Page 114 of Brutal Heir

I was overtired. That’s when my thoughts spiraled.

What I should focus on was Sebastian.

I couldn’t stay here.

The tension was unbearable.

And I was starving.

Just as I debated sneaking to the kitchen, a soft knock came.

Sebastian.

He held a silver tray.

He lifted the cloche. "A selection of panini, fresh fruit, and biscotti with tea."

My stomach growled loudly.

He smiled. "Just in time."

He walked past me and set the tray near the fire.

"Sebastian, I…"

I wanted him to go.

I wanted him to stay.

It was like biting into a pepper.

First, there was that moment of anticipation, where the back of your tongue tingles and salivates.

Then, you open your mouth.

Your heart races.

You sink your teeth into the red flesh.

There’s a strange, almost imperceptible pop as you pierce the skin. Then comes the sting of the juice.

Your heart beats even faster.

Your cheeks warm.

The backs of your eyes sting as the burn intensifies.

You question what you were thinking—biting straight into a pepper.

The pain rises with every breath.

And yet…

Yet you somehow feel strangely alive in that moment.

As if you cheated death.

It’s painful and uncomfortable and stupid, and you regret it the moment you do it.