“You’re allowed to speak to women, Sebastian, I don’t know why you would want to pay to talk to one, but whatever tickles your fancy.”
He grinned, “how old are you?”
“ I just turned twenty-four, you?”
“Thirty-two. Is it hard?”
“Oh…it’s always hard, Sebastian.”
“Cute. I mean is it hard doing what you do?”
“Eh. It depends if they want me to spit or swallow.” His eyes opened wide.
“Kidding…well sort of. It’s not hard. It actually never was. I’m not lying when I say I enjoy what I do. I get to meet all sorts of different people, travel, dine at the best restaurants, and I make a fuck load of money. I’ve done well for myself, especially for a girl like me.” He reached out and took my hand in his own. I didn’t understand why he felt the need to comfort me, I let him.
“Any kids?”
He hesitated, “One, a boy, Christian, he’s five.”
“Wow…a husband and a father. What are you going to tell your wife when you get home?”
“That I was catering to clients.”
“You said that awfully fast, have you been rehearsing it?” He shook his head and I smiled and looked at my watch.
“One last question,” he contemplated. “Have you ever been in love?” His pupils dilated, and I took a sip of my drink.
The night ended with nothing more than a kiss on the cheek, although, I hadn’t seen the last of Sebastian Vanwell.
This was only the beginning.
Chapter 16
Nothing could have prepared me for Ysabelle coming into my life. The feelings and turmoil that came since I laid eyes on her were a cluster fuck. When I wasn’t thinking about her I was dreaming about her, which would usually lead to fantasizing.
It had been two weeks since I last saw her at the hotel room and not a day went by where I didn’t want to see her again. What surprised me the most was that I initialized a meeting with her because, she looked like Olivia, which was my initial draw to her. Ever since having her company those few times there was a lure about her that I couldn’t explain. She was an enigma to me.
There was something about her that was guarded and vulnerable all at the same time. She was a walking paradox.
“Sebby…” Julia smiled.
“Hmm…” I answered, as I played around with the food on my plate.
“Where did you go? Did you hear anything I just said to you?”
“No, I’m sorry. My mind was thinking about the banquet tomorrow. There is a lot that needs to be done. What were you saying?”
“Well it’s actually about that. I know that I said I could make it. I have a client coming in from Chicago to meet with the firm. It’s a corporation who is looking for new legal representation. I sort of have to be there and I think if all goes well, then we will be taking them out for dinner and drinks.” She explained, while nervously playing with her fingernails.
“So you’re saying that you won’t be able to make it tomorrow?”
“You know I would be, but I also have commitments.”
“Julia, you have known about this for the last month. I have clients that would like to meet you and the business strives on family and mine is not there.”
“You could take Christian.”
“To a black tie event? Are you fucking with me?”
“I’m sorry, I can’t make it.”
“That’s just great, Julia. Thank you for the support.” I continued.
“Why are you being such an asshole? When do I ever not support you!?”
“You know what? Don’t fucking worry about it. I’ll go by myself and provide for my family on my own.”
“Are you being serious? Sebastian I work just as hard as you do, and when did your career become more of a priority than mine?”
“I never said it was, damn, I don’t ask for much. I do expect my wife to be by my side for something as important as our future.”
“I get that you’re stressed out okay…that is no reason to take it out on me. I do everything for you, Sebastian. My career also provides for our family, and the deal tomorrow is for our future, you dick.” She yelled standing up and walking away from me. I heard the door slam to our bedroom and knew that it was going to be a long night.
I knew I was being unfair and I didn’t know why I was overreacting. I had intentionally picked a fight with Julia.
I started cleaning up the table as Christian came in.
“Can I help?”
“No, it’s okay Buddy.”
“Why are you guys fighting?”
I shrugged, “sometimes parents fight.”
He nodded in understanding “Mommy sounded really upset, Dad. You should say you’re sorry.”
“I will, I think it’s better for you to let me worry about that. You worry about school and baseball.”
“Girls are weird, Dad. Katie likes to take my brownie without even asking me, I told her not to because, it was mine and she started crying. Now she won’t talk to me.”
“Hmmm…yeah girls will do that. Maybe you should start taking two brownies, one for her and one for you.” I suggested.
“I guess I could do that. She’s always following me around and stuff, it’s weird.
I laughed, “I think she may like you, Buddy.”
“Eww…really? Why?”
“Girls mature faster Buddy, she’s five but really fifteen. One day you’ll appreciate that. Mommy was like that when she was five, too.”
“Girls are gross Dad, well I mean…maybe sometimes. She does always smell nice and she does help me with my letters. I guess she’s okay. It’s tough being a man, Dad.”
“It sure is bud.” I replied trying not to laugh.
“Do you think Mommy will be okay? I don’t like seeing her sad.”
“Me either son, I’ll make it better.”
I put Christian to bed and was mentally exhausted. I went into our bedroom and Julia was already sleeping. I took a shower trying to analyze what the hell was going on with me. I didn’t want to be thinking about another woman, and I most certainly didn’t want to be picking fights with Julia.
