Raelynn smiled to herself. She liked Sebastian when he was playful like that. But it seemed like he was only like that when he was drunk. She had only known him for about a month and it had been a horrendous month. He had to kill three people in self defense. Buried his ex-wife and was praying that his boss wasn't next. Sebastian was a strong man, that was for sure.
Raelynn looked in the fridge when she heard the shower turn on. Maybe she could make him something to eat to soak up some of that alcohol. She still couldn't believe he drank almost a whole bottle of Jack. He was lucky he didn't need his stomach pumped. Raelynn found bacon and sausage, along with eggs.
Sebastian returned as Raelynn was pouring them each a cup of coffee. The food was still cooking. It smelled fantastic. Sebastian looked a little better now that he was showered. He got dressed in gray sweatpants and a black wifebeater. His face was still scruffy but it looked good on him. His hair was still a mess, only now it was wet. Sebastian sat down at the island. Raelynn pushed his mug in front of him.
" Anything in it?" Raelynn asked.
" No, I need it black right now," Sebastian replied quietly, staring down at his coffee.
" You okay?" Raelynn asked, tilting her head in curiosity.
Sebastian's head bobbed. " Yup."
Raelynn let it go. She knew he wasn't okay. He looked like shit. His eyes were dull, his mouth was tight and his shoulders were tense. He sat in silence drinking his coffee while Raelynn finished cooking. She had a feeling that shower sobered him up a bit and the weight of his problems were back.
Raelynn finished cooking and filled two plates with bacon, sausage and scrambled eggs. She set one plate and a fork in front of Sebastian. Sebastian asked for pepper and ketchup, which Raelynn got for him. She stood across from him at the counter and ate.
" This is really good. Thank you," Sebastian murmured, glancing up at her.
" You're welcome," Raelynn replied with a nod.
Sebastian studied her for a moment before looking back down at his food. " I went to Victoria's funeral yesterday," he said, his voice hesitant. As if he wasn't sure if he should or could talk to her about it.
" Yeah?" Raelynn replied. Not really sure what else to say, but wanting him to go on.
" Have you ever lost someone you were close with?" Sebastian asked, his green eyes locked on hers.
Raelynn put her fork down. " Yes. I lost one of my best friends a few years ago to a drunk driver," she said sadly. It still hurt to think about Gia sometimes. Her, Gia and Nicole had been friends since 1st grade.
" I'm sorry," Sebastian shook his head.
" It's okay," Raelynn said with a soft smile.
" I just...God...nothing prepares you for what its going to feel like to watch someone you loved be put in the ground," Sebastian rasped, raking a hand through his hair. " Every time I close my eyes, all I see is her getting shot. I needed a night of peace or I was going to loose my mind. That's why I drank so much"
Raelynn frowned. She understood now where he was going when he brought it up. Did he think she was judging him for getting trashed by himself last night? " You don't have to explain yourself to me, Sebastian."
Sebastian searched her eyes. " I don't want you to think I'm weak," he frowned and looked away.
Raelynn gaped at him for a moment. " First off - you shouldn't give a shit about what I think. You're doing what you think you need to do to stay sane, so fuck what I think. And second - you are the strongest person I know. Not many people can say they did what you did just to survive," she snapped angrily.
Sebastian blushed. A slow smile softened his face. " Thank you, Raelynn."
" You're welcome," She huffed, picking up her fork and stabbing a piece of sausage.
" Anyone ever tell you you're hot when you're angry?" Sebastian asked, his smile turning into that trademark naughty smirk of his.
Raelynn pointed her fork - sausage and all - at him. " Remember what I said about behaving? I'll leave and make you do the dishes."
Sebastian laughed. Raelynn smiled in return. God, she was getting in too deep. Everything about this man called to her. She wanted to be there for him when he was having trouble. She wanted him to confide in her. She wanted to kiss him and hold him and make love to him. She needed to put some distance between them. Nothing good would come out of staying close.
Chapter 8
Sebastian brought his empty plate to the sink. Raelynn was washing the dishes, bowls and silverware that was in there. Sebastian sidled up behind her, setting the dish on the counter as he nuzzled his face in the side of her neck. He pressed his body against hers and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist. Luckily, she had heels on otherwise he'd be bending over a lot farther to get to her. She was a short little thing. Sebastian sucked in a deep breath through his nose, pulling in her fragrant scent. He loved the way she smelled.
Sebastian kissed her neck and Raelynn tensed. " Uh Sebastian, I don't think this is a good idea," she said, shutting off the water.
" I think it's a great idea," Sebastian murmured against her soft skin. He was already hard. Everything about her turned him on, so it didn't take much.
" No, we can't keep doing this. It was only supposed to be a one time thing," Raelynn argued half-heartedly while tilting her head to the side to give him better access to her neck.
Sebastian didn't bother arguing with her. She obviously wanted him. He sucked and nibbled at her neck while he used one hand to cover her breast and the other to cup her mound through her pants. Raelynn's breath caught. Sebastian smiled against her neck. He so had her.
