Chapter 13

When I enter into my room, I see Sebastian is still awake, typing away on his laptop. 

He glances up at me. 

"I didn't want to call you. I had to do it because my father just wouldn't quit asking me why I wasn't calling my wife. Fuck, I'll never see you as my wife. You're just an obstacle to me. Anyways, I don't care how late you are or what you even do. You can be fucking someone else for all I care. Just don't let your schedule disrupt mine. Am I clear?"

"Crystal." His eyes narrow on me, but my eyes drift to the box on the couch. Ah, those must be the pyjamas that I ordered this morning. 

I don't see any scissors anywhere so I take out the switchblade I always keep in my pocket and rip open the tape. I take all the clothes out and drop the box on the floor. 

I check whether they're the ones I ordered and remove them from their packaging one by one, putting them up in the closet. 

I take a pair of loose pants and a shirt with me to the bathroom and take a shower. I don't prefer to wear a bra at night, but I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, so I guess I'll just have to wear it. 

I come out of the bathroom and settle on the couch. 

"How was your day Sebastian?"

After a few beats of silence, he responds. 

"Fine."

"Anything interesting happen?"

"No."

"Well, a few days ago, there was a bride who wanted the ugliest dress possible, specifically told me to make it in vomit green. She told me to make the entire wedding hall ugly, with dead flowers. Her fiancé cheated on her and she wanted him embarrassed before leaving him standing at the alter. I told her I'd do it if she recorded the whole thing. To add to that, I wrapped some cockroaches in a handkerchief that was supposed to go into the groom's breast pocket. So, imagine his disgust when he opened it to wipe his sweat. The bride loved it by the way."

I can't help but laugh, when I remember the cheating asshole's horrified face. 

I pull out my phone and get on the bed to show the whole debacle to Sebastian. He cracks up at the end and so do I. 

"Serves him right. Well, it's good that we didn't have a traditional wedding then." He wipes a stray tear from his eye. 

I mock gasp and place a hand on my chest. "Me? I would never." We both laugh and I slide off the bed and settle back on the couch. 

I get up to turn off the light and run back to the couch, settling comfortably on it. 

"Goodnight Seb."

"Goodnight."

My eyes drift closed. But, I wake up again sometime in the middle of the night, feeling as if something is constricting my chest. Then, I remember I slept with my bra on. I glance over at Sebastian who's snoring softly and remove my bra. It feels like I can finally breathe. This time, when I fall asleep, I don't wake up again till the next morning. 

______________________________________

Someone shakes me awake and I jerk upright. 

"What? What's happening?"

"I can't clasp this stupid watch again."

I clasp the watch within two seconds and Sebastian looks offended by his watch. 

"Thank you."

"Have a nice day." I holler as he jogs out of the room. A minute later, I hear the engine of his car roaring to life and speeding away. 

I brush my teeth and go downstairs, surprised to see Anthony sitting at the table, sipping on coffee. He's dressed in a dark green suit with a black turtleneck underneath. His hair is combed away from his face and a Patek Philippe watch is clasped to his wrist, instead of the Rolex I see him wear all the time. 

"Anthony, don't you look dashing." I smile and take a seat at the table, opposite to him. His smell permeates the air around us. 

"Thank you Charlotte." He sets his cup down and gives me his undivided attention. 

I can't help but blush when his hazel eyes pierce into mine. I feel my nipples harden and I can't believe myself.

My eyes drift to his beard. It's completely black, save for a few grey specs, and I seriously shouldn't find that hot. 

"I guess Julia's Syrniki made you stay today, huh?"

I see him trying to cover the smile with his hand. 

"Oh come on. You know you want to smile."

"No Charlotte, I do not."

"Maybe you should loosen up a little Anthony. Express your happiness for the small things that do please you."

He raises an eyebrow at me. 

"Control is the key to success Charlotte. The more you have it, the more powerful you are."

"It could make you snap one day."

"It never has for the past twenty seven years."

I shake my head at him and Julia brings out two plates of waffles. 

"Charlotte! You awake."

"Yes Julia. Good morning."

She places a plate in front of me and Anthony and we both eat in silence. Except, I can't help but moan at the taste. 

"Porn noise mean it taste good." Julia smirks and I'm pretty sure my face is red. 

"Yes Julia, it tastes amazing. Thank you."

"Oh no thank me. Thank Anthony. He bring me here."

"Julia. That's enough. Don't put me on a pedestal."

"What does he mean?"

Julia looks at me and smiles. 

"He take me in when no one else would. He change my life. Because of him, I meet Gerero. My ex-husband part of mafiya and abusive. I come to America illegal. Anthony see me crying in airport. Now, here I am. Legal documents and legal husband."

A watery chuckle escapes me at the end of her sentence. 

"I did what anyone would do."

I place my hand atop Anthony's and squeeze, ignoring the incessant drumming of my heart. This time, I'm the one who looks into his eyes. 

"No. You did what Anthony Crosswalk would do."