Sebastian had watched Sakura all throughout dinner, thinking of how he’d approach the topic of them being her bodyguards. He knew she wouldn’t like the sound of that, but heck, it was for her own safety. Of course, it was only until they were really sure Mrs. Clark wasn’t going to take any action against Sakura. But they doubted that.

Dinner was over, and he was just finished helping clearing the table when he noticed Sakura missing. Everyone was in the living room, chatting away. Nicolas was pretty cozy with Akira, while Darcy was talking to Sosuke. His mom and dad were speaking with Haruka, while Tristan, Logan, Hayden, and Conrad were in the kitchen, doing the dishes, freaking out the maid so much that she complained to Brenda.

Sebastian was just walking across the corridor when he saw Sakura in the courtyard. Knowing this was a good time to bring up the subject of her moving in with them, he headed out toward her. Once he was outside, cool night air greeted him and he inhaled in satisfaction, a smile on his lips.

“Hey,” he said the moment he was beside her.

Sakura jumped at his voice. She turned to look at him, giving a surprised smile. “Sorry, I was just thinking. I didn’t hear you coming.”

He nodded in understanding as he gazed at the vast night view before them.

“What were you thinking about?”

“Everything.” She raised her eyes to him again and said, “Everything just kind of happened unexpectedly, you know, with… with my mother.” Oddly enough, she still found it a little hard to refer to Haruka as her mother. She’d get used to it, she knew that, but for now, it was just that little bit overwhelming.

“Yes,” he said. “Isn’t that what you’ve been wanting?”

She nodded. “For so long.” Involuntarily, she hugged herself and shivered a little.

Sebastian thought she was cold and moved closer. He wrapped his arms around her and made her rest her head against his massive chest. Sakura obliged, glad to be in his embrace, glad to have his warmth and support.

“So Dad and us brothers have been talking.” He began evasively.

“Oh?” Sakura made the sound as she stared at his bulging bicep that suddenly caused her skin to tingle deliciously.

“We think it’s best you move in with us when we’ve returned from Hawaii.”

She trailed her gaze from his arm to his handsome face. “Why?”

“Look, I know how much you want to stay with your mother, but it’s for your safety.”

“Mrs. Clark?”

He nodded.

Sakura didn’t like the sound of that. “So you brothers will protect me?”

“Yes.”

“But what if she doesn’t do anything? Wouldn’t that just be like wasting your time?”

He chuckled. “Sakura, for you, it is never a waste of time. I can spend the rest of my life with you and I’d never complain.”

That statement struck deep within her heart. She felt so warm and wanted. She blushed and felt more than little too hot and bothered. She tried to move out of his embrace, but he wouldn’t let her and tightened his arms around her.

“Sebastian,” she said softly, trying not to offend him. She knew he and his brothers were concerned about her wellbeing. She knew they wanted to help her. But really? Did she need to move in with them? She didn’t want to be an inconvenience to them. She also wanted to stand on her own two feet. She was sure she’d be fine.

“Look, I understand you and your brothers want to protect me. But really, this is getting a little too out of control. I mean, I’m old enough to look after myself. Besides, there’s Sosuke as well. And you brothers are just one floor above. Also, the apartment building is fully secured, right?”

At his nod, she continued. “So really, there’s no need for me to move in with you. I don’t want to bother you guys.”

Sebastian said, “So your problem is you don’t want to bother us even if your life is in danger?”

She nodded at his statement. Then she quickly changed her mind and shook her head. “No, that’s not it.”

Sebastian couldn’t help himself. He threw his head back and laughed out loudly. Sakura was mesmerized by his laughter. When he stopped and turned his attention to her, he had a big grin on his face. Sakura sucked in her breath. Because of her problems for the past few days, she’d forgotten how disarmingly handsome this man was and how much he could affect her. In a good way, though. Gosh, she really did love him.

She said, “You’re making fun of me.”

