Page 76 of Sebastian's Secret

“Stupid.” Sniffing, she spun, resting her back against the glass. “I was stupid to use sex as a substitute for love, but what else could I do?”

Sliding down the pane, she read the end of the message.

You were never good enough to be a Monroe.

Good riddance.

Dropping the phone to the floor, she buried her face in her legs and sobbed; deep and cathartic tears that had been trapped somewhere in her soul. That was it then. She’d seen it in black and white. Her own family had rejected her. She was on her own.

“Hey.”

Startled by his voice, Rebecca’s gaze rose to find Sebastian towering over her. In the haze of her misery, she hadn’t even heard him come in, but now, there he was. “What’s wrong, little girl?”

“This.”

Unable to manage more than one word, she grasped at her device and thrust it in his direction. It was a pitiful read, but she had nothing to lose anymore. Sebastian had shown her every part of him. The least she could do was return the favor.

“Who is this from?” His voice hardened.

“My father,” she croaked, unable to meet his eyes.

“He’s no father.” Sebastian’s voice was a low growl. “I can assure you of that.”

She didn’t argue with him. Although Rebecca had never had a better role model, she was sure that Sebastian was right.

“Rebecca.” He was right there with her, one hand encasing hers as he crouched at her side. “It’s okay. You’re safe.”

He said that so often, and she never got tired of hearing it. She wondered how long it would be before she could truly believe him though. Of course, she had total faith that Sebastian would never hurt her, but the sense of insecurity her father had instilled lingered. Maybe it always would?

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled, imagining what a state she must look. Not quite the seductive redhead he’d first met, was she? Christ, Rebecca wouldn’t blame Sebastian if he kicked her out, as well.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. Why are you sorry?” Inching closer, he opened his arms and scooped her up in them, tugging her gently onto his lap. Propping himself up against the pane, he held her as she tried to answer.

“I’m a mess,” she managed with a pathetic sniff. “I’m pretty sure this isn’t what you signed up for.”

“That’s rubbish,” he chastised, lifting one finger and steering her focus his way with the digit. “You’re beautiful to me, regardless. I want you to know that.”

Blinking back her tears, she risked a glance at him. He couldn’t possibly mean that, could he?

“This is the last time you’ll ever read a message like this.” Motioning to the place he’d left her phone on the floor, Sebastian’s attention returned to Rebecca.

“He’s always like that.” She frowned. “There’s nothing I can do—”

“I mean it.” His voice was soft, but insistent as he cut her off. “With your consent, I’m blocking your father’s number. You don’t need to worry about him.”

“But…” Her mind was galloping. Block Jonas? She’d never even contemplated such a bold move before.

“What, little girl?” His arms tightened a fraction around her. “What are you worried about? I’ll take care of you.”

“I c-can’t ask that,” she stammered, although she realized she was already staying in his properties, using his hot water, and eating the food he provided. He was taking care of her.

“You’re not asking,” he reminded her gently. “I’m offering.”

She twisted as his dark chuckle danced around her. “What?”

“I just realized that I’m not offering, little girl. I’m commanding.”

“Oh.” She managed a smile, wiping her eyes with the heel of her hand. “Is that right, sir?”