Chapter 7

Emily's POV

"He's getting MARRIED TO SOMEONE ELSE?" Gen asked, her last words ringing out.

We were back at the hotel, in my bedroom, and I was sobbing like a child who didn't get their way in something. Gen came over and wrapped her arms around me.

"It's going to be okay, Em."

"H-How?" I cried.

"Maybe...maybe he won't get married...maybe he'll put you first and call off the wedding."

"I don't think he'll do that, Gen. His responsibility isn't to me anymore. It's to his father and his country. He won't give up the throne for me."

I sat up and stared out the window, facing the now pitch-dark ocean. I felt hurt, but I had no reason to be angry at Sebastian for the way I was feeling. We were just rekindling a bond that had been broken almost ten years ago. I had no say in his life and his choices.

My phone rang. I answered without looking at the screen. His voice spoke.

"Why did you run off, Emily? You didn't even give me a chance to explain things to you."

"I'm sorry, Sebastian, but I couldn't stand being there anymore."

"Being there or being there with me? Emily, I don't want us to pull away from each other again."

"I think it's for the best, Sebastian. I don't want to be the way of your happiness and marriage." I wiped a single tear away. This was harder than I anticipated, telling the guy I love to move on and love someone else.

"Listen to me, don't you worry about that situation. Can I see you?"

"Like right now?"

"Yes. I'm already outside your hotel."

"Okay. I'll see you in a bit."

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I freshened up and ran outside to Sebastian's vehicle. I got in the front passenger's seat and pulled him into a hug. He shot a small smile and brushed several hair strands behind my ear. The palm of his hand cupped my cheek. The feeling settled me. He looked me in my eyes, and I looked into his. At that very moment, I felt at home.

He drew me closer to him. Every inch closer, my heart pounded stronger. It was a feeling I felt only once in my lifetime. A feeling only Sebastian could make happen.

Our lips met. His minty breath erased the hurt, and my eyes closed instantly as I took him in. His sweet manly, fragrance circled me like a blanket as the kiss deepened. His fingers went through my hair as did mine into his. I couldn't control my small moans. Everything about this man felt right, and his presence was like medication in the right dosage. I needed him.

When the kiss came to an end, I felt cold, and then reality hit me like a bolt of lightning. I needed him, but I wasn't about to have him.

"Seb, I don't know what to call 'this'... but what are we to—" I was asking, but he cut me off by placing his finger on my lips.

"Stop. You're worried about where we're heading, but you don't have to be. I'm right here with you."

He started his Range Rover and drove us to the beachfront where I had intended to put up the hotel. We held hands and walked passed the land and walked down to the seashore. The stars were absent from the sky, and the moon was dull.

"Sometimes, when things get too overbearing at the palace, I will come down here to think and get some time for myself. I like it here."

"It really is a beautiful view in the daylight. I'm sorry for overstepping on your land."

"Ha! I actually bought you here for another reason. You can have it."

"WHAT?"

"You can have the land to build your hotel...but on one condition, it must be named after me."

"Yes. Of course yes. Thank you so much."

"You're welcome." He embraced me "I lo..." The words almost escaped my mouth a bit too soon. Way too soon.

"Huh?"

"I love it here too, but I think we should head back before your bodyguards show up again."

We drove back to the hotel, and when Sebastian got his goodnight kiss, he didn't let me get out of the van.

"Hey, where are we going now?" I asked when he stepped on the gas.

"To my bedroom."

"Wait, what?! Are you going crazy?" I was terrified. Outsiders weren't welcome in the Royal Palace and definitely not at night.

"Sebastian, please stop the van and take me back to my hotel at once!"

"Relax. We're not going to get caught. I usually take a back passage to my quarters."

And that he did.

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I slowly walked into his bedroom. The golden theme intimidated me. The silk gold sheets were neatly laid on his bed with pillows to match. A huge chandelier with low gold lights hung in the middle of the bedroom, and the fluffy rug underneath my feet was as white as snow.

"Sebastian, I can't be here," I protested.

"Of course you can because I took you here." I watched from the corners of my eyes as he got undressed. I continued looking around the bedroom, admiring everything in sight.

"Come, Emily." I turned towards him. He was now in a bath towel that only concealed the lower part of his body. My eyes darted to his abs. All six were carved out and bordered by his V line. It was another sight to take in.

"Are we going to the shower?" I asked.

"No. I'm taking you outside to my Jacuzzi. Grab a towel and follow me."

I followed him through several glass doors and up a flight of stairs. Finally, he pushed through another glass door, and a bubbling Jacuzzi was waiting for us.