Sebastian doesn’t move. Instead, he lowers his forehead to mine and stays buried. After a few seconds, he lifts his head and frowns when he brushes my hair back. “You’ve got a cut on your forehead.”
“Ice,” I explain, then touch my thumb next to a gash along his jawline. “Yours looks deeper. I wonder if you’ll need stitches.”
“I’ve had worse.” He meets my gaze and slides his knuckles along my cheekbone. “What made you finally say ‘yes’?”
I’m surprised by the brief vulnerable look in his eyes. Smiling, I shake my head. “I finally let go of losing you.”
His brows pull down. “Are you saying you don’t care if you lose me now?”
I slide my fingers through his bangs. Gripping them in a fist, I hold on tight. “No, Sebastian. I decided to stop being afraid of losing you.”
“Is that why you kept me at arm’s length all this time? Because you were afraid you’d lose me?” With a laugh, he cups my breasts, pushes them together, then buries his nose in the cleavage. Inhaling like a man starved, his deep voice rumbles against my chest. “Why would I ever leave such beautiful breasts?”
I smack his shoulder. “Oh, so it’s my chest you’re infatuated with now, is it?”
His eyes snap to mine, a wicked smile flashing. “How many times do I have to tell you it’s my second favorite place? I guess I’ll just have to show you.”
He moves so fast, standing and gathering me in his arms, all I can do is wrap my arms around his shoulders, my stomach fluttering in anticipation of his plans.
As Sebastian passes the table with his jacket, an idea forms and I snag my black scarf. While he carries me into a huge bedroom with a massive king-size bed, I quickly tie the scarf around my eyes. Once he flips on the warm floodlights in the bathroom and sets me down, I turn toward him and grin when I realize I can see him through the gauzy material. Twirling one end of the scarf between my fingers, I tease, “Hmmm, bring back any memories?”
Emotion churns in Sebastian’s gaze. “Actually, I have a better idea,” he says as he removes the scarf. “Would you like to take a shower like I do?” he asks against my ear.
I nod, intrigued.
Sebastian flips the light switch back off, dousing the room in darkness. Then he pushes another button on the wall and skylights above the shower appear at the same time ceiling-to-floor vertical blinds begin to turn against the far wall, allowing the city lights to bleed into the room. “Is that a Jacuzzi?” I ask, staring at the huge sunken tub next to the blinds.
“We’ll use it another time,” he says, his voice full of sensual promise as he clasps my hand and guides me toward a huge walk-in shower.
Once he taps on a button along the outside of the shower, and water begins to pour out of the square plate in the ceiling in a smooth, steady rain, Sebastian pulls me under the warm spray.
Pressing my back against his hard chest, he wraps his arms around my waist and tilts his head back, exhaling in contentment as the water spills over our bodies.
I sigh blissfully when Sebastian dribbles shampoo on my scalp and begins to massage suds into my hair. Once he rinses the suds away, he pours body soap down the middle of my chest and as the masculine scent of the liquid slides all the way to the hair between my legs, I arch into his knowing hands, wrapping my arms around his neck while his hands slide sensually across my chest before moving down to appreciate the full weight of my breasts.
He kisses behind my ear, down my neck and then along my jaw the whole time his hands are on my breasts. Cupping them, he slides his thumbs around the areolas several times before tweaking my nipples. Just when I think I’m going to lose it all over again, his hands shift to massage along my arms.
After he turns his attention to my waist, Sebastian’s fingers curve around my hipbones and meet at my bellybutton before slowly sliding down to the hair between my thighs. When his fingers dip lower, I tighten my arms around his neck and nip at his jaw, encouraging him to spend as much time in that area as he deems necessary.
His low laugh rumbles against my back before he clasps my elbows and pulls my arms down to run his hands over mine. When he slides his thumbs along my palms and then rubs each finger individually, I’m thoroughly enthralled by his attentive exploration of my body. Then I turn around and start to return the favor. But while I’m massaging shampoo into his hair and his eyes are squeezed shut to avoid the suds, he grasps my hips and rubs his erection against me. I laugh and instantly move my sudsy hands to his cock and begin to bathe him thoroughly.
Groaning, Sebastian tilts his head back and lets the water rinse away the soap in his hair. When the action also rinses the suds from my hands, I lean over and slide my lips down his erection. Taking him deep into my mouth, I suck hard then twist my tongue around him as I pull upward. I love hearing his growl of pleasure and the feel of his hand snaking into my hair, fisting the wet locks between his fingers.
