Forbidden Glances

Lila’s POV

The morning sun felt warm on my back as I followed Sebastian out to the vines. My hands still shook a little from the night before. I had barely slept after hearing those sounds through the walls. Every time I closed my eyes, I pictured his strong body moving, that deep voice giving commands. Now here he was, walking ahead of me in a simple white shirt and jeans that fit him perfectly.

“Pruning is important,” Sebastian said, stopping at a row of vines. “You cut away the weak parts so the good ones can grow stronger.” He handed me a pair of clippers. His fingers brushed mine, and I jumped like I had touched fire.

“Sorry,” I mumbled, gripping the tool tighter. Heat rushed straight between my legs. I shifted my weight, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

He stood close behind me, his chest almost touching my back. “Here, like this.” Sebastian reached around and placed his hands over mine. His palms were rough and warm. He guided my fingers to a small branch. “Snip the ones that don’t have good buds. Gentle but firm.”

I tried to focus on the vine, but all I could think about was how solid he felt. “Like this?” I asked, cutting a small twig. My voice sounded breathy.

“Yes, just like that,” he replied, his breath warm against my ear. “You’re a quick learner, Lila. Most city girls don’t have the hands for this kind of work.”

I turned my head slightly and met his eyes. They were dark and intense. “I want to do it right. This place… it’s special. I can feel it.”

Sebastian stepped back, but his gaze stayed on me. “Good. Keep going. I’ll check your work in a bit.” He moved to another row, but I caught him glancing back at me more than once.

We worked side by side for a while. My arms started to ache, but I didn’t complain. Every few minutes he would come over, correct my grip, or point out a branch I missed. Each touch made my skin tingle.

“You’re doing well,” he said after some time. “Most people get impatient and cut too much.”

I wiped sweat from my forehead and smiled. “I don’t want to ruin anything. Tell me more about the vines. How long have you been doing this?”

Sebastian leaned against a post, crossing his arms. That small smile appeared again. “Since I was a boy. My father taught me. He always said the vineyard demands respect. You give it time and care, and it rewards you.”

“I like that,” I said softly. “Sounds like good advice for life too.”

He looked at me for a long moment. “It is. But some things test your control, Lila. Make you want to break the rules.”

My heart skipped. I opened my mouth to reply, but voices came from the path behind us. A group of people walked toward us.

“Ah, perfect timing,” Sebastian said. “Come meet the rest of the household.”

A kind looking woman with gray hair smiled first. “You must be the writer. I’m Elena. I help in the kitchen and keep everyone fed.”

“Nice to meet you, Elena,” I said, shaking her hand. “Your dinner last night was amazing.”

She laughed warmly. “Flattery will get you extra dessert. I like this one, Sebastian. She has nice manners.”

Next came a younger man with messy hair and a playful grin. He stepped forward and took my hand, holding it longer than necessary. “Julian. I handle the tours and sales. If you need someone to show you the fun parts of the vineyard, I’m your guy.”

I pulled my hand back gently. “I’ll keep that in mind, Julian. Thanks.”

He winked. “Anytime, beautiful.”

A woman with sharp features and cool eyes stood a little apart. “Sophia,” she said simply, not offering her hand. “I manage the books and orders. Try not to get in the way.”

Her tone was cold. I nodded anyway. “I’ll stay out of your hair. Promise.”

Last was a tall man with a dangerous smirk. Theo. His eyes scanned me up and down slowly. “Theo. Security and whatever else needs handling. Welcome to the chaos, Lila.”

“Nice to meet you,” I replied, feeling a little uncomfortable under his stare.

Sebastian clapped his hands once. “Alright, back to work everyone. Lila is here to learn and write. Don’t scare her off on day two.”

Elena chuckled and patted my arm. “Come find me if you need anything, dear. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

As the others left, Julian called over his shoulder, “Don’t let the boss work you too hard!”

I waved and turned back to Sebastian. “They seem… interesting.”

He gave a low laugh. “They are family, in their own way. Elena is like a mother to most of us. Julian flirts with everything that moves. Sophia keeps us organized but doesn’t smile much. And Theo… well, he’s useful when things get tricky.”

We went back to pruning. Sebastian showed me how to check the soil and explained the different types of grapes. I asked questions, and he answered patiently. “What made you want to run this place alone?” I asked at one point.

Sebastian wiped his hands on his jeans. “It was my father’s dream. After he passed, I couldn’t let it go. Some days it feels like too much. Other days, it’s everything I need.”

“I get that,” I said. “Losing someone changes you.”

He looked at me then, really looked. “Yes, it does. Makes you careful about who you let close.”

The air felt thick between us. I wanted to step nearer, but I stayed where I was. My body ached in a way that had nothing to do with the work.

Later that afternoon, we walked back toward the house together. My legs felt tired, but my mind was buzzing. “Thank you for teaching me today,” I told him. “It was more fun than I expected.”

Sebastian stopped near the big oak tree by the porch. “You did good work. Tomorrow we can try tasting some of the older wines. If you’re up for it.”

“I’d love that,” I said quickly. “I want to understand everything.”

He reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers lingered on my cheek for just a second. “Careful what you wish for, Lila.”

My breath caught. Heat flooded me again. Before I could say anything, he turned and walked inside.

I spent the rest of the day exploring the grounds and talking with Elena in the kitchen. She told me funny stories about Sebastian as a young man, how stubborn he could be. “He works too hard,” she said while stirring a pot. “Needs someone to remind him to live a little.”

“Do you think he ever… relaxes?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

Elena smiled knowingly. “Sometimes. But he keeps his walls high. You might be good for him.”

I helped her chop vegetables, enjoying the easy chat. Julian popped in later and teased me about my city shoes. “Those won’t last a week here,” he said with a laugh. “I can take you shopping in town if you want.”

“Maybe,” I replied, smiling. “But I think I’ll manage.”

Sophia walked through once and gave me a short nod, but no words. Theo passed by the window outside, his smirk flashing when he saw me. The household was full of different energies. But through it all, my thoughts kept returning to Sebastian.

As evening came, I decided to take a walk through the main hall to clear my head. The house was quiet. I passed Sebastian’s study, the door slightly open. I didn’t mean to stop, but voices inside made me pause.

It was Sebastian on the phone. His tone was low and tense.

“I don’t care what it takes,” he said. There was a pause. “Keep that girl away from me… or I won’t be responsible for what I do to her.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. I stood frozen, one hand on the wall. He sounded angry, but there was something else in his voice too, something dark.

The call continued, but I couldn’t make out the rest. My legs felt weak. Who was he talking about? Me?

I backed away slowly, trying not to make a sound. What did he mean? And why did part of me hope it was me he couldn’t stay away from?