I needed to put all these thoughts behind me and move forward. I couldn’t let them take over anymore. I went to bed and put my arm around my Babygirl bringing her over to me. We slept like that all night.
*S*
I sent Julia a dozen roses the following morning and once is was delivered it was returned with a text that said, “I love you, I’m sorry, and good luck.” The day proceeded with vendors trying to get everything in order for the evening. The event was being held at the biggest banquet hall we could find on South Beach. We were expecting about 350 clients and prospective ones. It was gearing up to be a huge event.
The evening started off like every other, lots of talking and socializing. Presenting everyone with our new inventory and setting up appointments for test runs and walk-throughs. I was in a circle of some very prominent clients. This could be big. I had two of the men completely eating out of my hand, asking questions, and intently listening to me describe our new Fraser yacht. This is where I excelled, talking about what I knew best which was yachts.
So I made a joke about the wine cellar below deck, laughing with the guys about what wine does to women. Anytime you associate yachts and women it usually seals the deal.
“What do you think, Gentlemen? Should I set something up for next week?” I questioned.
“Yes, I think you should Mr. Vanwell.” Said a voice from behind me, as I turned.
“Good evening, I apologize for interrupting I couldn’t help overhearing your introduction for this lovely piece of machinery, and once you added the women comment, well that pretty much sealed the deal.” He chimed in laughing.
I observed the well-dressed man, trying to be casual.
"I'm sure I can arrange that, sir. It seems you have me at an advantage though. I am Sebastian Vanwell, and, you are?”
“Gab
riel Morisette, please call me Gabriel.” He asserted shaking my hand.
“By all means Gabriel, call me Sebastian, Mr. Vanwell makes me look for my father.”
He nodded, “this is definitely a beauty and I take pride surrounding myself with beautiful things. How soon can you fit me in?”
“If you would like we could arrange something for Monday morning?”
“Absolutely, Monday would be fine.”
“How about we make our way over to the bar. My companion seems to have forgotten about me. She was supposed to be getting us some drinks.”
“Oh, I have one of those. Sometimes I feel like the only direction they seem to remember is there way to the mall.” We laughed, continuing our banter on the way to the bar. We were about ten feet away when something or someone I should say caught my eye.
“And speak of the devil.” Gabriel boasted, as Ysabelle turned around smirking, and we immediately locked eyes.
“There you are love, I’ve been looking for you.” Gabriel said teasing the side of her neck with light kisses. Which made my fingers start twitching.
She kissed him on the mouth while still looking into my eyes; she knew what she was doing. She was fucking with me.
“I hardly doubt that Gabriel, I see you made a friend.” She stated.
“Oh yes, this is Sebastian. Sebastian this is my Ysabelle.” Gabriel also knew what he was doing. He was claiming her, he had no right to, he didn’t know I knew that, though.
She walked over to me and kissed me on the cheek as she had done every time she had seen me.
“Nice to meet you, Sebastian.” I guess we were pretending. I looked back over to Gabriel and his eyes said everything. He was in love with her.
“Nice to meet you, Ysabelle.” She pulled away from my embrace and Gabriel instantly put his arms around her waist.
“Lover…” he whispered in the side of her neck, “I’ve been telling Sebastian here that I am very interested in his new prized possession, wouldn’t you love taking a ride on my new yacht?”
“Mmm…” she sighed.
It was all I could do, enduring his constant touches and kisses all over her body. Our eyes continued to find that trance more than once. I couldn’t be around them for very long, hell; jealousy was washing over me. I wanted to walk over and tell Gabriel to take his hands off her; the possessiveness he showed over her could translate across the room.
I saw her walking across the room into the hallway. My feet moved to their own accord and I found myself following her. She made her way to the restroom and I was grateful it was secluded in the back of the building, because I waited for her.
“He’s quite possessive over you isn’t he?”
She gasped putting her hand on her chest, “You scared the shit out of me.”
I reached for the side of her face, my fingers grazed her cheek and I tucked a misplaced hair behind her ear. Her lips parted and her chest rose.
“I couldn’t tell you before, you look stunning, that color is breathtaking on you.” She was wearing a white satin gown that tied around her neck, her whole back was exposed and there was a slip on the left side. Her hair was up in messy curls and the black eyeliner was so dark that you could see her mesmerizing green eyes from across the room.
This woman was becoming a magnet to me.
“Thank you.” She replied almost out of breath. I wanted to think that I was making an effect on her as well. I wanted to think a lot of things.
I took my hand away and slipped it back in my pocket.
She cleared her throat shaking her head; “You were saying something about Gabriel?”
“Oh yes, Gabriel. He’s quite taken with you; one might say he’s in love with you. Are you aware of that? Is your Madam?” It came out harsher than I wanted it to sound.
She cocked her head to the side, “Gabriel thinks what he wants. If he wants to believe that he is in love with me then so be it. I have no control over that.”
“Is it reciprocated?” I blurted.
She laughed. “What’s it to you, Sebastian?”
