She should have expected that she would receive no sympathy from Sebastian. “I couldn’t leave Inez Key. Everyone thinks I’ve been living in paradise. No one wants to look past the island and notice that I’ve been living hand to mouth for years. Any money I had went to taxes or to the islanders who relied on me.”
“If your home has been such a headache, why are you so desperate to go back?”
Ashley pressed her lips together. She had been trying to prove a point, but Sebastian only noticed the one thing she had been trying to hide. “You wouldn’t understand,” she muttered.
“Try me.”
She looked away as she struggled with the urge to tell him everything. Why did she start this? Why was it so important for Sebastian to see her as something more than a pampered heiress? His opinion shouldn’t matter so much.
“Inez Key is the only place where I feel safe.” She knew she’d told him that before but she wasn’t willing to explain why. That she wasn’t destructive or cruel when she was on the island. That she didn’t have the ability to destroy people’s lives and families if she disconnected with the world.
Sebastian’s face darkened. “Do you feel unsafe now?” he asked hoarsely as his eyes glittered. “Here, with me?”
She didn’t feel unsafe. She was scared. Worried of how addicted she was to Sebastian’s touch. Afraid of the emotions whipping through her. Frightened of what she was becoming. A sexual woman. Emotional. Falling in love.
“You’ve enjoyed yourself the past couple of weeks,” Sebastian stated. “And why not? Private planes, designer clothes and state-of-the-art spa services. We’ve been to the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and now Jamaica. You’ve stayed at the most luxurious resorts that would put Inez Key to shame.”
And he thought it was all because of the money he spent? Let him think that. If he knew she enjoyed his company, his attention and his touch, it would give him far too much power over her.
She had been amazed that Sebastian had taken time out of his busy schedule to show her the sights. He had taken her everyplace she had underlined in her travel guide, but he had also taken her to his favorite spots. She had cherished those moments as they offered her a deeper understanding about Sebastian Cruz.
“Is that why you dragged me along on your business trip?” she asked coolly. “So I would see what the world outside Inez Key had to offer?”
“You don’t seem to mind. Your every need has been catered to.”
She had made the most of what he had to offer. It reminded her of what she used to take for granted. No wonder he thought she was a spoiled socialite. Little did he know that she’d had a makeover and subjected herself to the most painful spa services for his approval.
It was only later when she realized that she was following her mother’s pattern. She could tell herself that she chose bright colors because it reflected her mood. That the mane of hair was easier to deal with and the short dresses were needed in the tropical heat. It wasn’t true. It was all to please Sebastian.
Not that it mattered. He didn’t seem to notice her haircut or her smooth skin. The lingerie she wore was for his pleasure as much as it was for hers, but he managed to get it off her before he gave it an appreciative look.
“And your needs are catered to especially in bed,” he murmured.
Ashley blushed. She wasn’t quiet about what she wanted in bed. The nights they shared had been mind-blowing. She had never expected that it would become more magical. She clung to Sebastian all night, eager and greedy for his touch.
“I have no complaints,” she replied stiffly. She wondered how amazing it would be if Sebastian had any emotion behind every caress and kiss. Her knees weakened at the thought.
“Nor do I,” he whispered as he leaned forward. “You are a very generous lover.”
Her face felt incredibly hot from his compliment and the noise from the cocktail party seemed louder. She never refused Sebastian and it had nothing to do with her role as his mistress. She was always ready for him at the most inconvenient times. Even now her breasts felt heavy, her nipples tight, as her skin tingled for his caress.