"You knew I was working there?"
"Of course."
"And you came to work in the Vicious Vines because of me?"
"Yes."
His answers are so simple, so sincere, yet they unsettle me. It should scare me that he started working at the bar because of me. But instead of fear, what I feel is elation.
Wrapping my hand around the back of his neck, I kiss him hard. The sweet taste of cotton lingers on my lips.
When I pull back, I whisper against him, "You could have asked for anything from a man like Ethan."
"I could have, but there's only one thing I wanted. You."
Chapter twenty
Ezrah
Tonight is a busy night. I hoped for one of the slower ones so I could grab a drink with Sebastian at the bar, but no such luck.
Ethan called me in his office earlier to check how I'm handling the manager role. We talked for a while, and I brought up the VIP floor again. Even after my promotion, I still haven't been allowed up there. He brushed me off, same as always, saying that when the time is right, he'll take me himself.
What the hell is on that floor? And why does everyone in this place seem to orbit Ethan like he's the sun?
At least he said he doesn't have a problem with relationships in the workplace. So there's that.
I bury myself in paperwork for a while, but eventually I need a break. Maybe a non-alcoholic cold drink.
The bar is buzzing. Sebastian is pouring shots for a loud group, hips swaying, eyes catching mine like I'm the only one here.
He winks at me and says, "I'll be there in a second."
"Take your time," I answer, even as my chest tightens.
Watching him move so confidently behind the bar, I still can't believe he's mine. Except… are we even official? We never defined it as official. The question gnaws at me, and the sudden uncertainty must show on my face because Sebastian's there in a flash.
"Hey, where'd you go, D?"
"D?"
"Short for Daddy," he whispers with a grin, "since you don't want me calling you Daddy here."
I burst out laughing. "Daddy is good, boy."
"Yaay. Now what can I get…" he trails off as his eyes lock on someone near the entrance. The smile drops, and his body goes rigid.
I see a man in a dark suit, broad as a truck, with silver streaks in his hair. And he's staring at me.
I stand up from my place, but in the next second, Sebastian is next to me. He grabs my arm, physically preventing me from moving. His eyes are still locked on the man who's coming our way.
I don't like this.
I don't like this man.
When he's only a few steps away from us, Sebastian's face transforms from shock into a big, wide grin.
"Dad!" he screams, running straight into the man's arms.
