the counter and follow Sebastian to the door. I can’t believe I hadn’t realized that I didn’t have my purse with me. I was really shaken after that near miss with a runaway car.
My face flames when I catch sight of my underwear next to the doorway. I’m in the middle of scrambling to pick up my coat, Sebastian’s pants, belt, my heels, and underwear when the elevator pings. As the door slides open, I toss everything in my hands a good five feet to the left and hopefully out of Theo’s line of sight.
When Theo starts to step inside, Sebastian holds out his hand. “Thanks for bringing Talia’s purse.”
Stepping back, Theo puts his hand on the elevator door to keep it from shutting. As he hands Sebastian my purse, he nods to me as I peer around Sebastian’s shoulder. “Hey, Talia,” he says, giving a half wave. “Mina told me to tell you she put a gift in your purse.” He gestures to the cut on my forehead. “Ouch. I heard it was pretty hairy earlier.”
Theo has grown his buzz cut out since I saw him last. I smile at the slight curl in his light brown hair. The hair, combined with his tall height, barrel chest and thick arms, makes him look even more like a big teddy bear. I want to give him a hug, like I did every night after he walked me to my car, but since I’m underwear free, I stay hidden behind Sebastian as I gingerly touch my cut. “Yeah, it’s not too bad for battling a car. Thank you for bringing my purse.”
Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, Sebastian pulls me to his side and slides his arm to my waist, locking me against him. “Any news about the car that almost hit us?”
“Den gave me the rundown. The car was reported stolen a couple days ago. The owner of the car, Dwight Tucker, is a convicted felon who’s out on parole. The police are looking for him now, but in the meantime they’re dusting for prints other than his just in case. Nodding to me, Theo asks, “Does his name sound familiar?”
I fiddle with the collar on Sebastian’s shirt to keep the material off my chest. The last thing I want to do is hi-beam Theo. “No. I try not to associate with known criminals. Uh, well, excluding the Sly Fox scenario.”
“Despite the circumstances, we had interesting convos, right?” Theo says, grinning, then turns serious when Sebastian frowns at him. “Anyway, I’m going to look deeper into this Tucker guy, just in case. I’ll let you know if I come up with anything.”
Once the door slides closed, I look at Sebastian. “I thought Den worked for your father.”
“He does,” he answers simply. When I raise my eyebrows, Sebastian smiles. “Apparently you made quite an impression on Adam Blake. He doesn’t want anything to happen to Josi’s ‘fearless’ godmother, hence Den’s involvement right now.”
I laugh. “He said that to you?”
Handing me my purse, Sebastian hooks his hands at the base of my spine and draws me close. “He did. He also apologized to me for all the hurt and resentment he caused. He told me you’re the reason he finally pulled his head out of his ass. Apparently, he never took me out of the will, but he didn’t know how to tell me that.” He shakes his head. “He also asked me to come work with him, but I turned him down.”
I eye him tentatively, wondering at his mood. “So, you’re not mad at me?”
He snorts. “For meddling? Now why would I be mad?”
When I wince, he grins. “You’re adorable. An amazing contradiction of fierce warrior and peacemaker.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Sometimes you have to fight for peace.”
He lowers his face to mine. “Never stop fighting, Talia. Your tenacity against all odds is one of your most admirable traits.” Lifting his head, his tone shifts to an annoyed one. “Apparently every man who interacts with you is destined to fall for that very quality.”
My heart swelling from his praise, I gesture to the door and start to tell him to give Theo a break when my gaze lands on the doorjamb. Part of the carved wood has broken away from the main piece. Remembering the cracking sound I heard earlier, I look at him, wide-eyed. “Did you do that?”
He glances at the wood and shrugs. “You nearly broke me.” Dropping a kiss on my nose, he steps back. “Why don’t you open your present from Mina? She told me she had something for me as well. Maybe she put it in your purse.”
I follow Sebastian into the kitchen and try not to stare at the handcuffs standing out against the island’s black granite as I set my purse down next to them.