“Every part of you feels so fucking good around me.” His strangled words rush out on a frustrated grunt right before he uses his hold to pull me off him.
“What the hell, Sebastian!” I gasp at the sudden cold sensation of the shower wall against my back, but Sebastian presses his hard body fully against mine and captures my mouth in a devastating kiss, devouring me with a wild abandon I’ve never felt from him before.
As the steam between us starts to compete with the steam in the shower, he slows the arousing sexual rhythm of his tongue against mine and breaks the kiss to murmur against my cheekbone, “I have plans that involve coming long and hard in that beautiful pussy of yours, Little Red. I want to be up to the task.”
When he tilts my chin and presses a gentle kiss to my forehead near my wound, I grumble, “One of these days, you’ll let me give you a proper blow job.”
Hooking his thumb on my chin, his blue gaze drills into me. “I don’t want to think about how you became so incredibly talented in that area, but rest assured, from the teasers I’ve had, I’m relishing being totally sucked in by you.”
I giggle at his pun and his lips quirk. Chuckling, he turns me in his arms. As he moves us under the spray once more, I lean my head back against his shoulder and sigh my pleasure of feeling so content in his arms. Holding my hand out, I enjoy the massaging sensation of the water battering away on my palm. “I had no idea taking a shower in the dark could be so sensory.”
Sebastian cups one of his hands just above mine, gathering water in it. “What do you see, Talia?”
As I stare at the pool of water, he opens his fingers and it all drains away, hitting my hand below and sliding off in clear rivulets. “I see water.”
“Do you remember what my three favorite things were on your invitation to that ball at Hawthorne’s?”
I lay my palm on his and fold our hands together. “They were black, red, and water.”
I feel him nod behind me. “Like us, water is a favorite because it’s one constant that never changes. It always remains the same. No matter what.”
I melt that he’s calling us, Black and Red, just as steady and constant as water, but the underlying tone of his voice sounds both frustrated yet grudgingly accepting, making me wonder what deeper meaning he’s trying to convey. When he cups the water in his hand again and exhales deeply as he lets it go, I suddenly understand what he’s trying to tell me.
I’ve been doing everything I can to get Sebastian to tell me about his colorblindness, while Sebastian, in his own way, has been showing me the limits of his vision. Taking me into the shower with him tips the first domino. And just like that, the cumulative effect of all the things he’s said and done come rushing toward me, falling into place.
Water is absolutely one thing that would remain the same in a world suddenly stripped of color. He might’ve loved water when he was in the Navy, but now the clear liquid has an even greater significance in his life. It represents normalcy. Just like standing in evening light does. All colors turn monotone in the night’s shadowy light. That’s what he meant that night I walked in his dark hotel room and he said “this feels normal to me.”
And he bought me that black scarf for the same reason he bought the lace mask. Sure, he can turn just about anything into a sexy object, but the way he grinned at that vendor through the black silk cloth while we were both under it, tells me that was Sebastian’s way of trying to show me what life is like through his eyes. He wanted me to understand how he sees…in shades of gray and black. And red.
Even with his impairment, Sebastian sees me better than anyone. On so many levels. Now it’s my turn to tell him that I see him too.
I lace my hands with his and I fold our arms together across my chest. Bringing our clasped hands to my lips, I kiss each of his knuckles and say, “I know about your colorblindness, Sebastian. And if the reason you haven’t told me before now is because you somehow feel it makes you less, you really don’t know me very well. I sure as hell don’t care what the Navy thinks.”
He stills behind me. “How’d you—?” A heavy sigh. “Mina.”
I shrug. “You’ve been trying to tell me, haven’t you?”
He kisses the back of my head. “Colorblindness aside, I didn’t belong in the military anymore. And my visual limitation isn’t something I like to admit to anyone. I didn’t have a choice with Mina, but thank you for saving my ass at the christening.”
If not the changes in his vision, what happened that made him feel he didn’t belong in the Navy anymore? I glance up at him. “The pink and blue ribbons were the pastor’s traditional roots getting in the way. And of course I came to your rescue; I promised I’d be there for you. We’re a team.”
Sebastian shuts the water off and turns me in his arms. Water drips off his nose and down his face as he pulls me close. “You bring color to my life every day in a sea of sameness, Talia. And I’m not talking about this.” He rubs a strand of my hair between his fingers. “Or this.” A sexy smile cants his lips as he glances down at the bit of hair between my legs. “I’m talking about making me feel. I’ve been numb most of my life. You give me something intangible I can’t explain. It’s just the way I feel when I’m with you. Like I’m whole and not a damn thing is missing.”
