Chapter 6: Mind Games

SEBASTIAN

My phone’s buzz instantly pulled me from sleep. I rubbed my eyes and reluctantly reached for it on the nightstand.

I slid the answer button.

“Hello, sir.” My assistant’s voice cut through, thick with desperation.

“What is it, Charles?”

“Sir, I waited for your call all night but got no response, so I was worried.”

“I’m fine,” I muttered and hung up. My hand trailed across the other side of the bed—empty.

My brow furrowed as I shifted my gaze. She was already gone.

I scoffed and sat upright. Was she embarrassed about what happened? My eyes swept the room until a strange item on the table caught my attention.

My jaw tightened. I knew for a fact I hadn't left any cash over there.

I swung my legs out of bed, walked. over, and noticed a small piece of paper.

My fist clenched as I read it:

Thanks for your service. Keep the cash.

—followed by a small smiling emoji.

A dark, disbelief-filled laugh pulled from my chest. The absolute audacity of that woman.

How dare she treat me like a male escort she could simply use and pay off with cash?

My chest tightened as I stared down at the paper. It was a damn slap in the face. I am Sebastian Castillo. I am the most powerful business tycoon in this city. For thirty years of my life, women had thrown themselves at my feet, doing whatever it took just to earn a second of my attention—and Counselor Flores had just treated me like a breakup remedy?

The phone buzzed in my hand again, shattering my thoughts. I looked down, my brows twisting in disgust as I answered.

"What the hell do you want, Charles?" I snapped.

"Are you all right, sir?"

"Do I sound all right to you?"

Silence stretched on the other end. I exhaled sharply, rubbing my temple in exhaustion.

“Where is she now?” I asked more softly, trying to calm the storm in my head. I was fucking losing it.

“Who, sir?”

“The lawyer.”

"Oh! I saw her less than an hour ago, sir. She got into her car and drove off," Charles reported quickly.

I took a deep, steadying breath. "Why did you call?"

"Desmond just checked out of his hotel room.”

My fist tightened. And what the hell was that to me? I hung up and tossed the phone onto the bed.

My gaze fell back onto the cash resting on the table. A soft chuckle vibrated in my throat.

She wanted to play mind games with me.

Let's see how far she could actually go.

***********

CAMILLA

I sat on the couch in a transparent sleeveless housegown, sipping my wine with my legs crossed.

The printed photos of Sebastian and me were spread out on the glass coffee table. I didn't send them to Lyra's phone; I printed them out so she had to come get them in person. I made sure to crop my own face out of every single picture.

I looked down at my chest. The low neck of my dress showed the dark marks left on my neck and collarbone. I swirled my glass as the memories of last night rushed back. He was so tough and experienced. He definitely wasn't a virgin, and he definitely wasn't gay.

The front door opened instantly, and my gaze shifted at it. Lyra walked in wearing a short red dress. She had a bright smile on her face as always as she swung her handbag.

Had she been lying to me for the last ten years? Or did the lies start when Desmond showed up? If she had just told me seven years ago that she liked Desmond, I wouldn't have wasted so much time loving him.

"Oh my gosh, Camilla! I got stuck with something last night and couldn't call, so I just texted you," she said sweetly as she walked over.

I said nothing and took a slow sip of wine, keeping my eyes on the table. She followed my gaze and gasped when she saw the photos. She practically ran over to grab them.

"Camilla, you are so smart!" she said, looking through every picture with excitement. "I love that you printed them out!"

She smiled brightly, rushing over to hug me and kiss my cheek. I smelled Desmond's cologne on her clothes, and it made my stomach turn.

"I'm so tired," she sighed, flopping down on the couch right beside me. "I really want some noodles."

I ignored her and kept drinking my wine. I honestly didn't know how to treat her anymore. Part of me wanted to scream and ask what I ever did to deserve this betrayal. Lyra had been my best friend for ten years; she never abandoned me in my worst moment, but last night proved that people change.

And I needed to change, too.

"Camilla? Are you regretting this?" She asked gently. "I'm really sorry, but you succeeded! And I promise, Desmond will never find out."

My heart ached at his name. And the fact she was still treating me like an idiot.

I turned my head to look at her. "Lyra, if you want noodles, go into the kitchen and make them yourself. I'm tired."

She sat up straight, her smile disappearing. "Camilla, what's wrong with you? You never ask me to cook. You're usually happy to make food for me—why are you acting like this?"

My chest tightened. Acting like this? Anyone in my position would be acting like this; some would act worse.

I met her stare directly.

“Lyra, is there anything wrong with you making your own noodles?” I asked calmly.

Her eyes stay locked with mine for a moment. Her expression didn’t hide her shock at my sudden change in behavior.

Then her gaze shifted slowly to my chest. Her breath hitched when she saw the dark hickeys covering my skin.

A cruel smile slowly spread across my face.

Let the real game begin.