Page 106 of Brutal Heir

Sebastian opened a heavy wooden door and stepped aside for me to enter first.

The bedroom was a vision of ethereal elegance, its walls painted a soft, dreamy blue that seemed to shimmer faintly in the glow of the silver candelabras. An intricately carved canopy bed stood at the center, draped in pale green and silver silks that pooled onto the polished marble floor in shimmering folds.

A Renaissance fresco of cherubs and swirling clouds, its delicate hues echoing the room's serene palette, adorned the ceiling.

Every detail, from the handwoven tapestries to the faint floral scent lingering in the air, was like stepping into a masterpiece designed for a queen—or a captive.

I shivered.

Sebastian remarked, “My apologies. These old palazzi can get damp in the winter.”

He crossed to the emerald-green marble fireplace with its carved images of two angels holding the mantel up with the very tips of their wings. He turned a brass key at its base, and flames engulfed the logs.

Letting him believe I was chilled, I moved to stand in front of the fire. “It’s a very nice room. Thank you.”

Knowing it was ill-advised, I still pushed.

“I’ll search tomorrow on Airbnb for a temporary rental.”

He stared at me—studied me—for several moments.

The silence stretched.

I dug my fingernails into my palms to keep from screaming from the tension.

When he finally spoke, his voice sounded deceptively low. “I thought I’d warned you about angering me.”

I pivoted with the intent to escape the room.

Sebastian was faster.

He blocked my path to the door with his body, placing both hands on the fireplace mantel, caging me in.

The heat from the flames warmed the backs of my legs.

“I’m not trying to anger you, Sebastian. But we did agree that this would be a strictly⁠—”

“A strictly professional relationship.” He cut me off through clenched teeth. “I’m aware.”

I stared at the knot of his tie. “You can’t expect me to stay here, alone with you, for the entire month.”

He leaned in close, his gaze focused on my lips. “That is precisely what I expect.”

Deliberately pretending to misunderstand, I shook my head. “That is very kind of you, but I can’t accept. It would be too uncomfortable.”

He lifted his hand and rubbed his thumb over my lower lip. “I can think of numerous ways to make you more…comfortable.”

I blinked, afraid to move, let alone form a reply. The heat of the fire burned my skin, and yet I still didn't shift away. This man’s web had caught me, a helpless bug.

I swallowed past the dry fear in my throat. “You promised, Sebastian.”

“You make a lot of demands for a…subordinate.”

Every word dripped with poisonous double meaning.

“If you don’t want to abide by our agreement, I can always return to Paris.”

I was both terrified and fascinated by what his response would be.