For a man who claims not to know the words women want to hear, Sebastian has managed to render me speechless. I never thought he’d say anything so beautiful and heartfelt. I wrap my arms around his neck. “You are everything I want, Sebastian. The whole package.”
He folds his arms tight around my waist, his gaze tracing over my face. I can tell something is weighing on his mind, but then he flashes a smile and smacks my ass hard. “Get dried off, grab a shirt from my closet if you’d like, and then meet me in the kitchen.”
The colorful pillows on Sebastian’s sofa make me wonder how long he’s had this place as I walk from his bedroom through the living room, toward the kitchen. Or did someone help him pick them out? He glances up from twisting a corkscrew in a bottle of wine, and a smile of male satisfaction spreads across his face. He takes his time sliding his gaze down my nipples pebbling under his light blue button down shirt to my bare legs and feet. “My clothes will most definitely be a requirement in the future.”
I lift the edge of his shirt and touch the tag sewn on the inside. “While looking for something to wear, I noticed this tag: Light Blue, 3,1. The ties also listed a basic color and numbers.” I tilt my head. “It’s a numbering system, isn’t it?”
He nods as he pulls the cork out of the bottle. “It’s how I’m able to match my ties to shirts and then those to my suits.”
My heart breaks just a little for how he’s had to learn to adapt to the limits of his vision. “Did you come up with it yourself?”
“Yes. It keeps me sane and helps me appear mostly normal. Otherwise, you’d only ever see me wear a black or gray suit, white shirts and gray or black ties. Every once in a while I’d go all crazy and wear a red tie.”
He might sound like he’s joking, but I can tell he’s still dealing with his disability. The fact none of his family knows makes that clear to me. Does his BLACK Security team? And how ironically bittersweet that the injury that turned his dark brown eye mostly blue, changing his unusual two-tone eye color to matching gorgeous blue ones, also stole his ability to see in color. Life can be such a fickle bitch.
“It’s very clever. I’m impressed,” I say, hoping to put a positive spin on things. Running my hands up the front of his shirt, I lift the collar and inhale. “Whoever does your laundry deserves major praise. This shirt is so soft and now I know why you always smell so delicious.”
Pouring a glass of red wine, he snorts. “I’ll be sure to tell Teresa.”
“Who’s Teresa?” I ask, trying not to sound jealous.
He sets the bottle down on the black granite island and peers around the apartment. “The same woman who decorated this place, buys my groceries, and pretty much runs this place for me.” He smirks and nods toward the pillows I ran my hand across as I walked through the living room. “Hopefully she chose the colors well.”
I look at the bold turquoise and red pillows, and then take in all the glass, marble and chrome. “Your place definitely has a masculine feel, but your house manager has added warmth with her color choices in the pillows, rugs and art pieces. Very high-end too. Apparently being in the security business pays off.”
Picking up the two wine glasses, he strolls around the island and holds the red wine out to me, keeping the sparkling water for himself. “Yes, business is good. I know you don’t usually drink red, but I’d like you to try it. The wine came highly recommended. And it just seems appropriate for this toast.”
“A toast?” I ask, taking the wine.
Sebastian nods and lifts his glass, his bright blue gaze full of warmth. “I was your first, and now you’re mine.”
I lower my glass and raise an eyebrow. “You were no virgin, Sebastian. So what first am I to you?”
He moves closer, and it’s hard for me to concentrate with his muscular chest and six pack abs just inches from me. He’s pulled on a pair of soft dark gray lounge pants that hit him low on the hips, displaying those two muscles that dip past his pants waistline…the ones that make even the smartest women lose brain cells.
Tapping my glass with his, he lifts my chin until I meet his gaze. “You’re the first woman I’ve brought to this apartment—a place I’ve always considered my personal sanctuary. You’re the first woman to drink a toast here with me.” His voice drops to a seductive purr as his finger traces my jawline. “The first to help me christen the door, the couch, the shower, the chair, and the first to share my bed.”
I choke back the emotion swelling inside, my fingers curling around the glass stem. What he’s saying is so heart-stopping I focus on something else so I don’t get too caught up in his words. He said some amazing things in the shower, but he hasn’t professed any kind of deep commitment and he may never. “We haven’t had sex in a chair or in your bed for that matter.”
Sebastian releases a knowing laugh. “The night is young, Little Red. Drink your wine and tell me what you think.”
