Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
Elle
I have a proposition for you.
Bastian’s words hit me like a ton of bricks, leaving me stunned and speechless. My mind races, trying to process what he just said. A proposition? What could he possibly have in mind?
My gaze flickers from Bastian’s intense eyes to his lips, where the words linger, waiting for an explanation. But he remains silent, his expression unreadable, leaving me to wonder what he’s thinking.
“I...I don’t understand,” I finally manage to stammer out, my voice barely above a whisper.
Bastian reaches out, his hand hovering in the air as if he’s unsure whether to touch me again or not. I can see the conflict in his eyes, the turmoil swirling beneath the surface. Whatever he’s about to say, I get the feeling it’s something he’s been wrestling with for a while.
“It’s complicated, Elle,” he begins, his voice low and hesitant. “But I need you to hear me out.”
I nod slowly, urging him to continue. Despite my confusion and apprehension, there’s a part of me that wants to know what he’s thinking, what he’s feeling. Maybe then I’ll be able to understand why he bid on me at the auction.
I’ve known Bastian my whole life, and while he’s always been impulsive and wild, he’s never done anything this crazy before. I’ve also never really seen this side of him…serious and earnest.
Bastian takes a deep breath, steeling himself for what’s to come and I unconsciously find myself mirroring him.
“I know you wanted someone to take your virginity tonight,” he says a beat later, his words measured and careful. “But I can’t do that.”
I feel a surge of disappointment and confusion wash over me. Anger too. If Bastian doesn’t want to...then why did he bid on me? Why go through all this trouble if he’s not interested in...in that?
It doesn’t make sense. Embarrassment and disappointment trickle over me, making my skin itch and my cheeks heat. I want to squirm with my discomfort but I don’t, because I’ve been taught a lady never fidgets. I’m expected to be the epitome of poise and grace at all times.
But inside I’m screaming.
“Then why did you bid on me?” I ask, my voice low and measured. There’s no denying the slight tremble in my words though, that gives away my emotions.
Bastian’s gaze flickers, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and regret. “Because I couldn’t bear the thought of someone else...of someone else being with you like that,” he admits, his voice barely audible.
I’m taken aback by his confession, unsure of how to respond. So he did bid on me because he cares? Because he didn’t want anyone else to have me? But what does that mean for us?
“I don’t understand, Bastian,” I murmur. “Is this because of Aiden?”
My brother is the elephant in the room. We may not currently be on speaking terms after what he did to Candy, but he and Sebastian have been inseparable since they were toddlers, before I was even a twinkle in our parents’ eyes. He’s completely unattainable and somewhat taboo, and despite my teenage crush on him, he’s never even looked at me twice as anything other than Aiden’s annoying baby sister.
But as he takes another step closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup my cheek again, my breath catches. His touch sends shivers down my spine, igniting a fire within me that I can’t explain.
“I want to give you what you need, Elle,” he says, his voice filled with conviction. “But not just...not just for one night. I want something more. Need it, in fact.”
I gaze up at him, my heart pounding in my chest. Something more? What could he possibly mean by that? What does he mean, he needs it?
This is Bastian. He can – and often does – have any girl he likes. He’s even been known to sleep with girls he doesn’t even like, including almost all of my friends. Except Candy, but that was probably just because she was dating my brother at the time.
So how on earth does Sebastian Sterling-Knight, sole heir to the entire Sterling-Knight Diamond Industry, suddenly need something from me?
I meant every word I’ve said to Candy. I’m not looking for love. I’m not wanting a relationship or to date. I’m not even interested in one night stands. ‘For Me’ was supposed to be the perfect solution. Get my virginity out of the way tonight so that I could explore all that the club has to offer and figure out what I really like, long before even considering settling down.
I know my family are anxious for me to wed, but I’m just not there. I’m not sure that I’ll ever be. I’ve never even been in love, have barely had a relationship that’s lasted long enough to count as serious, and anyone I’ve shown any true interest in, my brother and his best friend have chased off. Viciously, in fact. My parents are patient people, but I know they’re getting fed up. My mother has started trying to set me up with her friend’s children, even guys younger than me, and there’s even been whispers of arranged – albeit extended – engagements.
Cue the internal barfing while I’m a serene swan on the outside.
I’d rather die than find myself in an arranged marriage. Or any type of marriage really. What’s wrong with living in sin? ‘For Me’ was supposed to be the perfect introduction to all things debauche and hedonistic.
“What are you saying, Bast?” I ask, my tone laced with uncertainty.
He takes a deep breath, his gaze locking with mine. “I’m saying...I’m saying that I want to take you on a real date. I want to get to know you, to spend time with you, to...to see where this goes. I reckon two mil earns me that at least.”
I’m taken aback by his words, my mind spinning with a thousand questions. A real date? With Bastian? And what about...what about everything else?
“But why, Bastian?” I stammer.
Bastian’s expression softens, his gaze filled with a tenderness that takes my breath away. “Because I care about you, Elle. Because I’ve always cared about you. And I want to see if...if there could be something more between us.”
I’m speechless, my mind reeling with the implications of his words. Could it be possible? Could Bastian really...really want something more with me?
But even as hope begins to bloom within me, doubt lingers in the back of my mind. There’s something Bastian isn’t telling me, something he’s keeping hidden. I’ve known him long enough to spot when he’s being less than forthcoming, and right now he’s clearly lying to me about something. And until he’s willing to come clean, I’m not sure I can trust him completely.
“Bastian...there’s something else, isn’t there?” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the sound of my racing heart.
Bastian’s gaze flickers, his eyes filled with a mix of guilt and regret. “Elle, I...I didn’t want to tell you this, but...but there’s something you need to know.”
My heart sinks at his words, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of my stomach. Whatever Bastian is about to say, I have a feeling it’s not going to be easy to hear.
“What is it, Bastian?” I ask, my voice trembling with uncertainty.
Bastian takes a deep breath, his gaze locking with mine. “I won’t sleep with you, Elle,” he says firmly. “Not unless you agree to…date me. Long term.”
”You’re crazy,” I say with a laugh, sure that this all must be some massive joke or a wind-up. If things were better between Aiden and I, I’d half expect him to burst into the room, pissing himself with laughter and crying along the lines of how I should see my face , thinking Bast would ever want to date me.
“Contractually, you’re kind of obliged to do so, Elle. Sorry,” he says with a shrug that’s anything but sorry.
“What do you mean?” I demand.
This is more like the Bastian I know and at times loathe. We can never be in the same room for long without everything turning to shit around us and being at each others’ throats.
“I mean, doll,” he sneers, slipping back into the fuckboy persona I hate. “That I paid two million pounds for your virginity, and you’re mine until I choose to cash that in.”
The words hang in the air between us, heavy with meaning and implication. And as I stare up at Bastian with a gaze full of anger and loathing, all I can think is what have I gotten myself into?