Edge of Obsession (SKALS #3) Page 2

  Stunned, he searched her eyes. He saw no hints of deception or flattery lingering in their silvery depths, just a simple and eloquent truth. His heart wrenched with a staggering combination of guilt and pride. She never should’ve had to endure those things. Laychee’s men should have never touched her, but she was being so brave. So strong. It hurt to think that could all just be a show for his benefit. As much as he wanted things to return to normal, he needed to know that Taylor was coping with what happened. He supposed that was something that would come on its own time.

  A sad smile plied his lips. “You are full of surprises.”

  “Hopefully, that’s a good thing,” she said, scrunching her nose and pressing the cold tip against his.

  Sebastian winked. “Most of the time, darling.”

  The circles under her eyes seemed even more pronounced in the shadows. He stroked one of the purple smudges with the pad of his thumb, wishing he could find a way to erase them. Wrapping his hands around hers, he blew between them and tried to rub the chill from her fingertips. The gesture earned him one of those looks of complete adoration he’d come to crave so much. She was the only one who ever managed to look at him that way. Despite everything.

  “I love you, Taylor. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that when you woke up. I wanted to more than anything, but that place…” he faltered, searching for the right words. “They watch everything, and I have to be a different person there.”

  He studied her, watching while relief warred with something unnamable. Both ravaged her beautiful features until they crumpled and her strained swallow echoed between them.

  Hanging her head, Taylor nodded. “I know, Sebastian. I get it. I know what Marx expects from you and who SKALS wants you to be. I don’t always like it, but I still love you.”

  Shielding his shame, he held her close and ran his hands up and down her back. So many things raced through his mind, making it impossible to grab hold of any one thought. Guilt, rage, and remorse clashed with the overwhelming desire to seek revenge. There was no end to the suffering and pain he’d harvest when he finally settled that score. He clutched Taylor tighter, focusing on the feel of her heart beating against his, searching for a way to stay anchored until another shiver drew his attention.

  Keeping her tucked beneath one arm, he grabbed the glass off the banister and steered her back toward the house. Josh and Monique were carrying in the last of the dishes from the dining room when they entered. His sister turned at the sound of the glass doors sliding open and greeted him with a hesitant smile. Sebastian let his gaze burn into her for a long moment before turning to Taylor.

  “Go pick out a movie or something, baby. You need to relax and take things easy.”

  “But I feel fine,” she said, looking around at the kitchen. “I’m capable of cleaning up. Can’t I at least rinse--”

  Pressing a forefinger against her mouth, he silenced her. “What did I just say?”

  “Yes, Sebastian.”

  Her pout didn’t go unnoticed. Nor did her begrudging tone. Staring after her, he gave a frustrated shake of his head. She was damn lucky he loved her as much as he did. Growling beneath his breath, he turned his attention back to his sister. She stood rooted in front of the sink, hands wringing in a nervous tell. His eyes narrowed.

  “I am in no mood for your drama tonight, Monique. Josh has enough on his plate without having to correct you, and I certainly don’t need any of it upsetting Taylor. Is that clear?”

  Paling, she nodded.

  “I hope so, because I won’t take kindly to telling you again. Straighten up or get out,” he snapped.

  She winced at the harsh tone. He strode toward the sink, not missing the way his sister scuttled out of his way when he drew near. Josh leaned against the archway, arms folded, as he quietly surveyed the scene. Ignoring them both, Sebastian slammed on the faucet and snared a plate off the counter. His head whipped to the side as Monique approached. Despite her fear, she reached for the dish in his hand.

  “Let me get those. It’s the least I can do. Please, Sebastian. I want to help.”

  “Smart move,” Josh said, levering off the wall to join them. He urged Monique along with a smack hard enough to rock her onto her toes and draw a quiet yelp.

  Sebastian resisted a smirk as he watched his sister try to rub the sting out of her butt. It was no wonder her and Taylor got along so well. In some ways, they were like two peas in a pod. Always pushing the boundaries and looking for guidance. He offered his partner a brief nod of acknowledgement before turning to join Taylor in the living room. He paused in the foyer as Josh fell into step beside him.

