CHAPTER FORTYFor a while, they sat in the pool, sharing furtive glances, sidelong looks and sipping from the wine. Neither was sure of what exactly would be appropriate to talk about. Most likely because everything that swam through their heads, heart and mind were inappropriate.Sebastian’s fingers trailed lazily along the rim of the glass as he contemplated what to say. He had never been in such a daunting position before. Hell, he was a freaking ladies man! He knew his way around women. He knew what made the tick. How to bring pleasure. How they gave pleasure. Yet for the life of him, he felt like a little kid in her presence, wondering what to say without looking like a fool.Ava fidgeted with her fingers, feeling uneasy at the silence between them. The water in the Jacuzzi was hot enough and she had to admit, it was quite nice. It felt very nice/. What she couldn't stand though was the quietness. She peeked at Sebastian through long lashes, discreetly so he would not notice
He was a bastard and he deserved to be flogged to hell and back. But Sebastian wasn't sure he cared much what his punishment at the moment should be. Hell, he didn't care about shit at the moment. All that occupied his mind was the water slipping through the thin valley of Ava's breasts pressed together and how badly he wanted to kiss them. But he couldn't. They had the contract, they had their plans between them like a giant elephant and while he wanted to dash it, risk it all and see, he feared that his desire for her would only end up as a fleeting thing. Or worse. It could turn into a full blown obsession. But that was bull, he thought with a chuckle. He just wanted her. That was where his feelings for her began and ended. There was no use concocting ideas in his head. Ideas that were doomed to perish. He slid his hands down her body and sighed when she purred like a fucking kitty in his arms. Burying his face in her neck, he took a long drag of her feminine scent then held fi
Chapter 42Ava tiptoed out of the elevator, holding her breath. The living room was empty, the TV wasn't on, telling her Kim hadn't arrived yet. Her shoulders dropped in relief and she sighed loudly. "Ah thank goodness," She didn't think she could face Kim yet. Her hair was barely dry. The damp strands still sent droplets rolling down her back, causing damp patches on her dress."I must look like a harridan," she groaned, running a hand through the damp mass and quickening her feet. She had to get dressed quickly. Or rather, undress quickly. If Kim saw her, Kim would be sure to ask questions. Questions that Ava was sure she wasn't ready to answer. A rosy blush spread across her face and she bit her lip as she made her way hurriedly to her room. Closing the door sharply and bolting it, only then did she allow herself to breathe in relief. Her eyes then rounded like saucers and she raced to stand in front of the mirror. "What the hell happened?" She whispered, brushing fingers ligh
Chapter 43Sebastian found himself sitting at a dimly lit bar with his close friend Damian, their glasses clinking as they engaged in a private conversation. He had been carrying a weight on his shoulders, a secret he needed to share."D, there's something I need to tell you," Sebastian began, his voice tinged with a mix of hesitance and relief.Damian raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Alright, spill it. What's on your mind?"Sebastian took a sip of his drink, gathering his thoughts. "You know Ava, right? The woman I've been seen with lately, the one I've introduced as my fiancée?"Damian nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, I've seen you two together. I must say, you make a convincing couple. So, what's the catch?"Sebastian leaned in, his voice barely audible over the ambient noise of the bar. "The truth is, Ava and I aren't actually engaged. It's all a charade, a façade we've created."Damian's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, what? But you two seem so genuin
Sebastian sat across the sleek, mahogany desk from Mr. Harrison Fredericks, the CEO of Angels Modelling Agency. The spacious office exuded an air of sophistication, with elegant artwork adorning the walls and the warm glow of soft lighting casting a gentle ambiance.Mr. Harrison had been relentless in his pursuit of a meeting with Sebastian, hoping to secure a coveted investment from the influential billionaire. Now, as they finally came face to face, Sebastian couldn't help but admire the CEO's unwavering determination.Leaning forward, Sebastian carefully unfolded his proposal. "Mr. Fredericks, I appreciate your tenacity and the reputation your agency holds. I've been observing your work closely, and I believe we can create a mutually beneficial partnership."Mr. Harrison's eyes sparkled with anticipation as he leaned back in his leather chair. "I'm all ears, Mr. Bancroft. What do you have in mind?"Sebastian's voice resonated with confidence as he revealed his offer. "I want you to
45Ava sat in front of her vanity mirror, the soft glow of the lights casting a warm ambiance around her. Her fingers delicately wound around a curling iron, coaxing her luscious locks into graceful spirals. The repetitive motion offered a momentary distraction from the whirlwind of emotions that swirled within her.As she worked on her hair, her phone buzzed on the nearby table, its screen lighting up with Sebastian's name. Ava's heart skipped a beat, a mixture of anticipation and trepidation flooding her veins. She hesitated, her fingers pausing mid-curl, contemplating whether to answer the call or let it go to voicemail.Her sister, Kimberly, never one to miss an opportunity for mischief, noticed the internal struggle playing out on Ava's face. With an impish grin, she snatched the phone from the table, teasingly waving it in front of her sister."Should I answer it for you, Ava?" Kimberly chimed, her eyes twinkling mischievously.Ava's cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassmen
Sebastian's footsteps echoed through the hallways of his penthouse as he hurried to his lavish bathroom. The anticipation coursing through his veins drove him to quicken his pace, a mix of excitement and longing enveloping him like a swirling tempest. He stepped into the cascading water, its warm embrace soothing his restless thoughts.As the water splashed against his skin, Sebastian's mind became a battleground, a clash between desire and reason. Images of Ava, her mesmerizing beauty and enchanting presence, flickered in his mind's eye, threatening to unravel the carefully constructed walls he had built. He repeated a litany of reasons, like a mantra, reminding himself why he shouldn't be so enticed by her."She's just a woman," he whispered to himself, the words a feeble attempt to temper his rising emotions. "This is just dinner. Nothing more."Meanwhile, within the confines of Ava's home, a whirlwind of activity unfolded. The fragrant aroma of culinary possibilities filled the ai
"How have you been?" Sebastian attempted to divert his attention to the dinner, engaging in light conversation to mask the tempestuous emotions that roiled within. Yet, his eyes kept wandering back to Ava, captivated by her beauty, her presence, and the memories that danced at the edge of his consciousness."Bored out of my mind," Ava replied bluntly, earning a snicker from him. "Wish I could say the same. I've been busy out of my mind." He stated, sagging against his chair. "I am so damn tired.""You don't look like it," she mumbled. Wishing to tease her, he leaned forward and raised a brow. "So what do I look like to you?"Like a delicious hunky male. Ava blushed at the thought and dropped her gaze to her food, unsure of what to say or do. As the evening progressed, their conversations grew deeper, laced with an undercurrent of longing and unspoken words. Each stolen glance, every brush of their fingertips, heightened the tension that simmered beneath the surface.Sebastian foug