." Sebastian leaned back on the leather couch, relaxing with his eyes closed. "I am gratefu

the weight of the deathly glare as he sat dow

e just now? Do I st

ng up to me and explaining yourself. I've n

rested in her. I just wan

es before they reach you. That's the full extent of security me

ters into your own hands and rescued her without waiting for backup. I'm curious why you fe

ad to save her. That's all!" Sebastian fixed him with a stern gaze. "And pay attent

you in

sighed, exasperated, as Nate l

out your rebellious side, and it's a

p. Now I'd like to slee

s head as Sebastian headed towar

hing away the grime and tension of the day. Each droplet seemed to carry away a fragment of

rain that had poured down on the cobblestone streets that night. He could still fee

, breaking the fragile peace treaty an

memory surfaced from the shadows. She had come like an ange

SHB

Sebastian's breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted down the dirt road, the sound of Nikolai's goons gr

the source. A farmhouse with windows glowing with colorful neon l

rmhouse. The closer he got, the louder the music became, drowning out the p

ced amid the revelry. Frantically scanning around, he looked for a saf

by the pool, so he slipped away to the garden. He made a phone cal

ocation. Need ex

, bo

it secret!" He finished the conversation, leani

now the

as he opened his eyes, he saw a girl in a shimmerin

H

ok a sip from the champag

you doing

do you think you are to ask me?" She accide

n her chest and sighed. "That cost me

tle to make sure its contents were safe to drink. Feeling

back to me!"

own and

atted the seat next to her. Sebastian looked around and not

in the darkness to make out her figure until the full moon bro

agne. As he climbed higher to sit beside her, he finally saw her. Amber eyes sparkled with mischief, her ov

atures, making the moment feel almost magical. He couldn't help but smile,

e bottle and stumbled. Sebastian gently gras

? And how did you climb up with a champagne bottle?"

ng to hook me up with a gu

n nodded

ry leaf from his hair. Her eyes fixated on the bright purple bruises marri

that some goons

As she examined him, he shot her a look filled with ridicule. "You know you should get dow

e there is no tomorrow. I'm sure they are unaware I'm missing

at her. "Why do

another sip, but Sebastian quickly grabbe

me drink awa

" he asked, finishing the bottle of c

grief. I hosted a house party to ward off any sadness on my birthday. Invited friends and their friends and their friend

, his mind occasionally drifting to thoughts of his enemies. Sti

appiness?" She turned to him,

of the love you hold for your father. Once you remind yourself that your love for him still resi

couldn't help but mirror his expression. "Right now, yo

wn the tree," she said, her v

rry." He said those words and hopped down f

I'm s-scared!

t me.

ht her effortlessly, his strong arms holding her firmly. Neon lights flickered overhead

ed on his phone, breaking the

re cl

tta g

efore slipping into her high stilettos. Just as he was about to leave

he exc

anet asked him, an

ny place to hide?" He looked over his s

ns!" Janet wi

. "They might also harm

nside the house now. They are everywher

y mafia romance. You know, the guy in the boo

know he wa

him as handsome, duh

d and glanced o

alley of the nightclub. He asked her for help to escape the goons." Janet glanced anxiously at t

ring thin, and he shot her a glare i

saw the broad, sturdy figure of a man in a white shirt, reminiscent of Sebasti

pulled him toward her, pressing her lips t

turned them so his back was against the tree. He sl

Janet whispered c

her once more, gripping her firmly as her intoxicating lavender scent overwhelmed

owered her back onto her feet, an

iting outside. Should I come in t

n and looked up at Janet. "You know I'd have stayed here and finis

ly, her eyes crinkl

in the air. Janet watched his retreating figure when he suddenly st

ckled.

for saving me. Now, don't climb the

HBAC

ried his hair with a towel, standing in front of the dresser and looking at himself in th

did