9. CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FOUR
VERONICA
Gareth was right, and if he was here right now, he would tell me so. I can’t, for the life of me, comprehend what the hell just happened. What I do know is that I am doing exactly what I said I wasn’t going to do, and I can’t rip my gaze away from Sebastian’s ass as he walks out of the room.
I’m pretty sure I’m traumatized.
Seeing Sebastian naked for the first time went so differently in my head. While, yes, I’m a virgin, I’m not a prude. I’m not against having sex, and there have been opportunities to do so, but embarrassingly enough, I always thought my first time would be with him.
That sounds pathetic. I am pathetic.
I’m also obsessed with him. I can’t even try to deny that. I won’t deny that.
Anyway, I’m positive I’m traumatized. What a way to finally see him again for the first time in over ten years.
Who was that woman? Why the audience for something that should be private?
Sebastian’s always been a closed-off, private person.
Or rather, he had been. Now, apparently, he’s an exhibitionist.
“Eyes off, wench.” I rip my gaze off of Sebastian’s backside to the voice of the woman sprawled on the bed, the woman who was literally just filled with him. Almost, at least.
Georgina steps in before I have the chance to respond to the marvel of kindness. The older woman’s palm presses into my lower back, steering me out of the room without so much as a word.
Seven Years Old
We are in so much trouble. I can practically feel the panic radiating off Sebastian as he tries to stay still beside me.
Without thinking, I move a step closer, grabbing onto his hand to help ease whatever stress I can.
Sebastian’s shoulders deflate almost immediately as he comes down from whatever jitters move through him.
He tells me all the time how I’m his life raft, but I’m not really sure what a life raft is.
I told him it was just a boat, but he laughed at me.
“Veronica Lilith.”
My head whips up, eyes wide as I stare at the door where Georgina walks in. She never uses my full name unless I’ve done something wrong. Suddenly I’m the one in a panic. Funny how quickly that changed.
“Yes, ma’am?” I flash my best smile, the one where I know my dimples are on show. Uncle Thomas always tells me to put those bad boys away anytime I get into trouble with him. Says they are a dangerous tool to get what I want. They work on everyone except Georgina.
She moves closer and Sebastian is already taking a step in front of me. He’s like a knight in shining armor.
Without the helmet though. He doesn’t like when his hair is touched.
“I did it, Georgina,” Sebastian says, standing tall, “It’s not Ronnie’s fault, it’s mine.” His voice is steady and firm. I know he’s serious when he furrows his eyebrows and puffs his small chest out.
I peek over his shoulder the best I can, standing up on my toes so I can see how Georgina responds to his act of bravery.
Her eyes are still on me but she doesn’t say anything; her shoulders drop in defeat.
My knight has done it again. I’m so proud of him.
Especially as Georgina lets out a sigh, which can only mean she isn’t going to get that mad at us.
A win is a win.
“Victoria,” Georgina starts, “I understand the temptation to speak curtly toward Sebastian or Mary, but I strongly advise against it if you want to stay here.”
She quickly led me from the room, and while I know it’s so I keep my comments to myself, I swear I wasn’t going to start a fight.
It hasn’t even been a full day inside the palace walls and there is no shot in hell I’m getting kicked out already.
Normally, I have no self-control, but this is a special situation I’ve put myself into.
“Yes, ma’am.” My voice comes out quiet and polite.
“I did it, Georgina.”
Sebastian’s voice startles us both, his lean frame coming closer until he’s standing beside me. I swallow, willing myself to keep my eyes up on his handsome face so I don’t look like an absolute fool. Please be wearing something down there.
“Your Majesty?” Georgina questions with surprise.
“I said,” he repeats, honey brown eyes unwavering from the darkness of Georgina’s, “I did it, I antagonized our newest handmaid.” Was he sticking up for me right now? Why? Would it be rude to question his sanity right now? “Now if you please.”