“Just curious, I’m still confused on how this whole thing works.”
I know I sounded like an asshole, I couldn’t help it. Seeing her in her true form; as an escort bothered me.
“You know for someone who is married, you’re awfully inquisitive about this lifestyle. What is it Sebastian? Married life not all you thought it was going to be, from what I hear it’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
I should have known that when pushed she would push back.
“Because…” She whispered walking right up against my ear, “if you want a taste all you have to do is ask.”
It all happened so fast; I barely had time to register what was going on.
Her mouth moved while her eyes locked with mine. She was a vision. It was seductive and hypnotic.
I could feel her breathing on my lips and the smell of champagne on her breath. She came closer to me and the touch of her breasts against my chest was an unwelcoming sensation that I didn't need in my already fucked up mind.
The next thing I knew her soft pouty lips were pressed up against mine. Her mouth slightly opened and I felt the tip of her tongue lightly touch my lips, before she swiftly drew away.
“Have a nice night, Sebastian.” She baited walking away.
I have no idea how long I stood there after she left. I felt confused, bewildered, and fucking dazed. I couldn’t fathom what the hell just happened. I licked my lips and tasted honey; I wiped off the residue left over and the tips of my fingers had shimmer, I brought them up to my mouth and licked them.
I was a crazed man.
She had royally fucked me up.
I never wanted to become this person someone who wants another woman. I was a married man, and I loved my Babygirl. It may have started off because she looked identical to Olivia, it wasn’t about that anymore. She got under my skin.
I had this connection with her in the same way that I had had with Olivia, this gravitational pull that I had no fucking explanation for. It was just there.
I walked back into the banquet and for the second time I watched her leave on the arm of another man. I knew right then and there that one taste of her just wasn’t enough and that I had to see her again.
*Y*
Have you ever had a dream that felt like it was real? I was dreaming about a man’s hands on me, they were caressing my back, my breasts, and my thighs. His lips were all over me at once and he was murmuring sweet words to me. How much he loved me and wanted me. How perfect I was, how I was made for him.
I could feel my breathing becoming erratic. The groans that he was releasing made it all the more inviting for my moans. Then I heard him whisper, “Open your eyes.”
I did and I saw his face, Sebastian. Holy hell. What the hell is wrong with me? I was dreaming about him. I pulled away and I saw the look of confusion and hurt, a look I have seen on him before. He pulled me back in and I felt his hand once again run up the center of my bare thigh, it got closer to where I wanted him, sending chills down my spine. I couldn’t help moaning and smiling as I rolled over to face him.
“Gabriel!” I said in shock.
“Uh, were you expecting someone else?”
I laughed, “Of course not. You just startled me for a second. Um…I’ve got to go.” I stated trying to get off the bed.
“Wait,” he said grabbing my arm. “I wasn’t done with you yet.”
I turned and smiled, “Gabriel, let go. I’ll see you later.” I pulled my arm away and kissed his lips. I grabbed my gown and put my panties and bra in my purse.
I picked up his collared shirt off the ground, “You don’t mind if I borrow this do you?” I said as I was buttoning it up.
“Lover, how is it that anything you wear makes me hard for you?” I rolled my eyes and laughed.
I tossed my heels to the passenger seat and started my car. What the fuck was that all about? Did I really just have a dream about S
ebastian? I turned the XM satellite radio BPM station trying to drown out the thoughts of his hands on me.
My fingers brushed upon my lips, the same lips that kissed him last night. I had kissed endless amounts of men and never thought about it after, not even Gabriel and I was with him often. Why did his lips leave me yearning for his touch? Why was I even thinking about this?
I needed a girl day.
“Hey Bella, how was your night?” Brooke asked.
“It was fine, let’s go to Harbor Spa. I need to be pampered and relaxed. Come with me.”
“Love to, I’ll meet you in an hour.”
Taking time for myself was what I needed. I was working too hard and too much, that was all. Maybe I needed to tell Madam that I was taking a vacation for a bit. I was seeing too many men and it was catching up with me. My mind couldn’t tell apart the jobs anymore. This was why I was thinking about Sebastian. Nothing more nothing less.
I owed him nothing, not even these annoying thoughts of whatever the fuck I was thinking. He was just another client, just another man.
Carlisle’s hands were amazing on my tense muscles. It worked and my mind was soon replaced with nothing and the tension being erased from my body. This was what I needed. We spent the rest of the day by the pool gossiping and talking.
I found myself not wanting to be alone that day. I wanted Brooke to be there with me. I needed to be distracted from my distraction. I was certain of one thing and that was that I had to get my shit together.
The next couple of weeks my mind went back to its rightfully normal state, where I hadn’t thought about Sebastian. After I hadn’t received another call from Madam about seeing him again, I realized that he wasn’t going to call.
I was at ease with that assumption. My mind was clearer and I was once again back to enjoying my men. I had seen a few new clients and gone to a couple more parties. Tonight was no different except we were having a girl’s night out. It had been a while since the VIPs and I had gone out.