  “I’m sorry about earlier, Baas. I don’t know what got into your sister today. I’ll straighten her out.”

  “I know you will,” he said, fighting to mask his impatience.

  He raised an eyebrow as Josh grimaced and scrubbed a hand across his nape. It was a sure fire sign his partner had something to say and didn’t know how to spit it out.

  “Is something else on your mind?”

  “I was thinking if it is okay with you, we’d uh…hang out for a couple of days. Aiden is visiting my mom, and a little downtime for all of us sounds just like what the doctor ordered,” he stammered.

  Sebastian tilted his head and pinned his partner with a hard stare. Though sheepish, Josh met his gaze. There wasn’t an ounce of deceit in those eyes. What was the reason then? His attention flickered toward the kitchen. Was this Monique’s doing? If she’d wanted to stay before, he’d almost guarantee she didn’t now.

  “I don’t need a babysitter,” he said flatly.

  “Neither of us does. I just thought it would be nice to chill, BBQ, watch some movies. I don’t know about you, but I think it’d be a nice change of pace to see people besides us getting blown up for once.”

  Sebastian snorted at the reminder and glanced toward the living room. Despite his concerns, Taylor seemed to enjoy Monique’s company. She deserved a little fun and laughter. Josh and Monique had done a lot to help them. Things he could never repay. Sighing, he offered a reluctant shrug.

  “Yeah, okay.”

  Josh grinned and Sebastian shook his head. For whatever reason, it was obviously important to his partner. He just hoped the decision wasn’t one he would come to regret.

  CHAPTER 2 ~

  Taylor startled at the light touch against her back and swallowed the frightened cry that threatened. Her heart slowed some as the warm, woodsy smell of Sebastian’s soap washed over her and she realized she was safe. His breath fell across her nape, followed by the gentle scrape of stubble as snared her hips and moved against her in a languid sway.

  “What did you pick?” he asked, plucking the decorative pillow from her hands.

  “I couldn’t decide,” she admitted. “I don’t know what sort of stuff Josh and Monique like to watch.”

  Stepping around her, he tossed the pillow on top of the chaise lounge she’d been arranging. “This isn’t about them, baby. My house, my rules. Pick out something that will make you happy.”

  “Yeah? What if I choose some sappy romance?” she asked, quirking a brow in his direction.

  Sebastian prowled closer with a soft chuckle. “I’ll live, but I wouldn’t pick anything too sexy if I were you. Three weeks is a very, very long time to go without enjoying your body. I don’t know how much more restraint I can have.”

  She laughed, trying to squirm away as his arms snaked around her and he gave her butt a playful squeeze. A low rumble rose in his chest. Taylor faltered, unsure if it was enjoyment or a noise of caution. Regardless, the deep, rolling sound sent a shiver down her spine as his hold tightened.

  “You know better,” he warned in a silken rasp. “Stop trying to get away.”

  Her breath caught. Apologies danced on the tip of her tongue as Sebastian fisted her hair and tugged her head back. Relief swept through her when one of his pale green eyes dropped in a wink. Fingers curling in the front of his shirt, she held on for dear l
ife as he branded her with a slow, passionate kiss that left her head spinning. The probing sweep of his tongue awakened her desire. Sebastian shook with silent laughter when he released her and she still clung to his clothes as if clutching a lifeline.

  “Do you still want to try and escape from me?” he asked.

  Taylor tried her best to keep her coy smile at bay. “Maybe…”

  His eyebrows jumped in surprise. Snatching her, he hauled her against him and pinned her arms behind her back. She twisted in his arms as he chomped at the side of her neck.

  “Seb! Stop! I can’t breathe!” she squealed, trying to pry free.

  “You’re not going to be able to sit if you keep it up,” he warned, though his voice held the lilting notes of play. “Quit squirming.”

  “I can’t. It tickles!”

