19. Sebastian
Chapter 19
Sebastian
Fuck.
My fingers still tingle from touching her soft skin and the taste of her lingers on my tongue. I’m hard as a rock, aching for more of her sweet little body.
I slam my fist against the wall, relishing the sting in my knuckles.
Gemma’s brother.
Physical pain distracts me from the other kind. I started doing this when I messed up my first business deal. The biggest disappointment.
But it’s not disappointment right now.
What is it about her that’s got me so fucked in the head? I don’t chase. I don’t beg. But here I am, practically on my knees for her. Wanting her so badly I can hardly think straight.
She’s under my skin. In my blood. My princess.
She can run, but she can’t hide. Not from me. Not from this thing between us. Sooner or later, I’ll have her. All of her.
It makes me a bastard, but I’m past caring. I’ll take whatever she’s willing to give. Scraps, crumbs, I’m not proud. I’ll beg for her if that’s what it takes.
I’ll ruin her for anyone else.
“Man, that was one hell of a play.” Brandon slaps me on the back. “You were unstoppable.”
“You, too.”
“Can’t wait for the party tonight. It’s gonna be lit, and I get another chance with Naomi.”
“Sure.” Hopefully, I can bet on my sister not to cock-block me anymore and drag Lil to the party. I’d love to see her eyes light up when I taste her.
We stride out of the stadium, the whole team ready to party.
“Sebastian Barron.” A man in a black trench coat, looking like some hard-boiled detective straight out of a noir film, approaches us. He’s got this intensity about him, all sharp angles and a cold expression.
Familiar. I know this guy from somewhere.
“Can I help you?” I ask sharply.
The man grins, icy blue eyes glinting. “We need to talk.”
“Do I know you?”
“Calm down, Barron. I come in peace.” He extends a hand. “Levi, Lil’s brother.”
My defenses drop slightly at the mention of her. “What brings you here, Levi? ”
“Just wanted to congratulate you on your win.” His eyes never leave mine, as if calculating and assessing me.
“Thanks.” I force a smile, trying to be friendly for Lil’s sake. “Lil already told me so much about her brothers. It’s nice to meet one of you finally.”
She didn’t. At least not yet, but she will.
“Likewise. So, will you shake my hand or not?” His gaze drops to his outstretched hand.
Fuck it, I’ll play nice. For now. I shake his hand, and he squeezes back. Hard. A silent pissing contest.
“Let’s take a walk.” His tone leaves no room for argument.
I glance at Brandon and the others. “Go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”
Brandon lingers at the entrance, his eyes questioning, and I give him a subtle nod. I can handle this.
We stroll a short distance from the stadium.
“So, what’s this about?” I ask.
Levi’s gaze is razor-sharp. “I think you know.”
“Enlighten me.”
He stops walking, turning to face me fully. “Lil.”
“What about her?”
“I know you’ve become close with my sister.”
I meet his stare head-on. “And?”
“I don’t know what your family wants from an Edmunds. But if any harm comes to Lil…”
“Whatever issues our families have, they have nothing to do with her and me. ”
“Doesn’t it, though? You haven’t told her the truth yet.” He pauses, tilting his head. “Why is that, I wonder?”
I clench my jaw, a flare of unease in my gut. He’s right—I haven’t told her everything yet. But that’s only because…
“I was trying to protect her,” I say evenly. “When the time is right, and she wants to remember, I’ll tell her. But I don’t want to take that decision from her. Despite what you may think, I care about Lil. I only want what’s best for her.”
Levi is silent for a beat, and then he gives a slight nod. “I’ll be keeping an eye on things.” His tone hardens again. “It’s better if you don’t hurt her. Otherwise, I will take it personally.”
I resist the urge to snap back, reminding myself this is Lil’s brother. “You have my word.”
“Good.”
“Do I have your blessing with Lil, then?” I wink.
“For now. I promised Lil I wouldn’t interfere in her life here.” He regards me with a scrutinizing look. “My opinion is to let her make her own mistakes. When you mess up, and you will, I’ll be there. I’m patient.”
“I won’t hurt her.”
He scoffs. “Sure you won’t.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“You’re a Barron,” he states bluntly. “Your mother and Lil’s mother are proof of that. But please go on. Then Lil won’t keep dreaming about her fairytale prince anymore. One who never existed to begin with. You were just lucky to be at the right place at the right time. ”
This is Lil’s brother. Lil’s brother. Anger flares inside me. She probably loves him.
A flicker of what might be approval passes over his face before his expression shuts closed once more.
“It won’t happen,” I say.
“There is only one thing I ask.”
“You are sure I’ll fail but still have demands?”
He appraises me.
“Fine. What?” I ask.
“Never reveal the truth about what happened. Not for any reason. If you do that, I’ll leave you two alone.” His voice drops an octave. “Defy me, and there will be consequences.”
“You have my word.” I extend my hand. “Unless she wants to remember or remembers herself.”
His jaw clenches.
“This goes both ways, Edmunds.”
Levi doesn’t move. “You’ll inform us first.”
“Deal.”
“Deal.” Levi shakes my hand.
“What about your brother?” I ask. “I would have expected him, to be honest.” He has developed a reputation for being ruthless, while Levi, on the other hand, is described as the more polite and composed brother. The Edmund’s brothers. Did some research on them.
“Oh, he cares.” Levi chuckles darkly. “He’s sitting in the car as we speak.”
I can’t resist an impish grin. “Too scared to face me himself? ”
In a flash, Levi’s hand shoots out, fisting in my shirt as he slams me against the wall. His face hovers an inch from mine, eyes blazing.
“No. I want to avoid a bloodbath,” he says. “So Landon waits in the car. But keep pushing your luck, quarterback.”
