My eyes opened to find Sebastian already awake.
He sat on the edge of the bed, his injured arm neatly bandaged. That familiar arrogant smirk played on his lips.
Before I could speak, he leaned in and covered my face with kisses.
I pushed him away groggily. "It's barely morning. Get away from me, you insatiable man."
My own voice startled me—hoarse and rough, like I'd spent the night screaming.
Sebastian handed me a glass of water. "Drink this. Your throat needs it."
I sipped the water and tried to sit up. Every muscle protested. My back ached. My legs felt like jelly. Everything hurt.
His hands immediately found my waist, massaging with practiced ease. "I ordered Asian breakfast—your favorite. Should we eat here or downstairs?"
"Downstairs," I croaked. I needed distance from this bed before he got any ideas.
When I stood, the soreness between my legs made me want to strangle him. Of course, he followed me to the bathroom.
I spun around to face him. "Have you been saving yourself for decades? You were absolutely relentless!"
To my astonishment, color touched his cheeks. He rubbed the back of his neck. "It was my first time. Be gentle, Alayna."
I stared. "Your first time? Ever?"
He nodded. Well, that explained everything.
Fine. I couldn't stay angry after that confession.
Lunch was incredible—all my comfort foods delivered from the hotel. After eating, some strength returned to my limbs. Still, Sebastian carried me to the car like I was made of glass. He drove me straight to my apartment, tucked me into bed with excessive care, and tried to climb in beside me.
"Don't you have your own home? Go there!" I shoved against his chest.
He looked genuinely wounded. "You're throwing me out after what we shared?"
I massaged my temples. "I don't trust your self-control."
Honestly, I could understand last night's first round—the drugs were to blame. But the second time? That was pure hunger. Combined with his thirty years of pent-up desire? I stood no chance.
"I'm exhausted too," he said, settling beside me. "I won't lay a finger on you."
I remained skeptical.
Before I could protest, he pulled me against his chest and fell asleep instantly.
When I woke again, darkness had fallen. Sebastian had dinner waiting. After we ate, we somehow found ourselves tangled together again.
Later, breathless and spent, I studied his face. "What happened last night? I was only gone minutes before someone drugged you."
His expression turned grim. "Someone grew impatient."
With both his parents at the event, catching him in a compromised position—even forced—would have created immense pressure to marry. Many would kill to join the Montgomery family.
My heart ached for him. "Do you deal with schemes like this constantly?"
He gave a hollow laugh and said he was accustomed to it. Normally, he remained alert at these functions. But with me there, his guard had slipped—and someone seized the opportunity.
I couldn't help teasing him. "So technically, me being there caused your drugging?"
Sebastian grinned, pulling me closer. "Since you became my antidote, I'll let it slide."
I nipped his shoulder playfully.
He hissed, and his hand began tracing patterns on my hip.
"Stop," I said, pulling away. "I genuinely can't take anymore."
He sighed with genuine regret.
By ten, I finally pushed him out the door.
He lingered in the doorway, reluctance in every line of his body. "Can't I just move in here? Or you could come live with me?"
I folded my arms. "It's not the right time."
He raised an eyebrow. "When would be the right time?"
I pretended to consider. "Maybe in three to five years?"
He looked utterly horrified. "Just stab me now, Alayna."
I laughed, steering him toward the elevator. "You've already been stabbed once. Go home. Keep that bandage dry."
He sighed dramatically, dragging his feet as if I'd shattered his heart. Anyone watching would think I was some cruel temptress leading him on.
26