Chapter 89

Sebastian’s friends were still laughing.

Abigail pressed her lips, pushing down her embarrassment before responding calmly, “It was work-related. I apologize. May I have the USB back? Happy birthday.”

Sebastian pocketed it. “I’ll keep it.”

James wiped tears of laughter. “Seb has gotten weird gifts before, but this one is definitely the most creative.”

Abigail stayed silent.

“Enough.” A mild-mannered man stepped up beside James and gave his shoulder a light pat. “Gifts are about thoughtfulness. She meant well.”

James straightened up instantly. “Since you’re here, join us. You just got off work, right? You must be starving.”

Abigail found his chatter overwhelming but nodded. “Yeah.”

“Come on. Sit down.” James grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the group.

Abigail found herself seated beside Sebastian, close enough that their arms almost brushed, while the others tactfully left space.

Sebastian lounged against the couch, his fair skin flushed from alcohol. His usual calm gaze remained unchanged. The scent of his cologne mixed faintly with red wine.

James placed fruit and salad before her, handing her juice. The gentle-mannered man offered a fork. “Need something more substantial?”

Abigail responded stiffly, “No thanks. I’m not very hungry.”

“Eat something,” Sebastian said.

Abigail turned to look at him. The fractured light danced across his features.

Sebastian was truly good-looking. His charm and appearance were exactly the kind of thing that drew women in.

James shoved the fork into her hand enthusiastically. “Dinner’s in an hour, and we’ll cut the cake at midnight. No way you’re not starving after work. Eat something.”

With no choice, Abigail gave in. The salad tasted surprisingly good. She took a bite of roast beef and found it delicious, so she took another.

Sebastian resumed dice games but paused after two rounds, observing her quiet focus on the food. “Bored?” He leaned in, his breath warm.

Mouth full, Abigail shook her head, swallowing hastily. “Nope.” With all this food in front of her, she had barely noticed their games.

“Abby, have you ever played dice?” James shook the leather cup.

Abigail shook her head. “I’ve never played it before.”

“How about cards? Like Killer Poker. It’s super simple,” another man offered.

“Back off. Abby is clearly a good girl who doesn’t do this stuff.” James noticed Sebastian’s expression darken. “Let her eat in peace.”

Abigail didn’t know how to play it either, but she was always open to trying new things. She set down her fork and said, “I’m willing to learn.”

“Perfect, Seb will coach you. He covers losses, and you keep the winnings.” James grinned at Sebastian. “Deal?”

Sebastian’s eyes lit up as he lazily rested his chin on his hand. “Sounds good.”

Abigail wanted to refuse. She could afford the losses, but the game had already begun.

Sebastian moved closer to her and explained the rules of Killer Poker. His whiskey-laced breath warmed her ear.

She listened carefully. “So if my challenge succeeds, they drink?” Abigail confirmed.

“Exactly.” Sebastian nodded. “After drinking, they roll the dice. If it’s high, they stay in the game. If it’s low, they’re out.”

As he spoke, his gaze lingered on her focused profile. The way she bit her lip in concentration made his lips twitch.

When James played his cards, Abigail’s eyes darted between him and the mild-mannered man. The moment he laid down a card, she immediately said, “Challenge.”

The man flipped his cards with an amused sigh. “Oh, Abby, you’re too trusting.”

Abigail turned to Sebastian. She should’ve waited for him to speak first. Her face flushed with apology as she whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Sebastian seemed relaxed. “Roll the dice. We’re still in.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door. A waiter entered the private room and whispered to James, “A woman claiming to be Ms. Gibson’s sister is asking for her.”

Chapter 90