I take a sip and am surprised by the rich taste and how easily it slides down my throat. I raise my eyebrows. “Mmmm, it’s delicious.” I take another sip and savor the intense earthy flavor spreading across my tongue. “I can tell the tannins are firm, but with its spicy notes, the combination is the smoothest red I’ve ever tasted.”
Sebastian smiles, pride in his eyes. “It’s Italian, the Primitivo grape, known for its deep color and full-bodied flavor. I’m glad you like it.”
I eye him with amused suspicion. “You know a lot about wine for a man who doesn’t drink.”
He skims his fingers over my collarbone, his touch arousing my senses. “I’ve found knowing wine reaps its own benefits.”
“And you just happen to have a bottle of this fabulous wine on hand for guests you never have?”
“Actually, yes and no. It ties together.” He starts to say more, then pauses. “Hold that thought.” Draining his sparkling water, he sets the glass down, then walks through the living room over to a black and chrome built-in bookshelf. Sliding open a drawer above a row of books, he takes something out, then turns around and dangles a pair of silver handcuffs. Eyes sparkling turquoise blue, his gaze sweeps slowly over me, primal and predatory. “All I’ve been able to think about is seeing you in these. Will you let me bind you, Talia?”
While every nerve-ending jumps to life at the look in his eyes and the knowledge that he’s been thinking about me wearing those in what I’m sure will be a mutually satisfying sexual experience, my brain won’t shut off. Is he saying something deeper? More symbolic? Then again, who keeps wine in a place no guests supposedly ever visit? Do I even want to know about the handcuffs? Why can’t my brain take a fucking break for once?
I start to confess my conflicted thoughts, but a buzzer sounds at the door. Sebastian walks over and touches a panel on the kitchen wall, saying in a gruff tone, “That you, Connelly?”
“Yeah, just delivering Talia’s purse. I thought she might want it.”
I set my wine on the counter and follow Sebastian to the door. I can’t believe I hadn’t realized that I didn’t have my purse with me. I was really shaken after that near miss with a runaway car.
My face flames when I catch sight of my underwear next to the doorway. I’m in the middle of scrambling to pick up my coat, Sebastian’s pants, belt, my heels, and underwear when the elevator pings. As the door slides open, I toss everything in my hands a good five feet to the left and hopefully out of Theo’s line of sight.
When Theo starts to step inside, Sebastian holds out his hand. “Thanks for bringing Talia’s purse.”
Stepping back, Theo puts his hand on the elevator door to keep it from shutting. As he hands Sebastian my purse, he nods to me as I peer around Sebastian’s shoulder. “Hey, Talia,” he says, giving a half wave. “Mina told me to tell you she put a gift in your purse.” He gestures to the cut on my forehead. “Ouch. I heard it was pretty hairy earlier.”
Theo has grown his buzz cut out since I saw him last. I smile at the slight curl in his light brown hair. The hair, combined with his tall height, barrel chest and thick arms, makes him look even more like a big teddy bear. I want to give him a hug, like I did every night after he walked me to my car, but since I’m underwear free, I stay hidden behind Sebastian as I gingerly touch my cut. “Yeah, it’s not too bad for battling a car. Thank you for bringing my purse.”
Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, Sebastian pulls me to his side and slides his arm to my waist, locking me against him. “Any news about the car that almost hit us?”
“Den gave me the rundown. The car was reported stolen a couple days ago. The owner of the car, Dwight Tucker, is a convicted felon who’s out on parole. The police are looking for him now, but in the meantime they’re dusting for prints other than his just in case. Nodding to me, Theo asks, “Does his name sound familiar?”
I fiddle with the collar on Sebastian’s shirt to keep the material off my chest. The last thing I want to do is hi-beam Theo. “No. I try not to associate with known criminals. Uh, well, excluding the Sly Fox scenario.”
“Despite the circumstances, we had interesting convos, right?” Theo says, grinning, then turns serious when Sebastian frowns at him. “Anyway, I’m going to look deeper into this Tucker guy, just in case. I’ll let you know if I come up with anything.”
Once the door slides closed, I look at Sebastian. “I thought Den worked for your father.”
“He does,” he answers simply. When I raise my eyebrows, Sebastian smiles. “Apparently you made quite an impression on Adam Blake. He doesn’t want anything to happen to Josi’s ‘fearless’ godmother, hence Den’s involvement right now.”
I laugh. “He said that to you?”
