Chapter 7

Sebastian’s POV:

What in the world just happened?

Honestly, what was that?

I can still feel the phantom of her kiss on my cheek, the heat radiating from where her lips brushed my skin. This enchanting woman is driving me to the brink. I’m desperately trying to maintain my composure, yet here she is, flaunting her exquisite beauty right before my very eyes.

I run a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the thoughts clouding my mind. She’s my stepsister, for crying out loud! Yet, how can I ignore the way my body reacts to her? My dick is still incredibly hard, a constant reminder of the intensity of the moment we just shared, and I can’t believe she just ran out the door like that, leaving me here in a whirlwind of confusion and desire.

She is so naughty; I just want to bring her across my knees and spank her little fine ass until it’s as red as a rose petal. Damn you women, you’re making this so incredibly hard on me, baby girl, and you don’t even know it.

The buzz of my phone cuts through the haze, an unwelcome distraction. “What!” I bark, irritation lacing my voice as I answer the call.

“Hey boss, we’re tailing Miss Shelly to school as instructed, but we’ve spotted an unassigned vehicle shadowing her.”

My heart drops at the thought of her in danger. “What’s the plan?”

“Damn it, alright. Exercise caution. Remember, Shelly has no idea I've tasked you with this. Furthermore, stop that unassigned vehicle and bring the driver in for questioning.”

“Call me back when the mission is complete. I’ll meet you at the warehouse.”

“Yes, sir. Mission understood.”

I slam the phone down, the device shattering with a finality that only amplifies my frustration. Now I’ll have to find a replacement, just in case my baby girl reaches out.

My mind races, a whirlwind of anxiety and dread. Who could it be? A harmless passerby, or something more sinister? I’ve assigned my men to protect her since the tragic loss of our parents, a fate I can never allow her to endure. Their deaths haunt me with the weight of unfulfilled promises. I should have done more, and the guilt flows within me like an unhealed wound.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had to intercept a goon following Shelly, and she remains blissfully unaware. Young and carefree, she floats through life, blind to the dangers lurking in the shadows. She loves deeply and sees the good in everyone, a trait that only heightens my fears. It terrifies me to think that one day, her innocence might lead her into the path of someone who means her harm. If that ever happens, I swear I will unleash hell on this world to protect her. Nothing and no one will stand in my way.

I press the intercom button, my voice steady yet urgent. “Hey Mitchel, I need a new phone!”

“Yes, sir. I’ll bring one to you right away.”

Less than ten minutes later, a firm knock echoes through my office, and Mitchel strides in, a playful grin on his face.

“Here you go, boss. Try to make sure this one lasts more than a month, will ya?” he quips, laughter dancing in his eyes.

If he were anyone else, I might have shot him a glare sharp enough to silence him instantly. But Mitchel is different; he’s been my best friend since childhood, my unwavering right-hand man since I took on this role as boss.

I snatch the phone from his hand, a chuckle escaping my lips as I retort, “Shut the hell up, dude.”

He laughs, continuing, “I’ve programmed all the necessary contacts, and guess what? Shelly is the first on the list. You’re welcome.” His snicker is infectious, but I can't help but roll my eyes.

“Do you ever shut up?” I ask, though I know he won’t. He’s fully aware of my infatuation with Shelly, and he sees no issue with it, considering we share no blood ties. Who would dare stop me, anyway? I am, after all, the most feared man in New Orleans.

Hearing my phone ringing again pulls me out of the depths of my thoughts.

“Hello! What is it?”

“Boss, we caught the intruder, the man following Shelly. We are at the warehouse now waiting for you. Just a heads up before you get here, it’s one of the gang goons that killed your parents.”

A surge of fury envelops me, and all I see is the color red. With a low growl, I firmly declare, “Don't you dare do anything to him yet ; he belongs to me. I'll be there in less than fifteen minutes."

As the words leave my mouth, a primal instinct surges through me. If he dares to be connected to my parents' death, I will uncover the truth, no matter the cost. The thought of him lurking in the shadows, stalking Shelly, makes my blood boil.

Why was he after her?

Is he foolish enough to plan his own death?

Who sent him, knowing full well the danger they invite? They must be craving death as much as I crave justice. I refuse to back down; I will fight with every ounce of my strength, even if it means facing my own end.

I move swiftly, my heart pounding with a mix of adrenaline and determination. The memories of my parents flash through my mind, their faces haunting me. I can still hear their laughter, their love wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

The thought of losing Shelly, of her innocence being shattered by someone like him, ignites a fire in my chest. She deserves so much more than this world can offer. She deserves safety, love, and a future untouched by the darkness that surrounds us.