  Josh cleared his throat from the archway, causing Sebastian to release her. Backing away, Taylor smoothed her rumpled clothes, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as the other man glanced between the two of them.

  “We interrupting something?” he asked.

  Frustration stamped Sebastian’s chiseled face as he dropped onto the chaise lounge and plopped a pillow over his lap with a scowl. Knowing why, Taylor smothered a laugh.

  “No, it’s fine. We were just trying to decide what to watch.”

  “Uh huh. Well, for what it’s worth, I vote for something slightly less X-rated that doesn’t involve the possibility of seeing Baas get naked,” Josh teased. He ducked a decorative pillow as it sailed past his head and hit the window behind him.

  “Maybe you should go to your own house then,” Sebastian suggested. “Last time I checked you did still have one of those.”

  “Nah, I’m good.” Josh flopped down on the couch and flashed a lopsided grin as he dragged Monique onto the plush cushion beside him. “You already said we could stay. No take backs, buddy.”

  Taylor turned, surprised at the soft laugh that came from her lover.

  “Perhaps you would like to argue that point with the end of my gun.”

  Josh pursed his lips in feigned thought then shook his head. “No, not really. Can’t say that I do, Baas.”

  Snorting, Sebastian clicked the TV on. “Then I suggest you shut up.”

  Taylor stood back, soaking in their banter. The amusement shining in her lover’s eyes made her heart swell with something close to hope. Maybe having them here would help chase away some of the darkness binding him. Sensing her stare, he peered up at her and offered a brief, boyish grin. She almost melted upon seeing his adorable dimples return. He was so unbelievably handsome when he was happy.

  As if reading her thoughts, Sebastian winked and patted the spot beside him. “Get over here. You’ve played hard to get long enough.”

  He opened an arm in invitation, and Taylor quickly crawled onto the chaise beside him. Snuggling against his side, she rested her head in the crook of his shoulder. She couldn’t help but trail her fingers over the firm ridges of his abs until Sebastian caught her hand and kissed her fingers in warning. A quick glance at the still lopsided pillow on his lap assured he was suffering enough without the additional torment of her play. Pressing her lips together, she fought a smug smile while Sebastian pulled the plush throw blanket over them and handed her the remote.

  Scrolling through the channels, she finally decided on a comedy, figuring they could all use the extra laughs. Cuddling deeper under the blanket, she relished in the luxurious, buttery texture against her skin. It felt like heaven after weeks of getting abraded by stiff, over starched sheets. Gone were the harsh antiseptics and cold, sterile walls of SKALS’ headquarters. Taylor sighed contentedly as the familiar sights and smells of home washed over her. There was no place in the world that she would rather be.

  Glancing across the room, she watched Josh tuck Monique beneath his arm and whisper something in her ear. It was such a simple, ordinary moment but being surrounded by their friends and family felt safe—right. Happy, she stifled a yawn and burrowed her nose under the blanket.

  “Do you need one of your painkillers?” Sebastian whispered against her temple.

  “No. I’m fine. I don’t like those things. It’s bad enough I slept the past three weeks away in recovery.”

  “I know, baby, but you still need to rest and I want you to be comfortable.”

  “I am comfy, Sebby. I promise.”

  Burying his face in her hair, he kissed the top of her head. “Okay, but you tell me if you change your mind.”

  Taylor nodded and tried to focus on the movie, but the rhythmic glide of his fingers up and down her spine proved to be too much. She suspected that was his intention. He wanted her to sleep and, when push came to shove, Sebastian always got his way. Soothed by his heat and the steady beat of his heart, she surrendered within minutes.

  The house was dark and silent when something pulled her from her sleep. A momentary stab of panic lanced her, until she realized it was just Sebastian scooping her into his arms. She stirred, muttering a sleepy protest, but he hushed her with a reassuring murmur. Winding her arms around his neck, she held on tight as he carried her up the steps. A quick peek behind them revealed Josh and Monique had already headed to bed for the night. Her jaw stretched on a yawn. Settling back down, she rested her head on Sebastian’s shoulder as he pushed open the double doors to the master suite. The huge four-poster bed with its striking black and silver comforter had never looked more inviting.

