Chapter 211

Nathaniel's jaw dropped as he took in the breathtaking couple before him, a vision of perfection that seemed almost unreal.

At surface level, Sebastian's words sounded innocent enough. But combined with that smoldering gaze and deep, velvety tone, they dripped with the unmistakable ache of unreciprocated affection.

How utterly pathetic.

Love was messy enough when returned. Unrequited? That was downright humiliating.

Nathaniel cursed himself for leaving his phone downstairs. He'd give anything to capture Sebastian's lovesick expression right now - perfect blackmail material for later teasing.

"Besides, you really have no memory?"

Sebastian's striking features darkened, his eyes flashing with barely contained fury. "I warned you not to touch Arabella, yet you deliberately crossed the line. Three slaps too harsh? I'd say you got off easy. Next time I see you, I'll make sure you can't sit for a week."

"Us?"

An odd sensation twisted in Isabella's chest. Sebastian's sudden familiarity made her skin crawl.

This was the same man who'd once avoided her like the plague, terrified of being associated with her. When had he become so... comfortable?

"Mr. Kingsley, mind your phrasing. You're you, I'm me. Don't lump us together," Isabella snapped, pivoting sharply toward the bedroom. "Unless you want me to feel insulted."

Sebentian bit his lip hard enough to draw blood.

Nathaniel burst into laughter. "Ouch! Rejected much? Serves you right!"

His triumph was short-lived.

Sebastian's fist connected with Nathaniel's abs with brutal precision. The impact sent shockwaves through his body, momentarily stealing his breath.

Isabella stormed into the bedroom.

Her mind raced with horrific scenarios during those few short steps. Whatever waited behind that door would determine Nathaniel's fate tonight.

If her fears proved true, not even Sebastian could save him.

She threw open the door - then froze.

The scene before her was nothing like the chaos she'd imagined.

Arabella's delicate perfume lingered in the air. Soft lamplight illuminated her peaceful face as she slept, one hand clutching a worn teddy bear. The sight hit Isabella like a physical blow.

She approached silently, sinking to her knees beside the bed. Her fingers trembled as they brushed Arabella's warm cheek.

A lump formed in her throat. Hot tears threatened to spill.

This fearless woman who thrived in battlefields of all kinds found herself utterly defenseless against such innocence.

Sebastian entered just as a tear escaped. His chest constricted painfully.

Isabella heard his approach and hastily wiped her eyes.

Clearing his throat, Sebastian reached for her damp hair. "You'll catch cold like this. Let me dry it for you."

"I don't need—"

She stood abruptly, putting distance between them.

Sebastian's heart churned with confusion. Since when had he become this person? This version of himself that even he didn't recognize?

"Nathaniel didn't harm Arabella. He may be reckless, but he knows she's under my protection."

"Men's words mean nothing. Neither do their actions," Isabella countered icily.

Knowing argument was futile, Sebastian turned toward the bathroom.

He returned moments later with a towel. "At least dry your hair before you—"

"I said I don't—"

Before she could finish, Sebastian draped the towel over her head and began gently rubbing her hair.

Isabella went rigid. Her pulse fluttered wildly.

This was Sebastian Kingsley? The same man who couldn't be bothered to pour her a glass of water?

Why now?

Fear prickled down her spine.

"Stop!" Her protest stirred Arabella slightly.

The girl murmured in her sleep but didn't wake.

"Keep shouting if you don't mind waking her," Sebastian murmured, a smirk playing on his lips as he continued his ministrations.

Isabella huffed. "At least be gentle. I'm losing enough hair as it is."

"My apologies. First time doing this," Sebastian admitted softly, his fingers massaging her scalp through the towel. "I'll improve with practice."

A shiver ran down Isabella's spine. "This is your one free pass because of Arabella. Next time, I'm taking a limb."

Sebastian chuckled, his skilled fingers working magic until Isabella felt her muscles relax against her will.

Damn him. It felt too good.

When they emerged, Isabella's eyes were slightly red-rimmed.

Sebastian watched her intently, his gaze never wavering.

Nathaniel blinked between them, suddenly feeling like a third wheel. They looked... right together. Like they'd never been apart.

"Nathaniel, go home. Arabella stays here tonight," Sebastian declared. "I'll bring her back tomorrow."

"I should stay too. Keep an eye on Isabella," Nathaniel insisted.

Memories of that drunken kiss with Arabella haunted him. While a kiss couldn't get anyone pregnant, he still felt guilty for taking advantage of his friend's sister.

"Absolutely not!" The ex-couple spoke in perfect unison.

"Ms. Sinclair!" Jason rushed in, phone in hand. "Security reports a helicopter just landed on our roof. No identification."

Sebastian didn't hesitate. "Mine."

"Mr. Kingsley was in Seattle on business yesterday," Gordon eagerly interjected, embellishing for his boss. "But he flew back immediately upon hearing from you, Ms. Sinclair! He's never moved so fast for any woman before."

Gordon believed his boss's problem was simply an inability to express himself. If only Sebastian had half of Nathaniel's shameless persistence.

Sebastian's ears burned. "Gordon. Silence."

"Shall I sing your praises too, Mr. Gordon?" Isabella's lips curled in cold amusement. "So when a good man errs, it's his true nature showing, but when a bad man does right, we throw a parade?"

Nathaniel snickered behind his hand.

Sebastian had no rebuttal.

"Arabella is his sister. Rushing back is basic decency, not something to boast about."

Isabella had no patience for this ridiculous duo. She headed for the door.

Jason shot Sebastian a disdainful look before following her out.

"Show-off," Gordon muttered under his breath.

"At least he knows when to speak," Sebastian sighed, shaking his head. "Gordon, you're excellent in every way except your inability to filter."

"But I just wanted Mrs. Kingsley to know how hard you've worked!" Gordon's shoulders slumped. "She's always known my struggles."

The words struck Sebastian like a physical blow. Memories of Isabella's endless patience and affection washed over him. She had indeed always understood him.

So why had he been so blind when she loved him so completely?

The weight of their tangled emotions pressed down on him - love and hate, debts that could never be repaid.