Chapter 7 #2
Moonlight casts a glow through open windows right onto the bed, and I see Sebastian turn his head my way.
Without a word, he throws back the comforter for me.
I don’t question it, immediately climbing into the massive bed and straight into his embrace.
I’ve been so closed-off with him. So mean.
And he’s patiently waited, never judging me for my behavior.
A different man would have locked the door, but Sebastian lets me right in.
We both sigh as we sink into relaxation.
My left hand rests on his chest, and I throw my left leg over both of his.
He lays his right hand over mine on his chest, clasping it firmly against his skin.
I feel Butterscotch jump onto the bed, finding a spot between our legs.
The feel of Sebastian’s heartbeat under my palm is steady, and lulls me into sleep.
I only vaguely remember him whispering to me as I finally fall asleep.
“This is where you belong, Naranja .”
I wake up disoriented but incredibly rested.
It takes me a minute to remember where I am.
Not only am I at Sebastian’s house, but I’m in his bed.
Sunlight streams in through large windows with slate blue curtains falling along the sides of each one.
My head swings to the side, checking for Sebastian, and I let out a small, relieved breath when I find I’m alone.
Now I can continue my perusal of his space.
The room positively reeks of Sebastian. A dark walnut dresser and a deep brown leather chair sit across from the massive bed.
I’m surprised to discover there isn’t a wall-mounted television, and also that there is no clothing out of place anywhere.
Spotting an open doorway, I quietly climb out of bed and tiptoe over to peer into a large bathroom.
The largest soaking tub I’ve ever seen occupies the corner, with two gigantic picture windows meeting in the middle.
A walk-in tile shower is next to the tub, and when I can’t see the shower head, I step inside to find the space wraps around a wall.
Multiple heads cover the walls — and the ceiling — and I’m taken aback at how luxurious and opulent it is .
Don’t get me wrong: Sebastian has an aristocratic way about him.
He carries himself proudly, almost regally, and treats women with reverence and respect.
But the juxtaposition between that and the Sebastian I’ve experienced with my brothers is so dramatically different.
I hear about the Seb who owns a bar and runs an MC club.
I’ve witnessed the first Sebastian, but my mind is finding it difficult to marry the two together.
Exiting the shower, I see the closet is open, and I can’t stop myself from peeking inside.
The space smells like Sebastian’s cologne, and when I notice a bottle on a shelf, I snatch it up, taking a big whiff.
The Tom Ford cologne is phenomenal, with a perfect mixture of oakwood, cardamom, and sandalwood.
I already know it’s well out of my price point, but I’m tempted to sneak it into the guest room and spray it on a pillowcase or one of my sweaters. This scent has to be remembered.
As I’m placing it back on the shelf, I sense I’m being watched. I hang my head as I imagine how Sebastian will react. “I’m sorry. I know, I should ask first. This is your space, and I’m being so disrespectful by snooping.”
“What’s snooping?”
That’s not Sebastian. That’s a child’s voice. What the hell?
Spinning, I find a little girl, no more than five, watching me with interest. “Uh, hi.”
“Hello,” she says. “What’s your name?”
“My name is Isabella,” I tell her carefully. “What’s yours?”
“Camila. Why are you in my Daddy’s closet?”
There’s a ringing in my ears as I process that information. Sebastian has a daughter? How have I never known about her? Where was she last night? And more importantly, where is her mother?
“I got lost,” I lie. “I was staying in the other bedroom and couldn’t find the bathroom.”
“That room has its own bathroom,” Camila says, her expression so similar to her dad’s that I’d have known she was his even if she hadn’t announced it.
“Oh. You’re right. I forgot about that,” I tell her sheepishly, suddenly aware I’m wearing a tank top and tiny sleep shorts. “Can you show me back to that room? I need to get dressed. I should have already gotten to work by now.”
“Why are you staying here?” Camila asks. She doesn’t move from the doorway, crossing her arms exactly like Sebastian does. Two dark chestnut braids hang down her back, and she chews on her bottom lip. Spectacular blue eyes peer up at me as she waits for my response.
“I needed a place to stay, and your dad offered me one,” I tell her simply. Stepping toward her, I motion for her to move, and she reluctantly does. I know where I’m going, but allow Camila to guide me back to the guest room. She immediately jumps on the bed.
“You didn’t sleep in here last night,” she says matter-of-factly.
“Yes I did,” I answer defensively.
“Did you get scared? Sometimes when I get scared, Daddy lets me sleep in his bed too. It’s okay if you did. I promise I won’t tell anyone,” she whispers. “Why did you need a place to stay?”
“My apartment needs some work done, so your Dad said I could stay here while that happens,” I answer finally. I’m not telling this kid anything. I’m still shell-shocked that I’m getting grilled by a preschooler at seven o’clock in the morning.
“Are you staying more nights?” she asks.
“I believe so, yes.”
She immediately claps her hands in excitement. “Daddy never has girls here! Well, other than Abuelita and Abuela . And my Tías come stay here. But they’re all family. You’re new. Can we have a sleepover?”
Before I can answer, Sebastian bellows from downstairs. “Camila! ”
“Uh-oh,” she whispers. “He told me I was only allowed to go to my room. I’m gonna get in trouble. I always wanted a cat. Is that cat yours? He’s never gonna let me get a cat now.”
“Camila Isabelle! Downstairs, right now!”
Oh for fuck’s sake.
Stomping to the door, I hit the top of the stairs and glare down at Sebastian. That can’t be coincidental, can it?
“Seriously? Isabelle? What the hell, Sebastian?”
Camila gasps before whispering, “I can’t say that word.”
Crap. I look down at Sebastian, and he raises an eyebrow at me. “Um. I’m sorry. You’re correct. I should have said something different.”
Camila nods, giving me a pleased grin, then looks down at her father.
Sebastian has the most breathtaking smile I’ve ever seen as he shrugs. “You probably don’t want to know what’s on her birth certificate.”