Chapter 47

"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