Page 152 of Brutal Heir

Part of me wanted to get on the next plane to New York.

Another part of me wanted to stay in Rome and get answers.

And then there was the part I didn’t even want to think about.

Sebastian.

He had some unnatural hold over me. I wanted to run away and run into his arms at the same time. It was that damn dark, gravitational pull of his. Mesmerized by the domineering aura around him, I kept staring and staring as he drew me in, closer and closer.

How could a person crave and detest someone all at once?

I wanted nothing more than to escape.

And yet the thought of never seeing him again, never hearing the deep rumble of his voice, never feeling the strength of his hand at my back…it filled me with despair.

But…I knew he was lying to me. Using me.

Last night...

Last night had been the most intense, fucked-up experience of my life. It was as if he had stolen a piece of my soul with every kiss, every touch, every thrust.

I moved my hand to my belly. I could almost still feel him inside of me.

He was everywhere.

Already haunting me, and I hadn’t even left Rome yet.

Even if I tried to leave, would he follow?

Did I want him to?

I was Eve taking a second bite of the poisonous apple.

My phone interrupted my thoughts.

“Sabrina. Finally.”

“I’m fine, Mom.”

“You never answer your phone anymore. You barely text.”

A waiter stopped by my table, placing a cappuccino in front of me.

I thanked him softly, keeping my gaze on the foamy heart etched into the surface. “I’m just busy, that’s all.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.”

“I’m your mother, Sabrina. I can hear it in your voice. What’s wrong?”

“Well…there is something I need to tell you.”

“I’ll be right there. I’m talking to my daughter.”

Her tone sounded hurried, distracted. Movement rustled faintly, the sound of someone moving in the background.

“Who’s that?” I asked, a knot of unease forming in my stomach.