“Perhaps it would be easier for you to move in with us if you’re my girlfriend, Sakura,” he said, matter of fact. “How about that? Do you want to be in a real relationship with me?”

The question took her by surprise, and Sakura just didn’t know how to reply. She bit her lip and stared hard at his chin. Gosh! He did have very good chin. Strong and firm. She wanted to stroke his chin and feel that five o’clock shadow beneath her palm. The thought caused a thrill of delicious sensation to rush through her body.

Sebastian felt her shivering and thought he’d gone too far. He shouldn’t have asked her that, knowing how much she loved Darcy as well as him. He couldn’t really back down now, could he? It was too late. Yes, he admitted he was greedy where Sakura was concerned. But damn, he loved her and would do anything to protect her.

“I…” She began.

“Sakura,” he said, nudging her chin up so she looked him in the eyes. “Do you love me?”

Sakura didn’t need to think twice about that. “Yes,” she said without hesitation. “I love you, Sebastian.”

“Then be my girlfriend,” he said. “Come and live with us.”

Sakura stared up at him, wondering how to give him her answer. As she dug deep into her thoughts, she didn’t notice Darcy was standing just at the door. In fact, he’d been there for a little while and had heard their conversation clearly. He hadn’t intended on eavesdropping, but when he’d heard Sebastian asking her about whether she loved him or not, he found his legs couldn’t move.

When he heard the word yes from Sakura, he felt his gut churning with sickness. Suddenly, he felt weak and defeated, as if he’d just lost a battle that was very important to him.

With drooping shoulders and a burning pain deep within his heart, he turned on his heel.

“I love you, Sebastian.” The words echoed across to him as he blindly opened the door.

“Then be my girlfriend. Come and live with us.”

Darcy didn’t need to hear the answer. He knew in his gut what it was. Now, however, he needed space. He needed to be alone. He headed out of the penthouse, got into his car, and drove away.

Back in the courtyard, Sakura said, “I’ll think about moving in with you and your brothers.”

“And what about being my girlfriend?” He couldn’t help asking.

Sakura knew she needed to phrase this properly so she wouldn’t hurt him. “I love you, Sebastian, but you do know I love Darcy as well.”

Sebastian nodded. “I respect that wholeheartedly.”

“I need time. I cannot blindly go into a relationship knowing I’d hurt one of you. I’m sorry, Sebastian. I really am.”

Instead of sounding like he’d just gotten dumped, Sebastian laughed. This surprised Sakura, and she gazed up at him, amazed.

Sebastian lowered his head and kissed her on her forehead. When he moved back, he said, “Then I’ll do my best to win you over.”

Sakura tightened her arms around his big frame as well and whispered, “Thank you for understanding.”

* * * * *

 

Alone in the parking lot, facing the harbor and New York City, Darcy stood gazing across the vastness, taking in the cool air and the bright night lights.

“Snow.” He whispered Sakura’s nickname between his lips, thinking about what he'd witnessed only moments past.

He raised his head and closed his eyes, feeling the dull ache crushing his chest. Hadn’t he told himself before that if Sakura chose Sebastian, he’d be happy for her? Hadn’t he decided already that he’d be happy for them both? After all, Sebastian loved Sakura dearly and he’d be a great boyfriend and, eventually, husband for her.

But why oh why couldn’t he settle tonight? Why was his heart aching so much he felt like screaming?

No! He wasn’t going to scream. He would have to crush the pain and hurt and bury them deep within his heart. He’d lock them away and never allow them to see the light of day ever again. He would be happy for Sakura and Sebastian. He would respect Sakura’s choice and be happy for her.

From now on, what he needed to do was keep his distance. Give the couple some space. And eventually, Darcy knew he’d forget Sakura. Forget he ever loved her. Forget he’d ever given her the name Snow. Forget they’d ever kissed under the cherry blossom tree on St. Joseph Island.

“Sakura,” he said, smiling sadly. “Help me stop loving you. Please.”

* * * * *