Page 111 of Brutal Heir

I could already see myself walking into the House of Diamanti in that silk Gucci dress—no longer a fresh grad, but someone they’d underestimate at their own peril.

Damn Sebastian for knowing that.

He’d won—again.

Eventually, a servant knocked to announce that dinner would be served once Sebastian finished his workout.

Another thirty minutes had passed in silence. I couldn’t stand the isolation anymore and decided to retrace my steps toward the dining room.

The palazzo was shaped in a large square with a sunlit courtyard at its center. I kept the interior windows on my right and the frescoes on my left, hoping I’d recognize the dining room when I saw it. If I reached the twin marble globes, I’d gone too far.

The halls smelled of pine and beeswax, with a faint trace of lemon. Frescoes lined the walls like silent judges. A few corridors glimmered with candlelight from old brass candelabras.

A low murmur of voices drifted from a partially open doorway. I slowed.

Crystal goblets and porcelain plates glinted in the soft light. This had to be the dining room.

I leaned closer to catch Sebastian’s reply⁠—

My foot slid.

The ancient teak floor groaned.

Both men turned.

I bolted, but Sebastian caught me easily, his arm wrapping tight around my waist.

"It looks as if I’ve caught myself a little mouse."

My spine stiffened. "I wasn’t eavesdropping."

His chuckle ghosted against my ear. "Of course you were. But as you heard nothing that pertains to you, I’ll forgive you…this time."

We stood there, his chest against my back, his hands firm and warm. Each shallow breath made him feel more real.

Would he kiss me?

Would he push me against the wall and⁠—

My cheeks burned.

Then, just as suddenly, he released me. The chill rushed in like punishment.

I hugged myself, rubbing my arms.

Sebastian shrugged off his jacket.

I shook my head. "Oh, no! I don’t need⁠—"

Too late.

"I insist. The marble clings to the cold. It’s why we still use fireplaces."

The warm silk settled on my shoulders, his scent wrapping around me.

Before I could reply, the man in the Roman cassock stepped forward.

He extended a hand. "You must be the charming Sabrina Badalamenti I’ve heard so much about."