Chapter 39 Sebastian
SEBASTIAN
“I think you’re making a mistake.” I cross my arms and level him with a look. “Your ex is up to something. She’s manipulative like mom.”
Drew cringes but keeps throwing things into an overnight bag. “Her mom’s in the hospital. She’s hurting.”
I shake my head, spotting the impending heartache a mile away. Drew and I are opposites. He’s desperate for love, and I’m terrified of it.
Since I’m older, I shielded him from the destruction of our parents’ marriage.
And he was spending the night with a friend when—
“Look, I know you think I’m crazy. And maybe I am.” Drew glances up at me but doesn’t stop packing.
I just stare at him.
Who am I to say anything? I stalked my stalker, then brought her home with me.
“She has no one else. And she’s hurting.”
I snort. “Are you forgetting the pain she caused you when she cheated on you?”
He straightens and sighs. “I’m well aware of what my wife did.”
“So you’re giving her a pass? She hurt you. But the first time she’s in pain, she calls and you go running.”
“That’s not what this is.” He lowers his tone. “I’m not getting back together with her.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Anger blooms on his face, turning it scarlet. “From someone who moved his stalker in with him.”
I deserve that.
“I didn’t move her in. She’s just… staying here.”
Drew snorts, lifting his bag. “Just admit she’s your girlfriend.” He levels me with a look. “I’ll be back in three days.”
I ignore his comment.
She’s mine.
I haven’t labeled us. Quite frankly, the idea nearly makes me break out in hives. Screams and a gunshot fill my head before I shove it down.
“And if you’re not?”
“I’ll be back.” Drew grins at me. “But if I’m not, I’ll strip naked and swim in the lake.”
“That water’s freezing.”
“I know. No way in hell am I swimming in it, let alone naked.” He pats me on the shoulder. “I’ll see you in a couple of days.”
I follow him out of his bedroom. “Be careful around Julia. And remember what you just said. I’ll make you do it.”
“I know. No way in hell am I losing this bet.” He looks over at Ivy, who’s staring at him with an amused grin.
“Swimming naked? At this time of the year?” Her brows fly up as she sets her phone on the coffee table. “Sounds like you’re going for missing appendages.”
He grimaces. “Nope. I value all my appendages.” He nods in my direction. “Your boyfriend thinks I’m getting back with my ex.”
She glances at me, noting my flinch, but doesn’t comment on it. “Ah. Hence, a bet, huh?”
“You got it.” Drew recoils when Mr. Pickles jumps up on Ivy’s lap. “Bye, Satan’s spawn. Try not to give anyone rabies while I’m gone.”
Ivy covers the cat’s ears, holding him against her chest and murmuring soothing words. Mr. Pickles glares at Drew, no doubt plotting revenge.
“You insult my cat again and you’ll be in the lake.”
“Touche.” Drew gives me a look. “You used to be a dog person. Not a—”
He clears his throat at my narrowed eyes. “Cat person.”
“Things change.”
He looks over at Ivy and Pickles, then at me, smirking. “They do.” His voice lowers. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
I snort. “Whatever. Go calm your ex.”
He sticks his tongue out at me before slamming the door behind him.
“Wow. That was entertaining,” Ivy says, laughing.
I take in her sparkling green eyes, the tight long-sleeve tee, and the leggings she’s wearing.
I stalk closer, my tone low and raspy. “It’s going to be a lot more entertaining.”
Her eyes darken at my tone.
“We have the house to ourselves for three days.” I stop in front of her. Her lips are slightly parted as she stares up at me.
“Three whole days.” Her voice has a seductive lilt. “What will we do to pass the time?”
I reach into my sweatshirt pocket and pull out the mask.
Her breath catches. She sets Mr. Pickles on the couch without looking away, color blooming in her cheeks as she waits for permission she hasn’t yet been given.
“Here are the rules. You can’t leave my property.”
She cocks her head, eyes bright with interest.
“If I catch you…” I reach down and adjust myself. “I fuck you.”
A delighted squeak escapes her as she rubs her hands on her thighs.
“Ivy… run.”
She’s on her feet, sprinting past me and up the stairs. Mr. Pickles’s ears twitch as he stares after her, body crouched like he doesn’t know what to do.
“Stay here. Your parents need some alone time.”
Then I’m gone, racing up the stairs after her, anticipation drying my mouth.