Chapter Twenty four

Thea groaned for the hundredth time that night; she couldn't sleep. The bedside clock showed it was very late.

Outside, the city lights twinkled, but inside, the huge place felt quiet and empty.

Thea was on her bed, restless. Maybe it's the coffee from earlier? She felt strange energy buzzing under her skin. Thea groaned, what was she thinking? Gulping down an entire mug of coffee late afternoon?

Just great.

Her throat felt dry but she had run out of water in her room. Maybe a glass of water, or two, would help flush her system.

She got out of bed, pulled on a soft robe over her nightclothes and quietly left her suite, walking down the grand stairs to the kitchen.

The penthouse was dimly lit, most of the lights off. As she got closer to the kitchen, she saw a soft glow coming from it. Were the staff still up by this time?

Thea walked in and froze. Seth was there.

He was standing by the large kitchen island, sipping from a glass of red wine. He was dressed simply, in a plain grey singlet that showed his strong arms and shoulders, and joggers. His hair was a mess, like he had run his fingers through it a dozen times.

He looked... different. Less like the asshole she knew. He looked…human. Normal.

Seth's eyes met hers, his lips curled up in a tired but heart warming smile.

“Thea.” He said playfully, his eyes sparkling.

She stood there, dumbfounded. Is she in the right house or does Seth Blackwood have a twin she knew nothing of?

Is he…smiling at her?

Thea found herself melting under his gaze. His tensed shoulders were more relaxed and the frown on his face was replaced with a playful smile and his blue eyes stared right back at her. Not through her, but at her.

She swallowed, it's a dream. No doubt.

“Are you okay?” He asked, his eyes struggling to stay open as she stared at her in concern.

"No. I mean, yes. I'm fine. Just needed some water." Thea said quickly, walking towards the fridge.

She grabs a bottle of water, glancing back at Seth in confusion. Did he hit his head or something? Why does he look so calm? Could he be planning her demise? This is very odd.

She reached for the top shelf for a glass cup but she couldn't grab it. She stood on her toes, groaning in frustration at her failed attempt to reach the glass.

“I'll help you with that.”

Seth was standing right behind her now, his warm body pressing against hers. She froze. He picked up the glass and handed it over to her.

“There..” he said simply, his mouth way too close to her ears. It sent soothing and almost intoxicating sensation down her whole body

Thea cleared her throat. “Thank you.” She managed.

Seth stepped away from her, returning to the kitchen counter for his wine glass. Thea exhaled, her heart pounding in her chest.

What is going on? Why was she so nervous?! She couldn't join him by the counter, so she stood there, her back to him, pouring herself a glass of water while stealing glances at him.

Seth leaned back against the counter, looking at her. "How did your business school application go today?"

His voice was surprisingly easy, almost friendly. This was a side of Seth she rarely saw – relaxed, not hidden behind an invisible wall.

"It went well," Thea said, feeling a little less nervous. "I got in. Classes start next week."

Seth nodded. "I expected nothing less. She's a sharp woman, Harmony. She sees potential."

Thea nods, not turning to face him. “I suppose so.”

He took a long look at her. “You're very pretty.”

Thea felt her heart flutter at his words. Did he just compliment her? He clearly hit his head somewhere, no doubt. Or is it liquor?

“I..I should to head to bed.”

Seth nodded. “Good night.”

As Thea moved, her foot seemed to catch on something on the polished floor. She stumbled, her glass of water tilting dangerously.

Without thinking, Seth reached out, his arms wrapping around her waist to steady her. Her right hand landed firmly on his strong, warm bicep, feeling the hard muscle beneath the soft fabric of his singlet. Her left hand went to his back, just below his shoulder blade, a fleeting touch of warm skin where the singlet rode up.

Their bodies were suddenly very close. The scent of his wine, mixed with a faint, clean smell of his skin, filled her senses.

Seth steadied her, his own hand briefly covering hers on his arm. His breath hitched for a second. His deep blue eyes locked onto hers, etched with genuine worry.

"Careful," He murmured, his voice a little shaky.

Thea could feel the heat radiating from his body, the firm pressure of his muscles under her palm. Seth's gaze dropped to her lips for a fraction of a second, then back to her eyes. His voice was lower now, a little rough.

“Are you okay?”

"Yes.” Thea replied, her voice slightly above a whisper. “Thank you."

She pulled her hands back slowly, the sudden lack of touch leaving a strange coolness on her skin. His eyes still held a lingering look that made Thea's pulse quicken.

"We should probably head to bed."

“Yeah.” Thea nodded, breathlessly. “We should.”

Seth walked slowly, and Thea walked beside him in silence, giving each other much needed distance. They walked up the grand staircase until they arrived at the landing.

His quarters was on the left and hers on the right. Thea turned to him slowly.

“Thanks for the glass. And for helping me earlier.”

Seth nodded. “Anytime. As long as you're safe..”

In the dim light of the hall, she looked into his deep blue eyes, seeing a vulnerability she'd never imagined…

Without a word, Seth slowly pulled her closer, his gaze locked on hers. Her eyes fluttered shut as he leaned in, his lips, soft yet firm, finding hers.

His hand moved to cup her jaw, tilting her head as the kiss deepened. Thea's fingers tangled in his messy hair, pulling him closer still. His mouth moved over hers with an urgent need, and she met it, her own lips parting in invitation.

The kiss was hot and desperate. Every touch, every breath, every hungry press of lips left them both wanting more...

Seth broke the kiss, his eyes staring into hers in confusion. “I need to go.”

With that, he turned on his heels and walked straight to his quarters, leaving Thea dumbfounded.