Chapter 180

Sebastian pulled Stephanie onto his lap, gently stroking her hair. "Not bad; you still have a little conscience left."

Stephanie's mouth twitched.

His fingers traced the faint red marks on her neck. "Damn, that bug must have been hungry to leave all these bites."

Stephanie's mind blanked, then overheated. Her face flushed crimson as she slapped his hand away. "Can you not bring that up?"

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "What? I can't even mention it?"

Her face burned even hotter. He tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze. That dark look seemed to pull her in.

Already on edge, her voice faltered. "Sebastian, you…"

"Why's your face so red?"

Panic flared. Flashes of the previous night raced through her mind, quickening her pulse. She threw her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. "Just pretend I have a fever."

Please, just let it go. But if he was asking, did that mean… he didn't remember what happened after drinking? The realization soured her mood.

He checked her temperature. "Fever? Let me see."

Stephanie flinched, her mind leaping to something far more suggestive. She clung to him tighter. "Nope. No fever. I'm fine."

"Then why's your face so red?"

Seriously, can he drop it already? She changed the subject. "Didn't you say we're going somewhere fun to eat? What is it?"

Sebastian chuckled. "You'll see when we get there."

Stephanie pouted. "So mysterious."

They chatted casually for the rest of the drive. Thirty minutes later, they arrived. Before exiting the car, Stephanie adjusted her scarf, ensuring it completely covered her neck. She didn't need anyone else commenting on those marks. Then she remembered Sebastian and Chris's reactions. She glanced at Sebastian.

He caught her looking. "What's up?"

"Just… wondering if you've had any women around all these years." If he hadn't, it explained his lack of recognition.

His expression froze, then his eyes darkened. He yanked her closer, pinching her chin. "You've got some nerve, digging into my past now?"

Stephanie stammered, "I–I'm not! I was just asking… curious!"

"Just curious, huh?" His smile sent a chill down her spine. She swallowed hard. "What? Can't I ask?"

"Well, what do you hope the answer is? You want me to say yes, or no?"

Stephanie was stunned. Why the hell is he asking me that? This was a trap. She'd dug herself a hole. She tried to wriggle free, wanting to run, but Sebastian held her firm.

His low, teasing voice followed, laced with something… was he testing her? "So, Stefi, do you want me to have someone, or not?"

Stephanie froze. What was she supposed to say? They were so close she felt his breath on her skin. Swallowing hard, she stammered, "I, uh…"

His phone buzzed, saving her.

He released her to check the screen, and Stephanie fled, putting distance between them. That was terrifying.

He answered the call. "Yeah?"

A warm voice answered. "How's my baby girl?" It was Lottie Lucano, Sebastian's mother, who had doted on Stephanie since childhood. She had been the first to object when Sofia wanted Stephanie to begin training.