Page 59 of Sebastian's Secret
“How can I help it?” Gloria smiled sadly. “You might be all grown, but you’re still my little girl.”
Rebecca stiffened at her mother’s turn of phrase. My little girl. After Sebastian, it sounded strange coming from anyone else’s lips.
“I love you.” Tears brimmed in her mother’s eyes, which she frantically sought to blink away. “I know I haven’t been a great mother, but rest assured, Rebecca, I do love you.”
“I know.”
Rebecca hadn’t expected such a show of emotion, but then she hadn’t anticipated seeing Gloria at all. Her mother tended to hide away during the day, sleeping off whatever cocktail of medication and alcohol she’d employed to get her through the night before. Rebecca had learned a long time ago not to rely on her mother’s presence or support. It was another tragic reality of Monroe life, but staring at the older woman, she could not find the will to despise her. Gloria was a victim of brutality and manipulation. Just like Rebecca, except that her daughter was determined to find a way out of Jonas’ dark labyrinth.
“I love you, too.” She moved on instinct, closing the distance between them in a couple of seconds and wrapping her arms around her mother’s fragile frame. Closing her eyes, Rebecca was sickened by how tiny her mother had become, Gloria’s diet of pills and wine taking its toll. “I wish you’d take care of yourself, Mum.”
“I’m okay.”
Gloria feigned a smile as Rebecca drew away, her mouth parroting the same inane lie that her daughter had just been steered away from by Sebastian.
So, that’s where I get it from then. Rebecca should have guessed as much. She’d reflected the actions of the only female role model she’d ever known.
“Are you?” Rebecca’s brows knitted. “You look tired.”
“I just need to rest.” Gloria’s lips twitched uncertainly. “I’ll be all right once I sleep.”
Rebecca wished she could believe that. “Go and rest then.” She ushered her mother away like a child. “I’ll see you soon.”
But as she turned in the direction of her bedroom, the ball of energy in her belly twisted and Rebecca had the most unsettling sense that she was wrong. That she would never see her mother again. Gasping, she glanced back over her shoulder just in time to see the back of her mother’s coral silk disappearing across the galleried landing toward the master bedroom.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Sebastian
Berrunti’s was busy, the growing crowd of patrons stirring unease in Sebastian’s stomach. However much he tried to relax, he couldn’t help thinking of his little girl, the idea that she could be in danger cutting him like a blade.
Get a grip.
He pulled in a breath, resisting the urge to check his phone again and focusing on his older brother.
“So?” Sebastian tuned into Balthazar’s demeanor. He seemed agitated, as well, demonstrating just how badly the meeting with Rebecca’s brother must have gone. “How did it go?”
“As expected.” Balthazar’s reply was terse, his gaze following the line of people outside the upmarket coffee house.
“Not good?” Trepidation bubbled inside, goading him. How would he persuade Balthazar that his burgeoning relationship was a good idea if his brother was dead against Rebecca’s family from the outset?
It doesn’t matter. His right hand balled into a fist, his trimmed nails digging into his palm as he contemplated the potential conflict. I don’t need Bal’s permission to fall in love.
“Monroe is an asshole.” Balthazar’s jaw tightened. “But we already know that. He’s undervalued Drakon Finance to suit himself and tried to upsell it as the best offer we’d get.”
“Why?” Sebastian grimaced. This was going worse than he’d feared. He knew that Balthazar loathed Monroe but had hoped getting his brother alone would enable Sebastian to make some headway into Balthazar’s opinions on the matter. Based on the exchange so far, that plan was not looking hopeful.
“He’s up to something.” Balthazar’s brow rose as if he was privy to some secret information obscured from Sebastian. It was classic Balthazar, who had always considered himself the most important of the four brothers.
The curse of the eldest child.
“What makes you say that?” Sebastian chuckled, struck by how petulant Balthazar sounded. Ironic, really, considering he was supposed to be the most mature.
The problem was, Sebastian didn’t entirely disagree with Balthazar. From what he had seen of Oliver Monroe, Rebecca’s brother couldn’t be trusted and was hardly the best candidate to do business with.
“Instinct,” Balthazar’s brown gaze drilled into him, as though his single word and stare would be enough to finish the discussion.
“Is it possible that you’re so colored by your hatred for Monroe that you’ve misjudged the situation?” Sebastian fought to keep his voice even. He didn’t want to give Balthazar any indication that he had a personal interest in Monroe.