84 A Gentleman’s Rescue and a Drunken Interrogation
I was drunk Spectacularly, gloriously drunk. The world spun around me as I sat in the back of a luxury car, trying to make sense of the handsome man beside me
“You feel familiar. I murmured, leaning closer to him “Lake someone from a dream
Pas cologne or whatever it was smelled intoxicating My inhibitions were
nonexistent, and something about hire made me feel safe couldn’t remember the last
time a man had made me feel that way.
Freached for his face, my fingers tracing his sharp jawline. “Has anyone ever told you That you’re beautiful?
Ms Shaw he said firmly, gently removing my hand. “You’re intoxicated
poided undeterred “Don’t you find me attractive?” Without waiting for his response leaned in, atming my lips for his
He turned his head, and my kiss landed on his cheek instead “You’ve had too much to drink he said, his voice low and controlled.
Tve never been this forward before admitted with a drunken giggle. “You know what’s funny? Six years with Alistair and I never cheated. Not oner
The man stiffened slightly beside me
“Six ars of lovalty” I continued, slumping against the leather seat Six years of blood donations. Six years of putting my life on hold. And for what threw my hands up dramatically “For him to marry my stepsister”
The car turned smoothly onto my street but I barely noticed
Men are all the same: I declared wagging my finger at him You can trust any of them. Present company sieluded i poked his chest for emphasis
We’ve arrived at your residence he said ignoring my accusations
squisited our the window recognizing my apartment Limilding Of That was fast
The car stripped, and my mysterios iompanion exiped thist
allc impted to stand u
aming around open
strong arms caught me
Tean walk” I protested weakly
Clearly, he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice
In one smooth motion, he lifted me into his arms. I wrapped my arms around tus neek resting my head against his shoulder. His heartbeat was steady and strong beneath my
eal
“You’re very good at this, I mumbled. “Bet you carry drunk women all the time?
He said nothing as he carried me through the lobby. The night doorman raised his eyebrows but quickly looked away when my companion fixed him with a stare
In the elevator. I fumbled through my purse. “Need my keys.”
“They’re in your coat pocket.” he said calmly.
patted my pocket in surprise. “How did you know that?”
The elevator opened directly into my penthouse apartment-perks of living in the most exclusive building in the city. My companion carried me to the sofa and gently set me down.
“Water?” he asked, heading toward my kitchen as if he knew the layout.
“Bottom drawer in the fridge.” I called after him, struggling to remove my heels. “How do you know where I live?”
He returned with a glass of water. “Drink this.”
I took a long sip, the cold liquid bringing a moment of clarity. As I looked up at him something clicked in my alcohol-addled brain
“Wait a minute I said, narrowing my eyes “You’re not an escort, are you?”
He raised an eyebrow “I’ve been trying to tell you that all night
I set the glass down hard on the coffee table. Then who are you? And why are you in my apartment?
Sebastian Sinelan he said simply You were a rather prevarious situation at the club I thought it best to ensure you got home safely
I blinked rapidly trying to process this information Sebastian Sinclair-the Sebastian Sinclai was standing in my living room after rescuing me from a club where I’d been drinking myself into oblivion
You’re Sebastian Sinclair, I repeated, my voice small.
“Yes
The Sebastian Sinclair:
The very same
I covered my face with my hands, mortification cutting through my drunken haze. “Oh god tied to kiss you
“You did he confirmed, no judgment in his tone.
And I called you an escort
Among other things.
I peeked at him between my fingers. He was standing there, tall and imposing in his perfectly tailored suit, looking completely out of place in my apartment
“I think I’m going to be sick. I groaned, though whether from embarrassment or alcohol remained unclear.
Sebastian gestured toward the bathroom. “Would you like me to help you there?”
“No!” I said quickly. “I mean, no thank you I’m fine. Just… mortified.”
An uncomfortable silence fell between us. Sebastian cleared his throat
“I should go he said, turning toward the door
Something close to panic flared in my chest “Wait!
He paused, looking back at me with those intense dark eyes
How do know you’re really Sebastian Sipelaw? I demanded, my drunken mind suddenly suspicious “You could be anyone
A flicker of amusement crossed his tace “Who would I be pretending to be Sebastian Sinclair for your benefit
I do I know I admitted, struggling to sit upright “But if you’re really him, prove it
Sebastian reached into has picket pocket and withdrew a business card, handing it to me The embossed Sinclair Industries logo gleamed under my living room lights
Esquinted at at Anyone could have a business card.
Would you like to see my identification?”
Yes
He pulled out his wallet and handed me his driver’s license. I studied the photo, then looked up at his lace, then back at the photo
“Okay, so you’re Sebastian Sinclair, I conceded, handing back his ID. “But why were you at that club tonight? Were you following me?”
I was there on business. he said smoothly. “Seeing you was unexpected.
I wasn’t entirely convinced, but my foggy brain was having trouble formulating more questions. Sebastian took the opportunity to move toward the door again.
“I’ve intruded on your privacy long enough.” he said. “Get some rest. Ms. Shaw
As he reached for the doorknob, I lurched up from the sofa: “Wait!”
I stumbled, and he was instantly at my side, steadying me with a firm grip on my elbow. The contact sent an unexpected jolt through me.
“You can’t leave yet insisted, grabbing his wrist.
Sebastian looked down at my hand clutching his wrist, then back at my face And why is that 27
“Because I have questions,” I said, tugging him back toward the sofa. Despite my drunken state. I knew couldn’t physically move him if he didn’t want to be moved. To my surprise he allowed himself to be led back to the ouch
What questions” he asked sitting beside me
fixed him with what I hoped was a serious, sober stare “I need to know everything And you have toctell nic the truth”
A small enigmatic smile played at his lips. Very well, Als Shaw Ask your questions
