~Bella's POV ~

As soon as I woke up, I slowly made my way to Sebastian’s room. Then I pushed the door open, and immediately I froze.

He was sitting there next to his laptop, half-naked, completely at ease, his toned body on full display. His posture was relaxed, as if he hadn’t a care in the world.

"Ohhh my.. I'm so.. sorry" I breathed out as my throat went dry. "Why... Why are you half-naked?"

Sebastian barely spared me a glance as he continued sipping his whiskey. "Firstly, I’m in my room, I could be naked if I wanted to. So why didn't you knock?"

I huffed in frustration. "Just cover yourself up"

Sebastian slowly smirked, clearly entertained by my reaction. "I don't feel like it, you got a problem with that... Mother?"

I clenched my fists. "Mother? Don't call me that."

He leaned back lazily, running a hand through his messy dark hair. "But you are my stepmother now, aren’t you? Shouldn’t I be respectful? Isn't that what the old man wants?"

I scoffed. "You and I both know you don't really give a fuck ."

He let out a low chuckle, his piercing grey eyes locked onto mine. "Maybe. But it’s fun watching you look like you've seen a ghost, I mean you might be one soon but oh well..."

I took a deep breath, trying to stay focused. "I came here for the fake ID. You said it would be ready by this evening."

Sebastian stretched as he made himself comfortable, completely unfazed about me standing and watching him, before he finally reached over to his nightstand and grabbed a folder.

"Relax, it’s done." He tossed it on the bed beside him.

I hesitated before stepping forward, carefully avoiding looking at his bare chest as I picked up the folder and flipped it open, my eyes scanned every details and My heart skipped a beat as it looked almost too perfect.

The name, the birth date, the documents, everything was just so flawless.

"This... this is... this is really incredible," I whispered.

He smirked, clearly proud of his work. "Of course it is. I don’t do sloppy jobs whether it's a trivial job or an important one"

I shut the folder, gripping it tightly. "Thank you... Thank you so so much.. this means so much to me."

Sebastian studied me for a moment before leaning forward slightly. "You really want this, don’t you?"

I nodded. "Yes... more than anything."

He exhaled, running his fingers over his well chiseled jaw. "Then don’t let my father stop you."

I looked away. "Yea.. well I honestly don't think he’s an easy man to go against... I actually feel weir...."

Sebastian shrugged. "I didn't ask about how you felt. Honestly I don't give a fuck how or what you do but.... in reality you're not actually going against my old man. You're just.. well you're just going behind his back to do something he said not to.. so....."

I stiffened. That felt like a more dangerous game to play.

Sebastian’s lips curled into a slow, knowing grin that reached his eyes "So, what do you say? You up for a little rebellion, Hmmm Mother...?"

I shot him a glare as he purposely slowed the last word. "Call me that one more time, and I’mgoing to make sure he throws you out of the house or I throw something at you."

Sebastian's smirk only broadened, as he responded lazily while studying my face and I felt my heart race in it's cage. "You can try."

Without hesitation, I grabbed one of his pillows that was placed next to me and swung it hard at him.

The hit was precise and it should have landed perfectly on his pretty face, but before I could rejoice in my small victory so I could happily leave his room before someone saw us, he caught the pillow with ease.

And In one swift motion, he moved towards me on his bed and grabbed me... and before I knew it, I was pressed against his bare firm chest.

I could clearly hear his heartbeat underneath my light dress... fast and unsteady.

My own breath hitched. "I.. I... Let go of me" I stammered, trying to push myself away but he pulled me back to him self roughly, his grip unyielding.

And he didn’t let go.

"Dude.. let go of me," I said, trying to keep my voice steady so I wouldn't raise any attention.

I mean what was I even doing in his room in the first place? Would be the first question anyone would ask.

His grip remained firm as he leaned in slightly, his voice low and lazy in my ear. "Hmm do you really want me to?"

I opened my mouth to answer, but the truth lodged itself in my throat. Did I?

Before I could compose an answer, a knock on the door brought me back to my senses.

And Sebastian finally released me, I quickly scrambled to my feet, smoothing down my clothes as I tried to shake off the flustered feeling spreading through me.

The knocking persisted.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to leave and a young lady came in my view.

Antonio's house maid.

."Good afternoon Ma'am" she greeted politely, though her eyes flickered with surprise when she saw me standing in Sebastian's’s room.

I wanted to ask what she needed, but before I could say anything, Sebastian strolled over.

Without hesitation, he pulled her to his side, his hand placed firmly on her waist.

"Rachel," he murmured, tilting his head. "I told you to come by seven, didn’t I? But you’re early. Is that how bad you wanted to see me?"

I stiffened.

The casual way he held her, the way he spoke... was this what they were?

A bitter heat rose in my chest.

I clenched my hands into fists, willing myself to stay indifferent. I had no reason to care. But wait why would I even care about his rendezvous with a house help.

Forcing a neutral expression, I simply turned on my heel and walked away.