21. CHAPTER 21
SEBASTIAN
I stood steady as Aria fell into my arms. I wasn’t quite sure what had happened, but I’d seen her hyperventilating through the window and ended my meeting immediately.
I swooped her up and carried her into my office, laying her on the sofa in there, my heart pounding.
What was going on?
I hesitated before sitting on the edge of the sofa, gently brushing her hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ears.
Her skin was cold, and she looked pale. I ran my hand gently over her arm, reaching her wrist where her cuff was undone.
I tilted my head slightly, studying the small, delicate crescent moon with butterflies tattooed on her wrist.
But it was the other wrist that caught my eye.
A soft-edged, almost silver in colour scar was etched into her wrist. I traced my finger over the seam, trailing up until I didn’t want to lift her shirt anymore. She didn’t have this before; I would have remembered. I’d known every inch of her.
She always kept her arms covered these days. Now, I knew why.
I felt her body move against mine, and my eyes drifted to her face.
She blinked a few times before focusing on me.
“Sebastian?” She pulled herself up, and I cupped her cheek. “Nyx, you're ok.”
“What happened?”
I ran my hands gently down and rested them on her shoulders. “Hey, hey. Don’t move too quickly.” Her eyes flickered to my hands, then back up to my face. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m ok. My head hurts a little, but I’m ok.” She touched her head. What happened?” she repeated.
“You fainted.”
Her face was full of confusion, her eyes darting about. Then, she noticed her uncovered wrist. She pulled her sleeve down, fiddling with the cuff.
“Nyx.” I lifted her face with my fingers for her eyes to meet mine. “Is there something you aren’t telling me?”
She sat in silence for a moment, looking down at her hands.
“I should get back to work,” she said, rushing to stand.
Her legs had other ideas, and I caught her again, helping her sit back down. I watched as she sat on the edge of the sofa, playing with those damn sleeves, as I sat down next to her, my hand finding hers to stop her.
No sooner did her eyes meet mine than she fell straight into me, hugging me tight. I placed my arms around her tightly, keeping her as close to me as I could.
I didn’t want to push her, but my gut was telling me something was going on. Something she didn’t want to tell me.
I’d find out, though.
I had ways she’d never know about.
I entered the bar, pausing to scan the room for Hayden.
He was in the corner, sipping a drink at a table.
I acknowledged him with a tight nod and made my way to the bar to get a drink.
After today, I needed it. I’d dropped Aria home, and she was adamant she didn’t want me coming in, so I left her to it.
“Long day?” Hayden asked, raising his brow as I fell into the chair opposite his.
“Could say that.”
“Maybe you're just getting old,” he teased, letting out a little laugh.
I smiled as I raised my glass. “If I’m getting old, so are you.”
I rubbed my fingers over my chin, my lips parted, but I soon pressed them back together, shifting in my chair.
“I need you to do something for me.”
Hayden leaned forwards, placing his arms on the table. He knew that if I asked him for something, it was serious.
“I need you to find out what Aria was up to in the last four years.”
Hayden’s eyes widened as he leaned back in the chair, taking a swig of his drink.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” he questioned.
I wasn’t sure at all. I didn’t know if I was doing the right thing or not. I wanted Aria to tell me everything, but I couldn’t wait; I needed to know.
“I’m sure. Everything you can find.” I hesitated. “She mentioned a Callum when she was drugged. I don’t know if she was just wasted or if it means something.”
Hayden let out a small breath. “She may not forgive you if she finds out. I hope you’re prepared for that.”
The truth was, Aria meant everything to me.
I would do anything to protect her—and if that meant going behind her back, then so be it.