Chapter 219

Cecilia's pov "Not talking. Not interested in talking. Absolutely refusing to talk." Each sentence landed sharper than the last. I shoved lightly against Sebastian's chest and rose from my seat, needing space like I needed air. "I'm going to the restroom. Excuse me." He didn't move. One arm was braced against the table, the other behind my chair. Blocking my way with that maddening, immovable calm. His gaze flicked over my face—not angry, not even cold. Just tired. Like he was bracing for a storm he'd already accepted. "Fine," he said at last, his voice dipping into that gravelly register that curled around my spine like smoke. "You don't want to talk? Then don't. Just...listen." "Alpha, I'm not kidding. I need to pee. This isn't some dramatic standoff—it's biology." He caught my hand before I could escape and rose to his full height in one fluid motion. "Then I'll walk you there." I blinked at him. "Seriously? You think I need an armed escort to a bathroom stall?" He didn't even crack