Chapter 26

Unexpectedly, Sebastian stopped. He looked down at Elaria in his arms, his Adam's apple bobbing uncontrollably, a clear sign of just how much restraint he was forcing on himself... After a while, he finally moved off her, letting her go. His voice was calm, almost indifferent. "Go wash up." When Elaria tried to get up, her legs were so weak they nearly gave out. She stumbled toward the bathroom, only to be startled by the reflection in the mirror-a total mess. In the bedroom, Sebastian rolled over to the side. Catching his breath, he reached for the drawer of the nightstand, pulled out a cigarette, placed it between his lips, but instead of lighting it there, he walked over to the living room's floor-to-ceiling window. He cracked it open and stood there, smoking slowly. The warm light from inside fell across his face, parts of it lit, others left in soft shadow. His lashes cast faint lines beneath his eyes, striking in contrast against his sharp features... The cigarette trembled sligh