Page 26

Too late.

Sebastian's head swung to stare in my direction, his eyes narrowing, as he set his phone down.

That look. Possessive. Furious. Hungry.

With a start, I backed away from the door, watching in horror while he slowly pushed it open, the ancient hinges groaning, announcing my betrayal.

Sebastian's brow lowered, his broad frame filling the doorway completely.

There was no escape route.

"Little girls who listen at doors only find trouble."

Dressed in a different pair of jeans with a crisp white shirt, he looked almost normal and approachable. I knew better. The civility was just gift wrapping on a weapon.

I twisted my band rings around my fingers and backed up another step.

There was no point in denying that I had been listening.

I raised my chin. "Do you blame me when you won't answer my questions or tell me anything?”

"I've told you. It is none of your concern."

I gestured wildly. "I was almost killed today! I think that makes it my concern."

His jaw tightened. “No.” The floorboards creaked under the weight of his step. "It makes it my problem."

I crossed my arms over my middle, fingers digging into my sides. "Great. I'm a problem now. Well, if that's the case, then I'll just return to New York."

If I had any sense at all, I'd be running screaming from him.

Not tossing out false threats of leaving, while praying he didn’t take me up on them.

He stepped closer. His heat reaching me before his body did.

The backs of my thighs hit the side of the bureau, ornate wood carvings digging into my skin. Trapped between antique wood and modern monster. I was cornered, and he knew it.

He slid his hand along my jaw, reaching around and pushing his fingers into my hair.

He twisted them, pulling my head back and staring down at me.

My body betrayed me with a rush of arousal.

"I've already made myself crystal clear. You're not going anywhere."

I swallowed past the lump of fear in my throat. "You can't keep me forever."

His lips skimmed mine, barely contacting my mouth.

His free hand slid to my hip, and he dug his fingers in possessively. "Watch me."

His mouth claimed mine in a harsh kiss, teeth scraping my lower lip. His body pressed flush against mine, letting me feel exactly what my defiance did to him.

I couldn't help the small moan that escaped me.

When he pulled away, my lips were swollen, my breath erratic.

I swept the back of my hand across my mouth, a futile gesture of defiance.