The night was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the city outside. Eliana lay on the bed, cheeks still warm from laughter.
"Stop calling me that!" Sebastian's voice carried a mix of mock outrage and amusement.
"I can't help it!" Eliana grinned, leaning back. "You're the black sheep, Sebastian!"
"Black sheep…" he muttered, faking horror. "Don't… dare—"
"What if I don't stop?" she teased, eyes sparkling with mischief.
Before she could react, Sebastian lunged, fingers digging into her sides. Eliana erupted in laughter, squirming and gasping, "Sebastian! Stop! I'll stop! I promise!"
Finally relenting, he smirked, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "Lesson learned?"
"Absolutely," she giggled, still catching her breath.
They settled beside each other, the warmth between them soft and comforting. Words weren't needed; even in silence, there was a quiet intimacy that made the night feel endless. Eventually, sleep claimed them, wrapped in the gentle glow of their shared space.
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains. Freya, Sebastian's sister, appeared at the doorway, bright and cheerful as ever.
"Eliana! Come with me! I'm meeting Lila, Ethan, and Milo. You'll love them!"
Eliana smiled and stretched. "Sure! Lead the way."
The group wandered to a small, charming outdoor café, its tables dotted under colorful umbrellas. They ordered fresh pastries and iced drinks, the warm morning sun adding a golden glow to their laughter. Lila was lively and outgoing, Milo playful and teasing, and Ethan… well, he kept sneaking glances at Eliana, clearly captivated by her effortless charm.
Eliana fit right in, telling funny stories, joking with the group, and even playfully teasing Freya. For a while, the café was their little bubble of fun, and Eliana couldn't remember the last time she'd laughed so freely.
Eventually, they all made their way to Sebastian's house, still joking and laughing. It was there that the small, innocent gesture happened—Ethan brushed a strand of hair from Eliana's face.
That was the moment Sebastian saw them. His jaw tightened, and a cold fury flashed in his eyes. Without a word, he strode forward and grabbed Eliana's hand, pulling her toward the house.
"Hey! Where are you taking her?" Ethan asked, trying to sound casual.
Sebastian didn't glance at him. His voice was cold and unyielding. "I'm taking my wife."
The words—and the aura that radiated with them—were enough. Ethan fell silent instantly. There was something about Sebastian in that moment, a presence so cold and commanding, that no one dared challenge him. Freya and the others quickly understood as well; crossing Sebastian was something even they didn't dare.
Eliana blinked in surprise, her heartbeat quickening. The playful morning had turned into something tense, thrilling, and deeply intimate—an unspoken reminder of the power Sebastian held over her, and over anyone who got too close.