15. Sebastian
CHAPTER 15
sebastian
I watched her through the stable doors for a moment before entering. How her hands moved confidently over Storm's coat, and the early sunlight caught the gold in her hair. She looked so much like Carlos when she was with the horses—with that same quiet strength and unwavering focus.
"They're not going to stop, you know," I said softly, breaking the morning quiet. My father's words from last night's argument still rang in my ears. "Dad's already talking to the lawyers about other options."
Maxine pressed her forehead against Storm's neck, and something in my chest tightened at the vulnerability in her posture. "I know. Mom keeps leaving corporate proposals on my desk, like she's afraid to hand them to me directly."
I couldn't stand the distance anymore. Stepping into the stall, I took the brush from her trembling hands, allowing myself the small luxury of our fingers touching. "Hey, look at me."
She turned, and my breath caught at our proximity. Storm's bulk left little space between us, and I could see every fleck of gold in her brown eyes. "This mess is getting worse, isn't it?"
"Max..." Before I could stop myself, my hand was on her cheek, my thumb catching a stray tear. The need to protect her warred with the knowledge that I shouldn't be touching her like this. "You're stronger than they think. Then even you think."
"Am I?" Her voice cracked and, God, it hurt to hear her doubt herself. "Because every time Mom looks at me with those disappointed eyes, I feel like I'm betraying her. And David?—"
"Is trying to manipulate you," I felt my jaw clench. My father's tactics made me sick. "Using your mother's happiness as leverage is cruel. Using everyone's emotions like chess pieces in his corporate game.”
She leaned into my touch, and my heart thundered against my ribs. We'd been dancing around this thing between us for months, each moment pulling us closer to something that would change everything.
"Sebastian," she whispered my name like a prayer, "what are we doing?"
I couldn't help myself—I pressed my forehead to hers, breathing her in. "I don't know. I just know I can't stay away from you anymore."
The stable door creaked, and we jumped apart. Brooklyn's voice shattered the moment. "Max? Your Mom's looking for you. Something about a board meeting?"
My hands clenched into fists at my sides. "Perfect timing," I muttered, watching the flush spread across Maxine's cheeks.
She straightened her shirt, and I forced myself to look away. "Tell her I'll be right there."
"Max," I caught her wrist as she moved to leave; I needed her to understand. "Whatever happens in that meeting, remember you're not alone."
I followed her toward the house minutes later, watching my father and Ciara on the porch. Their heads were bent together, and I knew they were planning their next move. The sight made my blood boil—the way they were trying to break her down piece by piece. I vowed right then and there that I would do whatever I needed to protect Maxine.
"Sweetheart," Ciara reached for her daughter, a false brightness in her voice. "Mr. Patterson from the board would like to discuss some options with us."
"Options?" Maxine's voice carried that edge I'd grown to admire. "Or ways to pressure me into giving up my shares?"
My father's face darkened. "This attitude isn't helping anyone, Maxine. Your father built this company?—"
"For me," she cut him off, and pride surged through me as I moved to stand behind her. "He built it for me. And I won't dishonor his memory by letting you take that away."
"Maxine, please." Ciara's voice cracked. "We're family. Can't we find a compromise?"
I let my hand brush against her back, hoping she could feel everything I couldn't say. My support, my admiration, my growing feelings that threatened to complicate everything.
"Family doesn't manipulate family, Mom. Dad taught me that."
Following her into the study, I took my place beside her, where I belonged. My father's disapproving glare burned into me, but I didn't care. I'd promised Carlos I'd look out for her and protect his legacy. What I hadn't told anyone was that the promise had nothing to do with why I was really here.
I was here because somewhere between family dinners and stolen moments, between grief and growth, I'd fallen for my stepsister. And watching her fight for what she believed in, seeing her stand tall against the pressure, only made those feelings stronger.
The mess we were heading toward could destroy everything—family relationships, reputations, the careful balance we'd all maintained since our parents married. But looking at Maxine as she faced down another corporate vulture, I knew some things were worth the risk.
I just hoped we were strong enough for what came next.