Page 61 of Sebastian's Secret

I’m ready to leave whenever you are.

Good timing, little girl. Sebastian replied, peering up at the bistro his brother had disappeared into. There seemed to be a lot of shouting coming from its open door, noises that required investigation. I’m just about to say goodbye to Balthazar and then I’m coming for you. His lips twitched at his unintended pun. Are you okay?

Sebastian watched the three small dots as Rebecca replied to him, his stomach in knots with agitated excitement. He couldn’t wait to get his hands on her again, to make sure she was all right, before he decided both her fate and whether or not to share his secret, but first, he had Balthazar to deal with.

I’m good. She answered him. I’ll wait in my room until I hear from you. I don’t want to run into anyone, and I know what will happen if I start walking alone…

His heart spiked at the inference that her father could be lurking somewhere on the property.

Good girl. He praised, lips curling at her reference to yesterday evening. I’ll be as fast as I can.

He glanced up just in time to see his brother walk out of the inoffensive looking bistro, following a brunette Sebastian didn’t know.

A woman? Bewilderment clouded Sebastian’s thoughts. So, Balthazar had a new romance, as well?

Compelled to know more, he rushed over the crosswalk to catch up with his brother. “Balthazar?”

Balthazar spun at Sebastian’s voice, his dark eyes widening as he approached.

“What happened?” Sebastian asked. “Who’s this?”

“Sebastian.” Balthazar’s tone was almost apologetic. “I’m sorry. Let me introduce you to Cherie.”

Sebastian’s focus fell to the petite brunette beside his brother. She looked visibly upset and fleetingly, Sebastian wondered what had happened in the bistro, but, if he knew Balthazar, he was certain his brother had it covered. “Cherie,” Balthazar signaled toward Sebastian. “This is my brother, Sebastian Vaughn.”

“Your brother?” A small gasp left Cherie’s mouth as her attention darted between the two men.

“Hi.” Sebastian stepped forward, offering her his palm, which she tentatively accepted. “Bal and I were having coffee when he disappeared over here.” Twisting, Sebastian glanced back to the eatery that had caused his brother so much concern.

“Bal?” Confusion flickered in her eyes.

“Balthazar,” his brother corrected, throwing Sebastian a glare. “I never did introduce myself properly.”

“Is everything okay?” Sebastian directed the question at Balthazar. “I saw you charge into that bistro as though the place was on fire.”

“Monroe.”

Sebastian tensed at Balthazar’s reply. Why was Monroe now the answer to everything?

“He’s my boss.” Cherie’s brow rose. “Or I should say, he was my boss.”

“Looks like you need a coffee.” Sebastian didn’t know the woman who had clearly captured Balthazar’s attention, but he liked her. There was an innocence about her, something he sensed would appeal to his older sibling.

“That’s precisely what I said,” Balthazar smiled, and Sebastian guessed the effort it took for Balthazar to turn his attention to him. “Will you join us?”

Sebastian had never heard a less sincere invitation in his life. It was patently obvious that Balthazar wanted to get this woman alone.

“If it helps, I can vouch for him.” Sebastian motioned in Balthazar’s direction and winked. “He usually doesn’t bite.”

“Very reassuring.” Cherie sounded nervous as she peered up at Balthazar.

“Plus, it’ll only be the two of you,” Sebastian wanted to wrap things up and get back to his own woman. An excited chill raced along his spine as he acknowledged the thought. Rebecca was his woman. “I need to run.”

“So soon?” Balthazar played along, sounding surprised at Sebastian’s refusal, although Sebastian could tell he was secretly thrilled.

“We’ll catch up later.” Sebastian told him, still unsure how he felt about the way things had panned out. He’d been ready to divulge his undisclosed desire, but staring at Balthazar, he couldn’t help but be pleased that he hadn’t. The news would wait, and in the meantime, he and Rebecca had their own disclosures to make. Sebastian sensed there was more to the murky Monroes then she was letting on, and for his part, he still had to explain his enhanced speed and strength.

“Yes,” Balthazar’s tone was unusually regretful. “Sorry about today. I was distracted.”