  Sebastian lowered her onto the mattress before he turned to close the doors. After peeling the covers back, she struggled to kick free of her soft, cotton yoga pants. The mere thought of fighting to unhook her bra seemed too exhausting to be worth the effort.

  She glanced up in uncertainty as Sebastian approached and sat on the edge of the bed beside her. Without a word, he tugged her shirt over her head and helped her out of the remainder of her clothing. He fluffed her pillows and waited until she sank against them before pulling the blankets up under her chin.

  “You’re going to spoil me,” she warned.

  His shoulders rose in an unrepentant shrug. “It’s the least I can do. Do you need a drink or anything?”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Do you want the fireplace lit?”

  She shook her head, somewhat baffled by the stream of questions. “I think I’ll be okay with just you to keep me warm. Really, Sebby, I’m fine. I promise. Just stop fussing and come to bed.”

  He snorted. “Someone’s getting bossy. That or impatient.”

  “I learned it from the best.”

  Taylor peered up at him with wide eyes as he loomed over her, his arms braced on either side. She held her breath, mesmerized by his piercing green stare.

  “Don’t push your luck, sweetheart.” His expression remained soft, almost reverent as he traced the line of her jaw. “I am sure you have enough regrets as it is.”

  Her eyebrows bunched in confusion. “Regrets? What regrets? What are you talking about?”

  Shrugging, he rolled onto his back. Pain darkened his handsome features and he stared at the trayed ceiling in silence.

  “Sebby, talk to me please?”

  His lean body shuddered with his exhale. Sighing, he turned his head and swung his troubled gaze to hers. The apologies written there were devastating.

  “I always knew there was a chance my career could come back to bite me one day. I warned you there was a possibility, but I also swore to protect you, Taylor. I gave you my word. A man is nothing if he doesn’t keep his word, and I failed you.”

  A crippling sense of panic gripped her as understanding dawned. Rolling onto her side, she cupped his face between her hands.

  “What are you talking about? You did everything you possibly could to keep me safe. We live on gated property, we have alarms, you hired a full-blown security team to guard the house twenty-four seven. You went out of your way and did the best that you could for me. What else could you possibly have done?”

  “I tried,” he admitt
ed. “But it still wasn’t enough.”

  “Seb, if you had been here, you would have died trying to protect me. I know that. Don’t do this, please. There was nothing more you could do. They wiped out our security, and you were miles away getting tortured in some warehouse. We’re both lucky to still be alive.”

  He studied her face, his expression hardening. “You just don’t get it, do you? I should have walked away from you in the beginning.”

  “Walked away? Josh was going to kill me,” she exclaimed. “You saved me that day.”

  “I should have never dragged you into this mess, Taylor, but I did and look what happened. You don’t know how much I want to believe otherwise, but nothing I have ever given you is worth what you’ve just been through.”

  Her heart shattered. For him. For her. For both of them. She couldn’t breathe. Tears pricked her eyes, blinding her. They rolled in scalding paths over her cheeks. “How could you think that? I love you. Don’t I show that enough?” she asked, choking on the words. “Don’t you believe me? How can I prove that to you? What else do I have to do?”

  His mouth fell open and his face crumpled as the air left him in a ragged exhale. He looked utterly horrified. Rolling on top of her, he smoothed his hands over her face, his expression hurt and pleading. “Shh, Taylor, no. That’s not what I meant. Of course, you show me, baby. You show me that every day.”

  “Even if I could go back and change things somehow, I would never give up everything we have together just to avoid going through that one bad thing. You’re worth it to me. I need you, Sebby. You’re all I have left. Please don’t push me away. Please…”

  He rested his forehead against hers for a long moment. His fingers danced over her cheeks, stroking them, slowly wiping the tears away. Holding her chin, he plied her with a tender kiss, his body shuddering against hers. Still keeping his hold, he stared down at her and searched her face through the shadows.

  “Promise me you’re going to be all right and that we will be okay.”