Sebastian leans on his elbows and watches me pull out the small navy box with a white ribbon tied around it and a tiny envelope. I hand him the other small envelope with Seb written on the front in swirly handwriting.
He takes his card, but doesn’t open it until I tug the bow off of mine. When I lift the lid and see a gorgeous gold heart locket with a smaller, slightly tilted raised-heart incorporated into the design on the front, I smile. It reminds me of my floating heart.
“What a lovely present,” I say. Setting the necklace down, I open the tiny card Mina included with my gift.
Talia,
I hope you don’t mind, but I thought what better way to keep Amelia’s memory alive, than to combine her heart with your promise to Josi. I’m so happy to have you as part of my family.
Love,
Mina
I lift the necklace and trace my finger over the tiny raised heart. It is the one I gave her. Mina must’ve had the locket custom made to include it.
“Open it.” At Sebastian’s encouragement, I use my nail to pop open the three-fourths inch wide heart. The picture of me holding Josi after the christening on the inside makes my heart twinge. Mina had planned everything so well. Down to getting the picture from her photographer and having it incorporated into the necklace to be delivered to me this evening. How could her mother think she’s flighty?
Sebastian comes around the island and slides my thumb out of the way. “Don’t forget the other half.”
Once he moves my finger, my hands shake as I stare at the tiny “2 Lias” drawing. Tears fill my eyes as I raise them to him. “How did you get this?”
He takes the necklace from me, closes the locket, then hooks the delicate chain around my neck. “After the ceremony, Mina told me her plans of incorporating the heart you gave her into your godmother gift, and I emailed her the picture I’d taken of the drawing.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d taken a picture of it?”
“I saw you close the leather binder that day and yet had never seen you order room service. While you were in the bathroom, I snapped a picture of the drawing to study later. If it was important to you, I wanted to know why.” He rests his hands on my shoulders, his fingers massaging me. “After you lost the original, I thought I’d have it printed for you, but then when I heard Mina’s plans, I realized incorporating the drawing into the locket would be a perfect way for you to keep it with you.” Clasping my face, he thumbs the tears away from my cheeks. “I know what it meant for you to give up that heart to Mina that night. I’m just glad she was able to give it back in a w
ay that’s equally honor-worthy.”
I sniff back my tears and touch the locket with my fingertips. “It’s perfect, Sebastian. Thank you both. I’ll always treasure it.”
He captures my lips in a tender kiss, and I wrap my arms around his hard body and kiss him back. Pausing, I glance toward the counter to look for his card. “What did Mina say in her note to you?”
He smirks. “She thanked me for wearing my uniform.”
Laughing softly, I lay my head against his shoulder and tighten my hold on him.
The sound of my phone ringing draws my attention to my purse. I don’t recognize the ringtone. Releasing him, I retrieve it and answer. “Hello.”
“Talia! Thank goodness I got ahold of you. I’ve been trying for a while.”
“Charlie?” The concern in his voice knocks me in the gut. “Is something wrong with Aunt Vanessa?”
“I’ve left messages on your phone, at your apartment, and I even called the hotel, but they said you checked out yesterday. Vanessa collapsed at dinner. We’re at Mount Sinai now and they’re running tests. She didn’t want to worry you, but when she learned I couldn’t get in touch with you, she made me promise not to stop calling until I made sure you were okay.”
“I’m sorry to worry her, but I’m so glad you called. I’ll be right over.”
Charlie stands and hugs me when Sebastian and I arrive in the hospital waiting room. I pull back and mumble my apology for my damp coat and wrinkled appearance. At least I’d been able to tame my wavy, air-dried hair with a couple of clips from my purse.
“What happened to your forehead?” he asks, concern in his gaze.
I wave it off. “We, um, got caught up in a snow deluge. How’s Aunt Vanessa doing? Can I see her?”
Clasping my hands, he tugs me down on the chair next to him. “They should be setting her up in a room now.”
“Her room? They’re admitting her?”
Blackest Red Page 22
