Chapter 12 - A Dangerous Closeness
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The tension in the foyer was thick enough to choke on. Victor Romano’s grin faltered, his enforcers shifting uncomfortably under the dead stares of Sebastian’s men who lined the upper balconies with rifles.
Victor raised his hands in mock surrender. “Just making conversation, Sebastian. I came to discuss the shipping routes. Rumor has it you’re losing your grip on the docks. That your... condition is making you weak.”
“Rumors are for bored housewives,” Sebastian replied smoothly. “The docks are mine. You take one step into my territory, and I will drown you in the lake. Now get out of my house.”
Victor sneered, turning on his heel. “Enjoy your chair, Lombardi. It won't be long now.”
When the heavy doors closed, the silence rushed back into the room. Clare let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, her knees suddenly weak. She stumbled slightly.
Before she could fall, Sebastian wheeled backward, grabbing her waist with one powerful arm and pulling her onto his lap.
“Are you alright?” he demanded, his face inches from hers, his chest heaving with adrenaline.
Clare looked up into his fierce blue eyes. She was sitting sideways across his lap, her hands resting on his broad shoulders. The adrenaline of the confrontation morphed instantly into something electric and heavy between them.
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“I’m fine,” she whispered, unable to look away from his mouth.
Sebastian’s gaze dropped to her lips. He didn't ask for permission. He pulled her flush against his chest and kissed her. It was a bruising, desperate kiss, fueled by fear and power. Clare didn't pull away; she melted into him, her fingers tangling in his dark silver hair, answering the kiss with a fiery desperation of her own.
