Chapter 2

The comfortable sheets cocooned Kaira as she snuggled deeper into the bed, the intoxicating scent of cologne filling her senses. She almost didn’t want to open her eyes, but as she rolled to her side, her hand brushed against something solid—a strong, masculine body. Realization hit, and her eyes flew open, meeting the intense gaze of a stunning man with piercing blue eyes that seemed to look straight through her. She gasped and bolted upright, putting as much distance between them as possible.

The man’s warm smile, though friendly, only unsettled her further. Panic and regret flooded her thoughts. If she hadn’t drunk herself into a stupor, she wouldn’t be in this situation, waking up next to a stranger. She tried to recall the events of the previous night, but her memory was foggy, cut off at the last drink. Any attempt to remember only made her head throb painfully.

“Did… anything happen?” she asked carefully, praying for an answer that would reassure her.

Sebastian tilted his head, his gaze curious. Most people would ask his name first, but she went straight to the heart of the matter. Amused, he answered with a question of his own. “What do you think?” His fingers lightly brushed the back of her hand, his expression unreadable.

Kaira glanced down and noticed she was wearing different clothes. Her heart sank. “We did, didn’t we?” she murmured, berating herself internally.

A mischievous glint appeared in Sebastian’s eyes. Before she could process what was happening, he pulled her close, his chest warm and solid against her. Without warning, his lips pressed against hers, igniting a shock that coursed through her entire body. Her mind spun as he deepened the kiss, his hand gently cradling her face.

As the reality of the situation dawned on her, she pushed him away, anger blazing through her. She slapped him, feeling her face burn with a mixture of rage and embarrassment.

Sebastian chuckled at her reaction, unfazed. Leaning close, he whispered in a dangerously low voice, “You’re lucky I like you, princess. If I didn’t, I’d make sure you regretted that slap.” The intensity in his gaze made his words feel like a warning, sending a chill down her spine.

Then his tone shifted, and he murmured, “You’re quite stunning when you’re angry.” His voice was smooth and rich, and though she wanted to be furious, Kaira couldn’t ignore the flutter of her heart. No one—not even Julian—had ever evoked such a storm of emotions within her.

Seeing her bewildered expression, Sebastian took a step back. “To answer your question, no, we didn’t have sex. I don’t take advantage of drunk women,” he said, his tone calm yet firm.

Relief washed over her, though embarrassment lingered. “Then why am I in different clothes?” she asked, still suspicious.

A smirk played at his lips. “You threw up on your dress. Sleeping in it wouldn’t have been very comfortable, would it?”

Only then did Kaira take in his full appearance. His features were impossibly handsome, each angle sharp yet somehow inviting. She found herself staring, unable to help the admiration that flickered in her gaze.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “See something you like?”

Kaira blushed, quickly looking away, only to realize she still didn’t know his name. “Who… who are you?”

He chuckled softly. “And here I thought you’d never ask. I’m Sebastian.” The name suited him, strong and elegant, just like the man himself.

“I’m Kaira,” she responded, feeling slightly flustered.

“I know.” His response was brief but confident, and as he stood, her gaze was drawn to his athletic frame, his V-shaped torso tapering into well-fitted gray pants. She quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks heating up again as she covered her eyes with her hands.

“You can look.” He teased, chuckling at her embarrassment. After a moment, he put on a simple t-shirt still managing to look effortlessly refined. “Alright, you’re safe to open your eyes now.” He assured her with a playful grin.

Relaxing a bit, she glanced up at him, grateful for his kindness, though she was still puzzled. “How do you know my name?” she asked, wondering if she’d introduced herself in her drunken haze.

His intense gaze lingered on her for a moment, making her feel strangely self-conscious. “My clothes suit you well,” he remarked, changing the subject and leaving her question unanswered.

Kaira gathered herself, standing up. “Thank you for… everything. I’ll be going home now.” But as she thought of her family, dread churned in her stomach. She knew they would be less concerned and more pleased if she never returned. Still, she forced a polite smile.

A flicker of something dark crossed his face, gone as quickly as it appeared. “At least stay for breakfast,” he suggested in a tone that left no room for argument. “Then I’ll have my driver take you home.”

She shook her head, forcing herself to resist the strange pull she felt toward him. “Thanks, but I really need to go. My family must be worried.” The words tasted bitter. She knew the truth: her family wouldn’t be worried, and they wouldn’t miss her if she didn’t return.

He paused, studying her face carefully. His gaze was sharp, as if he could see through her lie, piercing straight to the truth. But he said nothing, simply stepping aside to let her pass. He arranged for his driver to take her home and instructed the maid to bring her dress, freshly cleaned and pressed.

As Kaira left, she felt his gaze follow her, lingering. She glanced back once, catching him watching her through the window, his expression unreadable.

“See you soon, princess.” he murmured softly to himself, a faint smile tugging at his lips as she disappeared into the morning light.