100 The Gossiping Gentleman’s Scrutiny
Hazel’s POV
Sebastian’s hand pressed firmly against my lower back as we approached the entrance
My heart thundered in my chest. The weight of my lie hung heavy between us
Relax, Sebastian whispered, his breath warm against my car “You look like you’re walking to your execution.
“Feels that way. I muttered.
A familiar voice called out from behind us. “Well, well! If it isn’t the elusive Sebastian Sinclair and his friend.
I froze. Sebastian’s hand tightened protectively at my waist.
We turned to face a tall, strikingly handsome man with mischievous green eyes and an easy smile. Elliot Thorne. The owner of the Bentley I’d dragged into my web of lies
“Elliot.” Sebastian’s voice was controlled. “I thought you’d be inside already
Elliot’s gaze shifted to me, his eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity. “And miss the chance to properly meet the famous Hazel Shaw? Not for all the champagne in there
My cheeks burned. He knew exactly who I was.
“Hazel, this is Elliot Thorne.” Sebastian said formally. “Elliot, Hazel Shaw
Elliot took my hand, bowing slightly. “The pleasure is entirely mine. I’ve heard lot about you
The knowing smirk on his face made my stomach twist
quite a
“Likewise” I managed to reply, though we both knew it was a lie. Until yesterday, I’d
never heard his name
Elliot released my hand but kept his eyes on me “Sebastian has been unusually tight-lipped about you Which is fascinating, considering how socal you were about
Sebastian cleared his throat. “Elliot
من الناقلة الام
That? Elliot held up his hands innocently I’m simply making conversation with the woman who apparently knows our Sebastian better than anyone
This was torture. Pure torture
“About that I started, my resolve crumbling
“Hazel doesn’t owe you explanations” Sebastian interrupted
Elliot’s eyebrows shot up. “Protective, aren’t we? That’s new for you. Sebastian
Sebastian’s jaw tightened. I could feel the tension radiating from him
“It’s fine” I said, straightening my shoulders. “I need to clear this up.
Both men turned to me. Sebastian’s expression was unreadable, but Elliot looked downright delighted.
“The truth is I began, “I lied that night. Sebastian and I haven’t been intimate.”
Elliot’s smile widened. “Go on.”
“I was trying to get rid of my ex-fiancé. He was being persistent, so I told him I’d moved on with Sebastian.” The words tumbled out quickly. “I spotted your car and assumed it was Sebastian’s. I had no idea anyone else was listening
“And yet you knew very specific details about Sebastian’s… preferences: Elliot countered, eyes dancing with amusement
My face felt like it was on fire. “I made that up too
All of it? Elliot pressed.
“Enough, Elliot Sebastian warned.
Elliot ignored him. “So you two aren’t together?”
“No” I said firmly
“Not romantically” Sebastian added, surprising me
Lilot lupked between us clearly not buying it. Then why is his hand still on YouT waisi Hazel?
jerked away from Sebastian’s touch, only just realizing if had remained there
throughout our conversation
“Sebastian doesn’t take care of people Elliot continued, making air quotes. “It’s not in his nature. Yet here be is, hovering over you like a guard dog.
Sebastian’s expression darkened. “We have history
“History” Elliot raised an evebrow “Now this gets interesting
“Not that kind of history clarified quickly
Elliot tuned against a nearby column, settling in like he was preparing for a good stors Teto get this straight. You’re not sleeping together, but you have history He’s not protective of anyone except you. And you happened to know exactly what car he drives?
Pot that way, our dentals did sound flimsy
1 made a mistake with the car. I insisted
“But not with Sebastian Flhot’s eyes gleamed “Because from what I saw that night you looked genuinely relieved when that car pulled up: Like you were expecting him
I hadn’t realized I’d been so transparent Had Lunconsciously been hoping it was Sebastian that night
You’re readingtoo much into this Sebastian said coolly
Bast stonggod. Maybe Or maybe I’m the only one seeing what’s actually happening
TUR’s that? Sebastian challenged
chico parsheal-off the colunin al stepped closer towering his voice in the fifteen vars Use TR YER
Ek Sebastian si se never one gone out of your wa
wer plade excuses ever played knight to shining armor He glanced at
best halted the as between his Sebastian didn’t deny it
ex different Schiestar, send quietly
These two words but is that oft by hear skipped a beat
hot & smile softened into something genuine Clearly” He turned to the Do you know how many women would kill to be described that way by him?”
Tcouldn’t find my voice
“He doesn’t even let his mother call him during business bours” Elliot continued. “Yet! hear you’ve got his personal number. The one he changes every three inonths
I glanced at Sebastian. “I didn’t realize
“Elliot has an overactive imagination,” Sebastian cut in.
Elliot laughed. “Keep telling yourself that.” He checked his watch “We should head inside. People will talk
“They’re already talking.” I muttered.
Oh, they certainly are: Elliot winked. “But don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me- whatever that secret actually is.
He offered me his arm. “Shall we?”
I hesitated, looking at Sebastian.
“Go ahead, Sebastian nodded. “I need a moment.”
Reluctantly, I took Elliot’s arm. As we walked toward the entrance, he leaned down to whisper. “You know, I’ve never seen him this rattled. Not even when he closed that billion-dollar deal in Dubai.”
Lkept my eyes forward. “I’m not trying to rattle him.”
“That’s what makes it so fascinating Elliot guided me through the doorway. The Sebastian Sinclair I know doesn’t get attached. Doesn’t show weakness. Doesn’t care what people think
We paused just inside the grand foyer “What are you saying?”
Ellors expression turned serions. Tin saying that whatever game you two are playing
or not playing-it’s changing hum.” He nodded toward the entrance where Sebastian stood, watching us intently and I’m not sure he even realizes it
With that Elliot squeezed my arm and released me, drifting to the crowd with a
Castal
Chioned backa look at Sebastian. Our eyes locked across the room. The tntcusto his gave made my breath catch
Elliot’s words echoed in any mind “She’s different” Why would Sebastian say that?! What made me different from all the other women in his life?
As Sebastian finally moved toward me through the crowd his expression unguarded for once. I made a decision Tonight. I would find out the truth, Theeded to understan why this powerful enigmatic man had chosen to insert himself into my life
And why, despite my best efforts. I couldn’t seem to push him away