" Sebastian," Raelynn whined.
" Rae," Sebastian whined right back but ground his erection against her ass.
Raelynn groaned. " You so don't play fair," she grumbled.
Sebastian chuckled. " I can't help how incredibly irresistible you are." He licked a line up to her ear, making her shiver. " I just can't seem to get enough of you," he breathed, lips brushing her ear.
Raelynn’s breath caught again and her body melded into him. Sebastian hummed his satisfaction. He wanted her so bad. He couldn't understand why. But there was just something about her that pulled him in. Since his divorce, he'd never slept with the same woman twice. But he was now going on five times with Raelynn. It's not like he hasn't had the chance to sleep with the same woman twice. He's bumped into plenty of his ex-lovers - most of them hinting that they wanted seconds - but he had always refused. He didn't want them to get attached. Was he getting attached to Raelynn? Nah.
Sebastian spun her and lifted her tiny body. Raelynn gasped and wrapped her legs around his waist. Her wet hands gripped his shoulders. Sebastian slanted his lips over hers, kissing her languidly. Raelynn's hands slid to the back of his neck as she opened her mouth to him. Sebastian groaned when their tongues met. He loved the way she kissed. She was passionate and seductive. He wondered if she kissed other men the same way. He seriously hoped she wasn't kissing anyone else. The thought actually turned his stomach. He wasn't usually the jealous or possessive type. But something about Raelynn possibly being with someone else other than him made him want to break something.
A phone ringing cut through his thoughts and their kiss. Raelynn pulled back and Sebastian put her down. She reached into her back pocket and pulled out her phone.
" Detective Reynolds," She answered, sounding a little breathless.
Sebastian watched her as she listened to whoever was talking on the other end. She sighed as her eyes lifted to his, a mixture of relief and regret in her blue gaze.
" Okay. I'll be right there...okay...bye," Raelynn said then hung up. She looked at up Sebastian.
" I'm sorry. I gotta go."
Sebastian frowned but nodded. He followed Raelynn to the door. " Thanks for feeding me," he murmured.
Raelynn turned and gave him a soft smile. " You're welcome. Don't forget to call Jared."
" I won't," Sebastian promised as she stepped out into the hall.
" I'll see ya," Rae
lynn said quietly then started for the elevators without a backwards glance.
Fuck him! Sebastian shut the door and leaned his forehead against it. What the hell? He was seriously disappointed that she had to leave. But that was only because he wanted sex. Right? It had nothing to do with him wanting to spend more time with her. He just wanted to loose himself in her for a little while. Maybe he shouldn't see her anymore. He was having too many unwanted feelings when it came to Raelynn Reynolds. Yeah...he should just forget about her and go pick up some other chick to fuck. But first he needed to get ahold of Jared.
When Sebastian called, Jared insisted he come right over. So Sebastian shoved his feet into his sneakers, grabbed his keys and headed out the door. Jared's office was attached to his house. He had a separate door on the side and everything. It took him about fifteen minutes to get there. He pulled into the driveway behind an SUV that was usually parked there.
As Sebastian got out of his truck, he noticed a woman pulling a grocery bag out of the back seat of the SUV. She was pretty. Light blonde hair that was cut just below her chin with bangs that were swept to one side. She was tiny, no taller then 5'3, 110lbs. Her face was familiar looking and Sebastian searched his brain for where he'd met her before because this was the first time he's seen her at Jared's place.
She turned when he shut his door. A bright smile spread across her face. " Oh hey! You must be Sebastian. I'm Bianna, Jared's wife," she said in her the sweet little girl voice she had and held out a hand for him.
Sebastian shook it, his hand practically engulfing hers. " I am. Nice to meet you," Sebastian said then gestured to the heavy looking plastic bag in her hand. " Can I carry that for you?"
Bianna smiled brightly. " You're sweet but I can handle it. Jared's waiting for you."
Sebastian nodded. " Okay...if you're sure?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
" I got it." Bianna replied, her pretty smile still on her face. She gave him a wink then headed into the house.
Sebastian racked his brain some more about where he'd seen her before as he walked down the side of the house and into the door that lead to Jared's office. There was a little foyer with a couple chairs. On the opposite wall was another door that lead to Jared's office. It was open, so Sebastian walked up and knocked on the doorframe.
Jared was sitting at his desk looking over some notes. He glanced up and gave Sebastian a small but genuine smile, waving him forward. Sebastian walked in and shut the door. Jared was a good-looking dude. He had short copper colored hair. His eyes were as green as Sebastian's and he was in decent shape for being 41. Jared put down his notes and stood, skirting the desk to shake Sebastian's hand.
" I'm glad you could make it, Sebastian," Jared said. His voice was so soothing. When Sebastian had first heard it he was a little freaked out at how much it affected him.
