Page 41 of Shark’s Pride

“Why don’t I believe you?” He didn’t wait for me to get in even a breath of reply. “Do you need me to come to pick you up? I’m going to come pick you up.”

“No.” I sighed heavily. “Bas. Stop. I’m…I’m fine.”

“Abbigail.” Again, like he was barely bothering to listen to my words. Like he had already gathered his wallet and phone and was heading to find his driver.

“Hmm?”

“Tell me what’s going on. What’s happened?”

“Bas, stop. I’m fine. I’m just exhausted. It’s been quite the day. You have to admit, things have been a little crazy. But I need to get on the freeway before traffic gets heavy.”

“All right. Are you sure you don’t want me to come? I can send Joel, if you’re more comfort—”

“Really, Bas,” I broke in. “It’s fine. I’m fine. I’ll be there before you know it. Thank you, though.”

“Abbi?”

“Yeah?”

“You’re turning me a little upside down here. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yeah.” I cleared my throat while tracing a finger along the circle of the steering wheel to settle my thoughts. They finally centered enough so I could murmur, “You know, Mr. Shark…I think I’d better be careful here.”

“Careful?” His voice was sultry, corresponding to the similar notes in mine. “Why’s that?”

“I may wake up and find this has all been a dream.”

He growled, but it was like a wolf getting a belly rub. Still, his response was thoroughly and beautifully rugged. “Don’t you believe in dreams coming true, Red?”

I went still again.

Finally, he stated, “I’ll see you when you get home. Drive safely, Abbigail.”

As he clicked off the line, I was stunned at the awareness of a smile on my lips. I had no idea why. His last words had bordered on firm commands, and he’d used that word—home—like I was supposed to start accepting the permanence of his mansion over my place.

Yet, I was smiling and I couldn’t stop.

And I didn’t want to.

His kindness and compassion had worked its way through all the crazy stress and overwhelming challenges thrown in my path today. And the stupid, silly, overwhelmed smile stayed in place the entire time.

Even as warning flares shot off in my brain.

And, even more brilliantly, in my heart.

Already I could see the potential for utter devastation from continuing on with Sebastian Shark. Beyond the fact that a supposedly dead woman had shown up on his doorstep this morning, alive and well. Beyond the dead fish that had appeared minutes later on his pool deck, as a creepy message of warning. Even beyond how he’d convinced me to move in with him less than twelve hours after reconciling with him.

But what a reconciliation…

Sebastian somehow already had the power to decimate my existence. My very heart and soul. The things I’d sworn I’d never hand over to the care of another human being.

But it didn’t matter if I was a willing donor in this setting…because Sebastian Shark was the kind of man who came into a situation and took.

And the whole time made you believe it was what you wanted too.

Chapter Six

Sebastian