Page 71 of Broken Crown

Panic shot through me, but Sebastian didn't stop.

If anything, his attention grew more focused, more determined.

One large hand slid up to cover my mouth, capturing the sounds I couldn't contain as he pushed two fingers inside me, curling them against that spot that made stars explode behind my eyelids.

"Shh," he murmured against me, the vibration making me tremble uncontrollably. "Let go, babygirl. I've got you."

The footsteps were louder now, just below the terrace.

A man called out, asking if anyone was there.

Terror and arousal pushed me over the precipice.

I came against Sebastian's mouth, biting down hard on his hand to muffle my screams as waves of pleasure crashed through me. My body convulsed, every nerve ending alight, my thighs clamping around his head as if I could keep him there forever.

With practiced speed, Sebastian tucked my panties into his pocket and rose to his feet, smoothing down my dress. He pressed a swift kiss to my lips, letting me taste myself on his tongue, before turning to face the door just as it began to open.

An elderly caretaker poked his head through, blinking in surprise at finding the terrace occupied. Sebastian greeted him in Italian, so casual and composed that no one could possibly guess what he'd been doing moments ago.

I tried to collect myself, face flushed, body still trembling with aftershocks. The contrast between the pleasure I'd just experienced and the danger of discovery made my head spin.

The caretaker apologized for the intrusion, explaining that he was just checking the property. Sebastian slipped him some euros, and the man retreated with a knowing smile that made my cheeks burn hotter.

When we were alone again, Sebastian returned to his seat across from me, lifting his wineglass as if nothing had happened. But his eyes, dark and hungry, told a different story.

"You didn't have to do that," I said quietly, still shaken by the intensity of what had just occurred.

"I didn't do it because I had to," he replied, his voice low and rough. "I did it because I wanted to. Because your pleasure matters to me."

Something about his words, about the way he'd put my needs ahead of his own, affected me more deeply than the physical act itself. This wasn't the selfish, demanding Sebastian I'd come to expect. This was a man showing me, in the most intimate way possible, that he could be different. That he could give without taking.

I took a shaky sip of wine to hide my confusion, my shifting perceptions of him. The rich, complex flavor of the Cavalieri vintage lingered on my tongue, reminding me of the man across from me—dark, intoxicating, and impossible to resist.

"Tell me about Chieti," I said, desperate to change the subject so I didn’t reveal too much of what I was feeling. "Why this place?"

He allowed the deflection, leaning back in his chair. "It's one of the oldest settlements in Italy. Founded before Rome."

"So you brought me somewhere older than Rome?" I tore off a piece of bread, trying to appear casual despite the fact that my thighs were still quivering. "Trying to make a point about antiquity?"

"Always looking for hidden meanings." Sebastian shook his head, but the amusement remained in his eyes. "Perhaps I simply thought you'd appreciate its beauty and history."

"Perhaps," I conceded, but I didn't believe it for a second.

Sebastian did nothing without calculated purpose.

After we finished eating, he stood and extended his hand. "Come. Let me show you the village."

I hesitated before placing my hand in his, half expecting him to pull me against him the way he had earlier.

Instead, he simply helped me to my feet, though his fingers trailed along my palm as he withdrew, a deliberately sensual caress.

We descended the tower stairs and emerged onto a narrow cobblestone street.

Sebastian placed his hand at the small of my back, guiding me through the labyrinthine passageways of the medieval village. His touch was light but possessive, a silent claim that didn't require words.

Chieti was a medieval gem, its streets winding between stone buildings adorned with wrought iron balconies and potted winter greenery. Arched passageways connected hidden courtyards where fountains burbled quietly, the water catching the winter sunlight.

Everywhere I looked, I found another postcard-perfect view.