Page 60 of Sebastian's Secret

Or, do I? Sebastian’s inner turmoil made him pause. Isn’t that why you’ve come? To tell him about Rebecca, to get his fucking approval?

“What?” Balthazar shot him a glare. “No! I might not like the guy, but my assessment is based on his shitty offer. Nothing else.”

“Okay.” Sebastian lifted his coffee to his lips, allowing the deed to buy him a few valuable seconds of thinking time. “If you say so.”

“I do.” Balthazar closed his eyes. “I thought you came by to hear my appraisal, not to prejudge it.”

“I did,” Sebastian employed his most soothing tone. “I’m only asking what the others will be thinking.”

“I know; I’m sorry.” Leaning back in his seat, Balthazar blew out a breath as his gaze flickered open. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

Sebastian stared at his brother, wondering the same thing. Balthazar was definitely distracted and unreasonably irritated by his meeting. Perhaps it was not the optimal time to try and gain his confidence? But if not now, then when? It was surprisingly difficult to get him on his own since Michael had passed. Balthazar was either wrapped up in business or in flight alone.

“No problem.”

Drawing in a steadying breath, Sebastian steeled himself. At his age he should not need his older brother’s validation on matters of the heart, but his romance was becoming increasingly tainted by Rebecca’s family. Somehow, Sebastian knew her lineage would be a problem. He wanted Balthazar on his side to assuage any concerns Draco and Cole might have.

Putting down his coffee, Sebastian glanced up to look at his brother. Balthazar’s attention was fixed firmly on a woman across the street.

“I’m glad it’s just you and me, actually.” Sebastian’s voice was firm as he started. This was it. The moment he had been planning in his head ever since he walked into Berrunti’s. “There’s something I wanted to talk to you about and it’s important to me.” Scanning the table between them, Sebastian resolved not to lose his nerve. “I’ve met someone, someone special who I think could become really meaningful.”

An image of Rebecca burst into his head as he thought of her, his lips curling as he recalled the curve of her breasts.

“I haven’t known her long, but I think maybe she’s the one.” Sebastian wanted to laugh at his appraisal. The one? Christ, he sounded like a teenage girl, but somehow, he didn’t care. It was how he felt, how Rebecca made him feel. “This has never happened to me before, and I knew I had to tell you first, Bal.”

That wasn’t strictly true. He’d told Cole that there was someone special, but he wanted to share more with Balthazar.

“What?”

Balthazar turned back to Sebastian, his brows knitting before his gaze traveled back to the window.

“Are you listening to me?” Sebastian demanded. He hadn’t exactly known how his brother would react, but the very least he had expected was Balthazar’s full attention. Fury ignited inside of him. What was Balthazar playing at? It had taken Sebastian courage to tell him about his feelings for Rebecca, and this was how Balthazar rewarded his confidence?

“Hold that thought.” Balthazar rose from his seat, straightening his lapels. “I’ll be right back.”

“What?” Sebastian swiveled in his chair, astonished as he watched Balthazar stalk out of the coffee shop. “What the hell, Bal?”

Turning back to his drink, Sebastian exhaled. So much for the big confession, then. His admission would have to wait.

“Maybe it’s the universe telling me to keep Rebecca to myself,” he muttered in a mocking tone.

What else could explain Balthazar’s bizarre mood? In all his years, Sebastian had rarely ever seen him so preoccupied. Glancing out in the direction that had fascinated his brother so much, he caught sight of Balthazar marching into a small bistro across the street. Sebastian had no idea what had gotten into Balthazar, but he supposed he had better find out.

“I guess this one is on me, then?” Climbing to his feet, he tugged out his wallet and left a twenty-pound note under his coffee cup. Not that he minded buying his brother a coffee, but Balthazar’s brusque departure certainly required explanation.

Putting his wallet away, he waved to the blonde server as he left the shop, his heart rate accelerating as he felt the vibration of his phone from his pocket.

Rebecca! Her name was on his lips immediately, though he hesitated to say it as he pulled the device from his jacket. What if it isn’t her?

His concern was proved to be unwarranted as Rebecca’s name flashed up on his screen. Leaning against Berrunti’s glass frontage, he read her missive.

Hi, sir.

Sebastian’s pulse quickened at the way she addressed him. She had no idea how long he had waited for not only a woman who was willing to refer to him that way, but also one who he wanted to defend and devour. Rebecca roused all the finest aspects of his dragon instincts, and the best part was, she didn’t even know it. A wave of disquiet surged as he acknowledged the fact. He was falling for the woman, and she didn’t know about the most profound part of his whole personality—the one facet of his family that made them distinct from anyone else—but what could he do?

Sharing news of his ancestral genetics was not the kind of information he disclosed to every woman he bedded. His and Rebecca’s compatibility needed to be undisputable, though he doubted such a guarantee existed. Like business, romance involved risk, but unlike the commercial world his father had come to dominate, love also required a deft touch. It was about trust, just like the trust he was creating with Rebecca, and the faith he had that she wouldn’t break the terms of her erotic punishment. Their growing feelings were strong, but they could equally become a potential minefield.

With a shake of his head, he read on.