More composed, my ass.
“For now, I’ll allow it.” He releases me roughly, and I hit the wall again, properly chastised. His glare could cut diamonds. “But don’t get any wrong ideas. I promised her, and I always keep my promises. Even if it means she’s getting with a Barron and having to hold back my brother.”
“I take it as a compliment.”
“What is it about you cocky Barrons?” His tone drips with disdain.
The guy’s a real piece of work, but I can’t blame him for being protective of his sister. I’d do the same in his shoes.
“Look, man.” I straighten my shirt. “I get it. You don’t trust me. Hell, you probably think I’m just another spoiled rich kid looking for a good time. But that’s not what this is.”
Levi raises an eyebrow. “We’ll see. Enjoy your party.” He strides off into the darkness.
Well, that was terrifying. I can’t deny the guy has a presence. Despite his lean build, he radiates menace like a feral wolf. Now I understand why Lil doesn’t mention them.
One thing’s for sure—they’re watching. Do they have someone following her ?
She has no idea the secrets being kept from her, the lengths her own family will go to supposedly ‘protect’ her. She deserves to know the truth.
Still, I meant what I said. Lil will remain ignorant about her past as long as she doesn’t want to discover it herself. She’s been through enough already. I want to shield her from further pain, not cause more. Levi doesn’t trust me, but I’ll prove myself in time.
She deserves happiness, love, and all the things she’s been denied. I intend to give them to her. Everything.
Brandon nudges my shoulder. “Who was that guy?”
“Nobody important.” I wave him off. “Let’s go.” I got a princess to kidnap.
“Ah, yes.” He rubs his hands together. “The glorious celebration awaits.”
The party is in full swing by the time we arrive, pulsing bass and drunken shouts spilling onto the front lawn. The living room is packed, and my teammates clap me on the back, congratulating me for the win. I nod and walk past them because I just want to have my princess.
Where is she? My mood sours at the prospect of facing a Lil-less celebration.
“Drinks are in the kitchen. I’m gonna find Naomi.” Brandon winks before disappearing into the crowd .
With an aggravated sigh, I head to the kitchen and fix myself a drink. May as well take the edge off if the night won’t improve.
I down the tequila, the burning warmth chasing away my cares and the tension in my shoulders.
Did Levi intervene?
I’m contemplating another shot when Brandon returns with Naomi in tow. She’s got her signature scowl, and Brandon’s grinning like he’s won the lottery.
“Well, well, look at that.” I pour them each a drink.
“Don’t.” Naomi jerks her thumb at Brandon. “He’s following me like a lost puppy.”
He clutches his chest in mock hurt. “Ouch, cupcake. I thought we had something special.”
“Special, huh? Is that what you call stalking now?” Naomi takes a swig of her drink.
“It’s not stalking if you enjoy the attention,” Brandon says.
Naomi mostly acts like she doesn’t like Brandon, but she does. Not even she can resist his charm, he always had a way with women.
These two have been flirting for months. It’s about time they accept and roll with it.
Speaking of… Where the hell is Lil? I shoot her a quick text.
Sebastian: Hey princess, where are you? Party’s not the same without you.
I fire off a message to Gemma, too, just in case.
Sebastian: Is Lil with you ?
“Bash, man, help me out here,” Brandon says. “Tell Naomi she should let me cook for her. My culinary skills are unmatched.”
I raise an eyebrow at him, chuckling. “Dude, you’ve been chasing this girl for months. If she’s not convinced by now, I don’t think my endorsement is gonna change her mind.”
Naomi smirks, sipping her drink. “See? Even your wingman knows a lost cause when he sees one.”
Brandon grins, undeterred. “Nah, Bash just doesn’t understand the finer points of seduction. It’s all about persistence, right cupcake?”
“You mean blowing up my phone at 2 AM?” Naomi says.
I’m about to interject when I spot Lil entering the kitchen. Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the rest of the world fades away. That familiar electricity crackles between us, and a grin spreads across both our faces.
But then hers falters, and her gaze shifts to something behind me. Before I’m able to turn, slim arms snake around my waist.
Fuck. I don’t need to see her to know it’s Blake if the smell of alcohol and weed is any indication.
“Congratulations, Bash.” Her words slur together. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”
I groan, trying to disentangle myself from her. “B, come on. We talked about this.”
But she clings tighter. “Don’t be like that. I was thinking. I could give you a special reward for winning the game. ”
I glance back at Lil, who’s watching the scene frozen to the ground and eyes watering. Shit. This is not how I wanted this to go.
Brandon and Naomi have fallen silent, their date forgotten.
I finally manage to pry Blake’s arms off me, turning to face her. Her pupils are dilated, and she sways on her feet. Great. What did she take this time?
“You need to go home. Sleep it off.” My patience is wearing thin.
She pouts, reaching for me again. “But I want to stay with you. You can do whatever you—”
“B, what the hell?” Naomi rushes over to Blake. “You’re a mess.”
I step back. “Not happening.”
Blake giggles, leaning heavily on Naomi. “I’m just having fun, Nay-Nay. Don’t be such a buzzkill.”
I catch Lil’s eye again, trying to convey an apology without words. She looks away, biting her lip. Fuck, I can’t let Blake ruin this for me.
Naomi sighs, wrapping an arm around Blake’s waist to steady her. “Come on. Let’s get you some water.”
As they start to leave, Blake turns back to me, a sloppy grin on her face. “Don’t forget about me. I’ll be waiting for you.”
I grimace. “Just go, Blake. Please.”
Brandon clears his throat as they disappear into the crowd. “Well, that was… something. ”
“No shit.” When I look back, Lil fights her way through the crowd. Away from me.
Fuck my life. This night keeps getting better and better.