Page 79 of The Betrothal

I drew the duvet up over the grin that had taken up residence on my face when I heard the floorboards in the hallway creak. The only ones that did were directly outside Ben’s bedroom. So, either Ben or Seb was moving around.

I giggled at the quick knock on my door before it opened. It would be Seb – he only asked permission when his intentions related to my body; otherwise, he just did what he wanted.

“Rise and shine, Killer!” Seb was sleep-ruffled and gorgeous, still tugging on the slashed tank he wore around the house. I caught sight of the last few of his abs until my view was limited to his sides and obliques, very rude.

“Can’t, I’m tired,” I murmured, face still half hidden by the covers. Seb could see the smile in my eyes, and his widened in reply.

“Killer,” he chided. “We’ve been without you for…” He checked his watch. “Seven whole hours.”

“But I can’t cope on only seven hours’ sleep!” I protested playfully.

“Nope. Up.” The covers were ripped from my grasp. “Unless you are going to relocate to Ben’s room so we have access to you every hour of the day, you’ll get up now.”

I hesitated at the thought. Was there even space for me in with the boys?

“Oh, she’s blushing!” He sat on the mattress, his arm bracketed over my hips. “You like the thought of a sleepover, huh? We can make room.”

I gulped, nodding. I did.

“Now are we getting up or are we being picked up?” he asked.

“Huh?” My mind was still in Ben’s bed.

“Carried.” Seb’s arms swept around my body, lifting me and folding me over his shoulder.

“Seb!” I squealed. “Put me down! I’m still in my pyjamas, fucking hell, you can’t carry me!”

His only reply was a sharp slap to my ass while he stole me from the room, down the stairs and deposited me on a sofa.

The TV was on, the sound muted. The news running on the large flatscreen.

A thick cover was laid over my lap, Seb rolling his eyes at the TV and my puzzled expression.

He disappeared, clinking echoing from the kitchen while I watched the new day’s reports flick up, the reporter’s mouth moving silently.

As expected, my face popped up before long. I didn’t need to be a lip reader to know what she was saying, an almost play-by-play version of the night before. Today they displayed only an image of my family, then one of Teddy followed.

I was grateful not to have to bear witness to his false angst again – that would definitely shoot my good mood straight to hell.

A tray was placed on my lap, a coffee onto the side table, then Seb landed onto the sofa with a soft thunk.

“It’s an Alex special.” Seb snagged some of the toast and tore off a bite. I watched his jaw flex as he ate; his pleasure at my constant objectification of him was evident.

I watched his throat bob as he swallowed.

“I keep turning it off, then he puts it back on. He said it was to keep ‘abreast of the situation’.” Seb’s tone was mocking as he snatched up the remote and turned off the offending channel. “He’s trying to protect Ben.”

“From me?” I asked, hurt for Ben. I couldn’t imagine seeing the screen over and over all day. My optimism for the longevity of my good mood was fading fast.

“From the whole world, I suspect. But even Alex can concede you mean no harm. He just thinks that the fall-out could have lasting ramifications.” Seb took my chin in his hand and lifted my face to him. “Ben has already discussed this with him. He’s fine. I promise you.”

I tried to nod, but he still held my jaw captive.

“Okay?” He watched me intently.

“Yes.” The word was quiet, but true.

He leaned towards me, laying a sweet kiss on my lips, which I kept sealed. Toast and morning breath. I was absolutely not kissing Seb properly.