Chapter 10
-Jianna-
"Where have you been all this time?" Sebastian whispered. A shiver went down my spine.
"What do you mean?" I asked. Still trying to get my balance back. Somehow, my knees have turned to Jell-O.
Sebastian's eyes locked onto mine, the intensity in his gaze sending a wave of heat through me.
"I meant, where have you been my whole life?" he said, taking a step closer to me.
Without waiting for me to respond, he leaned in again and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was electric, igniting a fire within me that I never knew existed. His hands roamed over my body, tracing every curve and sending my senses into overdrive.
I pulled away from Sebastian and gasped for air.
"What are you doing?" I asked, trying to steady my breathing.
Sebastian's gaze was intense, dark, and almost possessive.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I looked up at him, feeling a mix of confusion, worry, and longing. "Why? Why me?" I asked, hesitantly.
Sebastian's expression softened. "Because I've wanted you," he said, his eyes searching mine. "Ever since I first saw you, I knew there was something special about you. I can't get you out of my head and it's driving me insane."
I felt a flutter in my chest at his words. The intensity of his gaze and the passion in his touch made me feel alive in ways I never thought possible.
"I-I don't know what to say," I stammered, still trying to process everything that was happening.
"You don't have to say anything," he said as his lips found mine again, his hands pulling me closer to him. I let myself get lost in the intensity of the moment, forgetting everything else around us.
But as our kiss deepened, I felt a nagging feeling of guilt in the back of my mind. I pulled away from Sebastian again, this time more firmly.
"We can't do this," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm about to work FOR you."
"All the better. I can keep an eye on you. I don't like to share." he said, his voice laced with possessiveness.
I took a step back, feeling uneasy. The intensity I had felt moments ago had turned into something darker.
"I think I would like to take this slow. I don't want anyone thinking I only got this job because my boss has feelings for me." I said trying to make sure I kept him calm but also at arm's length. I suddenly became wary of Sebastian's demeanor. Possessive and jealous. Not a very good combination.
"Fine. I understand." his voice softens once more. "I just can't help the way I feel about you, Jianna. You're everything I've been looking for and I don't want to let you go. Not when I have you in my grasp."
As he spoke, I felt a chill come over me. I couldn't help but worry that this decision could have dire consequences.
"Let's just take it one day at a time, OK?" I tried to sound calm.
Sebastian nodded, and a small smile played on his lips. "Okay. One step at a time. I can work with that."
I let out a small sigh of relief, feeling some of the tension between us dissipate. But at the same time, I couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Sebastian than met the eye. There was something about him that made me feel both drawn to him and wary at the same time. I can feel that there is a darkness in him that even he doesn't know about.
Sebastian smiled, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "I can do slow. As long as I have you by my side, I can do anything."
We walked out of his office and decided to go across the street to grab dinner.
This is what I love about New York. You don't have to go far to get good food. And the diversity of the choices are endless.
We went to what looked like a tiny cafe that served French cuisine. A maître de greeted us as we entered.
"Bonsoir monsieur Cross. It's an honor for us that you join us this evening. Plaisir absolu!" he said in a very strong French accent.
He snapped his fingers and a woman in what looks like her late 20s or early 30s, dressed in all black and her hair in a sleek ponytail, came out of nowhere and invited us to follow her.
"This way s'il te plaît mademoiselle et monsieur." she said, also in a strong French accent.
We followed her to the back of the cafe in a booth that I wouldn't have been able to see if it wasn't pointed out to me.
"Here is your usual table monsieur Cross. Bon appétit" she said as she bowed and turned around to walk away.
I raised my eyebrows "Your usual table?" I asked. "Take a lot of girls here Mr. Cross?" I teased.
"You're the first Ms. Spencer." he chuckled, motioning for me to slide.
Not even 30 seconds after we sat down, a waiter came and started to cater to us.
"Bonsoir monsieur Cross. My name is Louis and I will be your server for tonight. Would you like to hear our specials for tonight?" he said in one breath. I was impressed.
Sebastian looked at me and I nodded. "Go ahead," said Sebastian.
"Oui. For our Apéritif, we have a magnifique Lyonnaise Salad made with a duck pate reduction. Also, the chef has just finished making a fresh batch of Concombre a La Menthe. I took a wee taste and it's...exquis. For the main course, we have a Coq Au Vin with a side of potatoes Dauphinoise and lamb chops with a cognac Dijon Cream Sauce. And for dessert, we have a variety of chocolat and petit fours accompanied with your choice of cafe or after-dinner cocktails." he finished.
I had to close my mouth so the drool wouldn't flow out. Everything sounded amazing!
Sebastian looks at me. "You know what you want?" he asked.
"I'm gonna need a minute," I said snapping back to reality. I looked at the waiter and asked, "Parles-tu français?"
His face lit up. "Bien sûr madame. Et toi ?"
"Oui mon ami." I smiled.
"I'm pretty sure you're not talking about me but just in case. English please?" he smirked.
"It's about time you learned another language, Mr. Cross," I said with smugness in my voice.
"If you're going to teach me then I am all ears," he said.
He looks at the waiter "Just your house white and some bread for the table for now Louis. Thank you."
The waiter bows and leaves.
"Everything looks amazing. I don't know what to get." I said to Sebastian.
"We can get one of each if you want to try all of them." he nonchalantly responded.
I looked at him in horror. "Are you insane? I can't afford all of that. One dish would be enough."
"What makes you think I'm going to let you pay? Just get what you want," he said sounding irritated that I even suggested paying.
I learned very quickly that there is no arguing with Sebastian so I just looked at the menu and quietly said, "I know what I want."
"What's wrong?" he asked.
As I was about to answer, the waiter came back. " 'ave we decided?" he said.
"Oui. Puis-je avoir les côtelettes d'agneau s'il vous plaît?" I said.
He smiles and nods. "Très bien mademoiselle," he said. "and for you monsieur Cross?" he looked at Sebastian.
"Whatever she's getting," he said flatly.
"Very good. I shall be back shortly with your drinks and bread." He bows again and leaves.
"Did I do something wrong?" Sebastian asked with concern in his voice.
I sighed and shook my head. "No, it's nothing like that. It's just that...I'm not used to being treated like this. I've never had someone treat me like this before." I admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Sebastian reached across the table and took my hand. "Jianna, you don't have to be embarrassed. I want to do this for you. I want to take care of you." His voice was soft and reassuring, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my stomach.
I looked at him, taking in his chiseled jawline and piercing blue eyes. He was handsome, there was no denying that. And he was wealthy, judging by the way he was able to drop hundreds of dollars on a meal without blinking an eye. But there was also something mysterious and dangerous about him that I couldn't quite put my finger on. Still, I found myself drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
As we finished dinner, he took care of the bill and we started headed out.
"Thank you for dinner." I gushed.
"Anytime beautiful." he said, leaning down to kiss me.
We were walking back to the building when I heard my name being called behind me.
"Jianna?" said the voice. I know that voice. I turned around.
"James."