Kourtney couldnât shake the feeling that Rachael Lind was trouble.Was it just her imagination?The thought gnawed at her, but she pushed it down.However, her eyes flicked to Sebastian, searching his face. His jaw tightened, a flash of irritation crossing his features as if he was annoyed at Rachaelâs boldness.âLind,â he said curtly, his tone clipped, barely acknowledging her.He was indeed barely tolerating her presence at his company. And it's all for the sake of her father who had once saved his life. He didnât even glance at the woman for long, trying to avoid getting nauseous.He turned to Kourtney, and his eyes softened back in an instant, his hand sliding possessively around her waist. âCome on, my love, letâs go to our seats.âRelief washed over her, and she nodded, letting him guide her away.She stole a glance at Rachael, who was still watching them, her lips curved in a knowing smirk, her eyes gleaming with something sharp, envy, maybe, or something even more dangerous.O
Without warning, Sebastian slid his arms under her, lifting her in his usual beloved bridal style with ease.As he stood up gallantly, carrying her towards the door, Kourtneyâs emerald eyes sparkled with unmistakable joy.âSebastian!â she squealed, her cheeks flushing. âYou donât have to carry me everywhere, you know!ââOh, but I do, darling. Itâs my new favorite thing in the world.ââYouâre ridiculous,â she teased, but she secretly loved it. She secretly loved him carrying her like a baby all over the place.âRidiculous?â he countered, his voice a low growl as he kicked the door open. âIâm just making sure my wife gets the VIP treatment.âKourtneyâs heart fluttered, her nausea forgotten for a moment as she leaned into him.But soon enough, her nerves returned.Would she dazzle them?Or would she stumble?One thing was certain⊠Sebastianâs hold on her told her heâd never let her fallâŠ..**********The rooftop of the towering Woods Corporation headquarters in Melbourne was transformed
Kourtney pointed innocently at it, her voice light and curious. âIs that your mom?âSebastianâs heart flipped, a sharp pain slicing through him.Even after all these years, any mention of his mother sent a wave of raw emotion crashing over him, grief, love, and something darker he couldnât even name.The wound was still raw, a huge scar that never quite healed.He swallowed hard, his throat tight, but he forced his voice to stay steady. âYes.âKourtneyâs gaze lingered on the portrait, her lips parting slightly as she took in the image of the woman.The woman was stunning, and her beauty wasâŠ. timeless.Just like Sebastian, she had raven-dark hair.It was long, cascading over her shoulders, and her face was radiant with a kind of warmth that seemed to glow from within. Her eyes, a deep, soulful brown, held a gentleness that made Kourtneyâs chest ache.There was something so alive about the woman, even in the stillness of the portrait.âSheâs breathtaking. And⊠And⊠Her eyes⊠theyâre so
A long plush bed-like sofa sat in one corner, a bar stocked with the most expensive wine in another, and a towering bookshelf at the extreme end.âItâs like a second home. I sleep here sometimes,â Sebastian said as he sensed her bewildered expression.âOh. But you've never told me you were crashing at the office once,â Kourtney's voice was laced with curiosity.He'd never slept out since she moved into his Villa⊠well⊠except, that one time when they stayed at the Woods family mansion.His lips curved into a sly grin. âDidnât need to anymore. I got married.ââOh.âHeat flooded her cheeks, and she ducked her head, trying to hide her blush.Of course, he didnât need an office to sleep in anymore⊠not when he had her waiting for him at home.The thought made butterflies flutter in her belly.Smiling sheepishly, she wandered toward the windows, her fingers brushing the cool glass as she stared at the city. All the other buildings around were far below compared to this⊠this beast she was
Before Kourtney could respond, he stepped out of the car, circling around to open her door with that gentlemanly flair sheâd come to expect.The man was spoiling her rotten!And why not?His hand extended, and she couldnât help but smile. It was such a âSebastianâ thingâalways treating her like a princess and caring for her in ways that made her feel like she was living in a dream.But the moment her heels clicked against the pavement, the dream turned chaoticâŠ..Camera flashes erupted like fireworks.Paparazzi swarmed the entrance, their lenses trained on the power couple.âMrs. Woods! Over here!â one shouted, his voice sharp and eager.âKourtney, give us a smile!â another called, pushing closer.The clicks and shouts were overwhelming, a reminder of how public her life had become.Sebastian, unfazed, was already used to this life for years now. He pulled her closer, his arm sliding possessively around her waist.âIs it true youâre expecting?â a third paparazzi yelled.Kourtney was t
Sebastian remained short of breath as he gazed at the woman. He was almost drooling!How does someone look so ethereal?Like a celestial being!Her dewy skin and rosy cheeks made her even more dreamlike.Angelic and soft!She looked too good to be true!Too sweet to look at!Meanwhile, Kourtney felt the manâs eyes on her like a physical touch, intense and burning.Her cheeks reddened.He stepped closer, his stare more intense by the second. His eyes practically darkened as they roamed over her, like he was memorizing every inch of herâHer gown, her hair, her face.He looked like a man whoâd just seen an angel on earth and wasnât sure he truly deserved her. She was so beautiful!âHoney.â Sebastian finally called in a rough tone. He was really fighting to keep control. âYou⊠youâre breathtaking.ââStop being so cheesy,â Kourtney teased.But boy! Heâs looking at her like he wants to eat her alive.âCheesy? Iâm just telling the truth, Mrs. Woods,â he rasped.She tilted her head playfully.