Handing me my purse, Sebastian hooks his hands at the base of my spine and draws me close. “He did. He also apologized to me for all the hurt and resentment he caused. He told me you’re the reason he finally pulled his head out of his ass. Apparently, he never took me out of the will, but he didn’t know how to tell me that.” He shakes his head. “He also asked me to come work with him, but I turned him down.”
I eye him tentatively, wondering at his mood. “So, you’re not mad at me?”
He snorts. “For meddling? Now why would I be mad?”
When I wince, he grins. “You’re adorable. An amazing contradiction of fierce warrior and peacemaker.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Sometimes you have to fight for peace.”
He lowers his face to mine. “Never stop fighting, Talia. Your tenacity against all odds is one of your most admirable traits.” Lifting his head, his tone shifts to an annoyed one. “Apparently every man who interacts with you is destined to fall for that very quality.”
My heart swelling from his praise, I gesture to the door and start to tell him to give Theo a break when my gaze lands on the doorjamb. Part of the carved wood has broken away from the main piece. Remembering the cracking sound I heard earlier, I look at him, wide-eyed. “Did you do that?”
He glances at the wood and shrugs. “You nearly broke me.” Dropping a kiss on my nose, he steps back. “Why don’t you open your present from Mina? She told me she had something for me as well. Maybe she put it in your purse.”
I follow Sebastian into the kitchen and try not to stare at the handcuffs standing out against the island’s black granite as I set my purse down next to them.
Sebastian leans on his elbows and watches me pull out the small navy box with a white ribbon tied around it and a tiny envelope. I hand him the other small envelope with Seb written on the front in swirly handwriting.
He takes his card, but doesn’t open it until I tug the bow off of mine. When I lift the lid and see a gorgeous gold heart locket with a smaller, slightly tilted raised-heart incorporated into the design on the front, I smile. It reminds me of my floating heart.
“What a lovely present,” I say. Setting the necklace down, I open the tiny card Mina included with my gift.
Talia,
I hope you don’t mind, but I thought what better way to keep Amelia’s memory alive, than to combine her heart with your promise to Josi. I’m so happy to have you as part of my family.
Love,
Mina
I lift the necklace and trace my finger over the tiny raised heart. It is the one I gave her. Mina must’ve had the locket custom made to include it.
“Open it.” At Sebastian’s encouragement, I use my nail to pop open the three-fourths inch wide heart. The picture of me holding Josi after the christening on the inside makes my heart twinge. Mina had planned everything so well. Down to getting the picture from her photographer and having it incorporated into the necklace to be delivered to me this evening. How could her mother think she’s flighty?
Sebastian comes around the island and slides my thumb out of the way. “Don’t forget the other half.”
Once he moves my finger, my hands shake as I stare at the tiny “2 Lias” drawing. Tears fill my eyes as I raise them to him. “How did you get this?”
He takes the necklace from me, closes the locket, then hooks the delicate chain around my neck. “After the ceremony, Mina told me her plans of incorporating the heart you gave her into your godmother gift, and I emailed her the picture I’d taken of the drawing.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you’d taken a picture of it?”
“I saw you close the leather binder that day and yet had never seen you order room service. While you were in the bathroom, I snapped a picture of the drawing to study later. If it was important to you, I wanted to know why.” He rests his hands on my shoulders, his fingers massaging me. “After you lost the original, I thought I’d have it printed for you, but then when I heard Mina’s plans, I realized incorporating the drawing into the locket would be a perfect way for you to keep it with you.” Clasping my face, he thumbs the tears away from my cheeks. “I know what it meant for you to give up that heart to Mina that night. I’m just glad she was able to give it back in a way that’s equally honor-worthy.”
I sniff back my tears and touch the locket with my fingertips. “It’s perfect, Sebastian. Thank you both. I’ll always treasure it.”
He captures my lips in a tender kiss, and I wrap my arms around his hard body and kiss him back. Pausing, I glance toward the counter to look for his card. “What did Mina say in her note to you?”
He smirks. “She thanked me for wearing my uniform.”
Laughing softly, I lay my head against his shoulder and tighten my hold on him.
The sound of my phone ringing draws my attention to my purse. I don’t recognize the ringtone. Releasing him, I retrieve it and answer. “Hello.”
“Talia! Thank goodness I got ahold of you. I’ve been trying for a while.”
“Charlie?” The concern in his voice knocks me in the gut. “Is something wrong with Aunt Vanessa?”
