Page 29 of Sebastian's Secret
Turning from the main road, he replayed her missives in his mind. She’d sounded so excited to see him, but a couple of lines troubled him.
I’m walking. Is there any chance you can pick me up?
Why on earth would Rebecca be walking? Sure, it was possible she’d fancied fresh air, but the grounds of her house looked big enough to fulfil that need and her reply had inferred something more insidious. Sebastian couldn’t put his finger on what it was, but he sensed that something was wrong, and another quirk of his hybrid genetics meant that his instincts rarely lied.
His heart sped up as he neared, slowing the Ferrari to search the sidewalk for any sign of her. Crawling past her house, trepidation simmered in his stomach. There was no sign of her. What if something had happened? What if she’d been abducted?
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he chided himself, but still the nagging suspicion remained. Rebecca was a beautiful woman out wandering on her own. Even in a well-to-do neighborhood, she could arouse the wrong sort of attention.
Pressing a button on his dash, he activated his in-car phone system, prompting the call with only his voice.
“Call Rebecca.”
Pulling over to the curb, he waited as the dialing tone filled his plush interior, his anxiety exacerbating with each shrill tone.
“Where are you?” he muttered. “Come on, answer!”
He nearly leapt out of his leather seat at the tap on the passenger window, his pulse hammering as he twisted to see who it was. There, leaning forward with an enormous grin, was his lady.
She’s not my lady, he reminded himself as he unlocked the door and watched her climb in, but somehow, he refused to think otherwise. Rebecca was his and if she wasn’t sure, he’d confirm the point for her tonight.
“Hey.” Her voice was tentative as she closed the door behind her, activating the automatic lock, her face ashen as she turned to him. “Thank you for coming out for me.”
“You’re welcome.” Flashing her a smile, he didn’t mention that he’d been hanging around the urban jungle for hours on the off chance that she might want to see him. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
Pressing her lips into a tight line, her brow creased for a moment. “I’ve not had a great evening, but I’m so happy you wanted to meet.”
“Oh, no.” He reached for her knee, squeezing it gently. “Anything I can help with?”
“Not unless you can sort out years of family bullshit.” She laughed dryly, her jaw tightening as she recalled whatever had taken place. “Mind you, I should be an expert by now.”
“Your brother, again?” It bothered Sebastian that she had such a bad relationship with her brother. It was one relationship she should have been able to count on, but for whatever reason, clearly couldn’t.
“More like my father.” Her gaze lowered to her lap and Sebastian had the feeling that she was close to tears. “Although Oliver didn’t help. He never helps.”
“It’s okay.” His palm shifted to her hand, enveloping it. “You’re safe.”
“I know.” Her lips twitched as she glanced up to meet his eyes. “Thank you.”
“Shall we get out of here?” Sebastian was determined to delve deeper into her family woe, but this wasn’t the time or place. Clearly, she was emotional and vulnerable. He didn’t want to exploit that.
“Yes, please.” She smiled weakly. “Nice car by the way.”
“Thanks.” Checking the road was clear, he pulled out onto the street and drove away. “It’s one of my favorites.”
“My lot prefer Lamborghinis, but this is lovely.” Her free hand glided over the interior. “Very sleek.”
“Where would you like to go?”
“I don’t care.” Falling back into her seat, he noticed the way she seemed to relax against the leather. “Anywhere away from here.”
“Is it your parents’ place?” He signaled behind them as he drove the car toward the city.
“Yeah.” She sighed. “And if you’re thinking how tragic it is that I still live there at my age, then you’re right.”
“I wasn’t thinking that,” he reassured. “I’m really just being nosey.”
“I’ve wanted to move out,” she went on as though she hadn’t heard him. “Many times.”