" Yeah...sorry about earlier. I had a rough day yesterday and decided to drink myself to sleep last night," Sebastian winced.
Jared nodded and motioned to the leather wing backed chair behind Sebastian. " Have a seat."
Sebastian complied, sitting in the comfortable chair and propping his ankle on his knee. Jared grabbed his note book then sat across from him in the chair's twin. " So tell me about yesterday," Jared said.
" It was...ah...it was Victoria's funeral," Sebastian said, raking a hand through his hair.
" How was it?"
" It was a nice funeral I guess. Her parents did everything so..." He trailed off with a shrug.
" And that bothers you," Jared said, more as a statement then a question.
Sebastian huffed. " Well yeah...I guess a little bit...I mean I was married to her for five years. I was there when she died."
Jared nodded. " Did they say anything to you yesterday?"
" Who? Her parents?"
" Yes."
" God no," Sebastian snorted bitterly. " They think I'm the reason she's dead."
Jared frowned and nodded. " How did you feel yesterday - being there?"
Sebastian dropped his foot then leaned forward, elbows on his knees. He scrubbed his face with his hands before dropping them so they hung between his knees. Sebastian sighed. A dull ache took root in his chest.
" I was a mess. Especially when they put her casket into the ground. It was like I got hit with a ton of bricks. I was never going to see her again. I was never going to hear her voice again. I mean...we weren't on good terms and I would have been fine with both of those things had she still been alive. But her being dead makes it all so permanent, you know?"
Jared nodded again.
Sebastian sighed, flopped back into the chair and closed his eyes for a moment. Raelynn had popped into his head. He was hoping that she would call him later when she was done work. He really wanted to see her again despite knowing that it was probably a bad idea. When he looked back at Jared, he found Jared studying him. A hint of an amused smile on his face. Sebastian gave him a curious look.
" What?" Sebastian asked.
" What else is on your mind?" Jared asked with a knowing smirk. That was one thing Sebastian thought was annoying about Jared. The man was way too perceptive.
Sebastian pursed his lips, debating on telling Jared about Raelynn. What the hell, why not? He shrugging internally.
" There is this woman I've been sleeping with..." Sebastian started.
" Just sleeping with? You're not in a relationship?"
" No. No relationship. I don't want one and I don't think she does either. I wouldn't even say we're seeing each other. It's just sex."
" Okay. So what's the problem?" Jared asked curiously, raising one copper eyebrow.
" I just...I'm not sure if there is a problem. I mean...she's the only woman since my divorce that I've slept with multiple times. I feel like I can't get enough of her. I'm just...confused. I don't understand what it is about her that draws me in," Sebastian sighed irritably.
" How long have you known her?" Jared asked.
Sebastian smiled. " Well...I first met her in a bar over a year ago. It was right after my divorce was finalized. She came into the bar where I was hangin’ with my brothers and I couldn't help myself. I went over to her and offered to buy her a drink. She basically told me to get lost. I then noticed she was wearing a badge and I went to touch it. Well...she bent my finger back to my wrist, almost breaking it."
" She's a cop?" Jared asked, frowning slightly.
" Detective," Sebastian said, then remembered. " She actually gave me your number. Raelynn Reynolds?"
Jared blinked, his face blank as he replied. " Ah...yes. I do know Raelynn. Anyway...go on."
Sebastian narrowed his eyes at Jared. There was something the other man wasn't saying but Sebastian decided to let it go. " Right. So as you know, I saw her again when I shot the first guy. Then I was out one night - with my brothers - and she was there with some friends. Actually, a couple of the girls looked kinda like her, so I guess they were her sisters or something. Anyway,
one thing lead to another and I took her back to my place. We ended up doing the nasty three times that night. Which is a first for me. I usually get my rocks off then hit the road."
Did Jared just wince? Nah. Sebastian must have been seeing things. " Okay. So you've seen her since then, I suppose?"
" Yeah...she was there for me when Victoria was was killed," Sebastian said softly. " I was in complete shock. She washed Bill’s blood off my hands then took me home and got me in the shower to wash the rest of it off my legs," he murmured, shaking his head. He had needed her so bad that day and she was there for him. She had no idea how much he appreciated her for that.
" She means a lot to you," Jared stated, his tone soft and understanding.
Sebastian rubbed his forehead. Did she? He didn't know. " I respect her and appreciate her but I can't say that she means anything to me," he said, his throat tightening slightly. Apparently his body thought that was a lie.
Jared gave him a ‘Get real’ look. " Sebastian, it's okay to
care about someone. You don't have to be romantically involved to care about a woman."
Sebastian sat silent for a moment, thinking. " She's done a lot for me. She had taken care of me when I was at my worst. She referred me to you so I could get the help I needed. So if I have to say I care about her, then fine...but it's nothing more than that. I could be totally okay with never seeing her again."
" Is that so?" Jared raised a dubious eyebrow.
Sebastian (The Beck Brothers #2) Page 8