Chapter 11
Elara
“Y our husband is a bit possessive, no?” Sebastian asks as his hand moves down my back. “Protective is a better word for him.” I kindly reply. “He is a man who protects what’s his. I respect that.” He says, his lips curling and I smile weakly. “He does indeed.” I start. “What about you, though? Are you protective of what’s yours?” I ask, attempting to make conversation and keep him occupied. “I’d like to think so. I don’t have anyone to protect anymore, but I am protective of my business.” He moves his head down by my ear. “I would call myself possessive in certain instances, though.” He whispers in a deeper tone.
Sir, you are a villain in my story, and it is not one where the heroine falls for the villain. You’re just making me nauseous.
“You said you don’t have anyone to protect anymore. What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.” I say, trying to change the subject. “Her name was Alexandra. She took her own life.” His tone is soft and quieter now. “I’m so sorry, Sebastian.” I reply sympathetically. He quickly wipes a rogue tear from his eye before it can flow down his cheek. I honestly do feel sorry for him. I can't imagine losing Ryder. Nope, shut the fuck up. We're not doing that.
We have danced to three songs already, and my feet are killing me. Ryder better have found that damn computer.
“I don’t think I can stand another. You’re an excellent dancer, Mr. Harper, but you are very tiresome.” I say, fanning myself, and he smirks. “Why don’t I get you a drink and we can keep chatting at a table?” I smile as he gestures towards the nearby table for me to sit. I watch as he gets my drink and brings it over. He pulls out the chair next to me, setting down our drinks and sitting down.
“So, Seraphina, what do you do?” He asks, taking a sip of his drink. I rest my elbows on the table, clasping my hands together. “I’m an interior designer.” I say, smiling. “Are you? I’m thinking of buying some property in Italy. Perhaps I can get your help once it’s built.” I give an excited reaction. “I would love to!” I say, probably too eagerly.
Before he can say anything else, a large man in a suit comes over and whispers something in Sebastian’s ear, and I watch as the smile disappears from his face. “Is everything alright?” I ask. “Yes, of course. Just a security issue he wanted to run by me.” He gets up from his seat. “I do need to go take care of it, though.” Shit .
I swiftly reach for his hand, stopping him from moving. “Oh, do you have to? I’m really enjoying talking with you.” I say, batting my eyes and he sighs. “I’m sorry. I’ll be back as quickly as I can.” He walks out of the room with his security guard and I open my phone, texting Ryder. “ABORT MISSION. HURRY UP. GET OUT.” I wait for him to read it and he is taking too long for my liking. I get up and head for the hallway where I saw him go. I need to find him before Sebastian does.
I rush up the stairs and turn the corner, just as Ryder is closing a door down the hall. “We need to go!” I whisper-shout, motioning my hand to get him to hurry up. Running with a healing gunshot wound probably isn't a great idea, but in this situation, I’m not going to tell him to walk slowly. We race back down the stairs and the foyer in front of the main door is hastily filling with security.