He turns to me and my breath hitches immediately. His eyes trail the length of my body and suddenly I am the one who feels naked. I tap my fingers against the side of my thighs and exhale. My dress is indeed still on.
“Go start my bath,” he commands.
Shoes tapping on the marble, I hurry down to Sebastian’s private bedroom.
They skid against the floor as I round the corner into the bathroom, making it impossible to not collide with the large sink.
I grunt at the impact while my hip pounds in pain.
Great. That’s going to leave a pretty purple bruise in the morning.
The shower is prepared with a literal flick of my wrist against the golden plated valve until it is rotated to the furthest left it can possibly go.
Sebastian said he liked the water hot, so that’s what he’s getting.
I set out some towels on top of the closed toilet lid before ensuring there is a fluffed robe hung up.
My fingers trace the large, gold embroidered ‘S.B.’ on the left side of the chest.
Just like the rest of the palace, everything is a cream white and gold with dashes of a deep, royal blue. Hawthorn colors.
A small smile plays on my lips while I slip out of the bathroom.
It’s time to sift espresso grounds.
A pair of khaki dress slacks and a pressed white button up are already placed on top of the mattress.
Georgina must have laid them out before coming into the kitchen to see me fighting with the espresso machine for a solid five minutes.
The issue was mainly Ms. Prim constantly looking over my shoulder, which in turn caused some grinds to fall into the cup.
Here I thought she liked me. Apparently, she has it out for me.
The creak of a door opening catches my attention.
I clutch the cup, curling my index finger through the handle while I balance it on top of the white saucer.
Steam pours out through the door, giving Sebastian a true royal entrance into his room.
My jaw slacks, heart leaps, all while those traitorous butterflies erupt through my stomach.
Sebastian’s thick chestnut hair is damp and slicked back unlike his usual fluffed, flipped to the left side-style. Always the left side. I should stop gawking, but it’s hard, especially when he has the towel to his face to dry it, keeping my presence in blissful secrecy.
I admire how much he has grown into a man.
Tanned skin, unblemished and ridiculously perfect. To me at least. Some might say differently, considering he is dotted with moles and birthmarks. My fingers twitch, the overwhelming urge to draw and connect those dots is enough to make my head swirl.
“What are you doing here?” His voice pulls me from my thoughts, my finger tightening on the cup handle. I remember to breathe as my gaze tilts to his, the towel now pressing around the back of his neck, the veins in his large hands bulge as he holds each end.
Holy Mother of God.
“What?” My response sounds far away in my ears, echoing off the bare walls. Sebastian’s eyebrow hikes up while he stares at me with amusement. His gaze is harsh and unwavering, intense and curious. I’ve never felt so taken apart in my life.
With the lack of his robe and the towel being the only cover, I keep my eyes trained on his. There is a fifty-fifty chance that Sebastian is naked, and while I’m not one to complain about the sight, I’ve gotten enough glances today to last me awhile.
Please, sir, keep that horse in the stable.
“Are you deaf, or are you just completely mental?” I’ve changed my mind. Let him be naked so I can toss this hot cup of perfectly crafted espresso onto his man parts.
“Coffee, Your Majesty.” My teeth grit together as I speak, the corners of my eyes wrinkling. Breathe, Veronica. It is easier said than done. “I have brought you your coffee, sir.” Can I even call him sir?
Sebastian chuckles, his lips twitching in amusement before he takes a step closer. Teakwood and cinnamon rush through my nose, and I have to bite down on my tongue to keep myself from making some ungodly noise.
Rewind, don’t breathe, Veronica.
“I can see that,” Sebastian murmurs.
The warmth of his hands covers my own; I suck in a breath.
Dammit. His intense smell, combined with his hands innocently touching mine, has me reeling.
Thankfully, I manage to pull my hands away, leaving the cup and saucer for him to catch.
The coffee splashes, coating his fingers, but Sebastian makes no motion to move or yell.
He’s staring at me as if I’ve lost my mind.
I quite possibly have.