“I’ve left messages on your phone, at your apartment, and I even called the hotel, but they said you checked out yesterday. Vanessa collapsed at dinner. We’re at Mount Sinai now and they’re running tests. She didn’t want to worry you, but when she learned I couldn’t get in touch with you, she made me promise not to stop calling until I made sure you were okay.”
“I’m sorry to worry her, but I’m so glad you called. I’ll be right over.”
Charlie stands and hugs me when Sebastian and I arrive in the hospital waiting room. I pull back and mumble my apology for my damp coat and wrinkled appearance. At least I’d been able to tame my wavy, air-dried hair with a couple of clips from my purse.
“What happened to your forehead?” he asks, concern in his gaze.
I wave it off. “We, um, got caught up in a snow deluge. How’s Aunt Vanessa doing? Can I see her?”
Clasping my hands, he tugs me down on the chair next to him. “They should be setting her up in a room now.”
“Her room? They’re admitting her?”
“The pain makes her a little too shaky on her feet right now. They’ve given her pain medicine, so I’m sure they’ll call you back once she’s settled.”
“What kind of pain is she having?”
“Stomach and other stuff. She’s been forgetting things…then she’ll remember later. He shakes his head. “I’ll let her fill you in on what’s been going on with her medically. Would it be okay with you if I step out for a little bit? I need to call my husband and tell Stuart where I am. After I run a quick errand, I’ll be back.”
“Of course,” I say, squeezing his hands. “Thank you so much for being here with her. I don’t know why she hasn’t shared this with me. Do you think this is why she lost all that weight?” When he slowly nods, guilt tugs at my stomach. “I wish she’d said something.”
“As blunt and forthright as your aunt can be, it surprises me too.” Exhaling heavily, he stands. “For what it’s worth, I think she planned to tell you when you two had lunch. Oh, just so you’re prepared, she’s fairly aggressive tonight and not quite herself. I’m not sure if it’s the pain or the meds she’s on, but I just want to warn you.”
As I watch him walk out, the thought of something happening to my aunt squeezes my chest. She’s all I have left. I do remember her being pretty aggressive with Jared at the kick off party. Then she forgot about our lunch plans. God, what could be wrong with her? Is it cancer? A brain tumor? Sebastian’s warm hand clasps mine, bringing me out of my worried thoughts.
“Don’t conjure up all kinds of horrible scenarios in that imaginative head of yours. Let’s wait and see what your aunt and doctors have to say.”
I fold my fingers around his and squeeze. “Thank you for being here with me.”
“Hey, Aunt Vanessa. I’m here,” I say, peeking my head into her hospital room once the nurse tells us we can see her.
“Talia,” she calls in a low voice, waving me in.
As I tug Sebastian in behind me, my aunt frowns slightly. “Your Mr. White attends hospital visits too? Isn’t the tour over?”
I’m a little surprised by the sarcasm in her tone, but I move toward her bed, keeping him close. “Sebastian has saved my life more than once this week, but he’s also more than a bodyguard, Aunt Vanessa.” As I reach her bedside I notice how wan she looks. Even her hair has thinned. “Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”
She completely ignores my question and stares at the cut on my forehead, alarm in her eyes. “You acted like those threatening letters happen all the time. I thought the bodyguard thing was just marketing PR for your book. What do you mean he saved your life?”
Ugh, I didn’t mean to tell her, but I didn’t like her inferring he didn’t belong here with me. Sebastian answers for me. “The fire at the Regent was purposefully set just inside Talia’s room.”
My aunt’s eyes widen and she holds her hand out to me. “Is that true, Talia?”
I release Sebastian’s hand and take my aunt’s, sitting on the edge of the bed beside her. “Yes, it’s true. I’ll answer your questions in a minute. Tell me what’s wrong with you. Charlie didn’t tell me much.”
Aunt Vanessa sighs. “Weight loss I can’t explain, but the stomach pain was so bad tonight that I passed out. My luck it’ll be an extreme food allergy, but further tests will need to be run.” Sighing, she squeezes my hand. “I’m sure I’ll be fine, but I’m very worried for you. I’m afraid your troubles might be my fault.”
I snort and pat her hand. “How in the world can you say it’s your fault?”
My aunt heaves a frustrated sigh. “I should’ve known better when she came back asking for more information.”
Her? My stomach bottoms out, but Sebastian’s hand settling on my shoulder gives me the strength to ask. “Who are you talking about, Aunt Vanessa.”
“Paige.”
I shake my head. “Who is Paige?”
“Paige Hansen.” Her voice drops and she waves her hand dismissively. “She’s the blonde girl I hired to derail your engagement to Nathan.”