The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian ignored Hastings completely and walked straight past him, carrying a

mug of steaming water. She made her way to Citrine and settled down at her side.

Inside Citrine's head, it felt like a thousand horses were galloping in every direction.

Sebastian gently straightened Citrine's head and brought the mug to her lips.

"Citrine, drink some water."

As if she'd heard the words through a fog, Citrine blinked her eyes open and obediently sipped from Sebastian's hand. Warmth spread through her chest, soothing and comforting.

Sebastian smiled in satisfaction at how cooperative she was.

"What are you two doing?" Hastings was watching them with a stormy expression, unable to hide his jealousy at their closeness.

"What's wrong with Citrine?" Only now did he notice the soft flush on her cheeks, the way she looked nothing like her usual self-sleepy, out of sorts.

"It's none of your business." Sebastian didn't even bother looking at him.

Without another word, she scooped Citrine up into her arms and made to leave.

Hastings' face twisted further, and he stepped forward, arms outstretched to block their path. "Put Citrine down."

Sebastian only held Citrine tighter, her voice cold as steel. "You're the last person she wants around. What right do you have to say that?"

There was a dangerous glint in Hastings' eyes. He reached for Citrine. "Give her to me," he demanded, his voice shaking. "Give her back." He couldn't even let himself imagine what might happen if Sebastian took her away. The thought of Citrine leaving with someone else was unbearable.

Sebastian's answer was flat and unyielding. "Keep dreaming."

With that, Sebastian barreled past Hastings, shouldering him aside and carrying Citrine down the hall.

She didn't stir as she was carried all the way back to the hotel.

Once inside the room, Sebastian gently laid her down on the bed and finally let out a long breath.

After sitting at her side for a moment, she stood up, went to the bathroom, and soaked a towel in cool water.

Citrine was already fast asleep, her eyes closed, breathing deep and even.

Sebastian caught herself smiling unconsciously.

She knelt beside the bed on one knee, using the damp towel to softly wipe Citrine's face. It was a simple task, but she took her time, moving with slow, careful strokes, as if memorizing every detail of her skin.

Citrine, half-awake, registered the cool, gentle touch gliding across her cheeks. It felt wonderful, and she let herself relax completely, trusting Sebastian's hands.

After a while, Citrine's lips felt dry. Still half-asleep, she instinctively darted out her tongue to moisten them.

Sebastian froze instantly, her whole body tensing. The brief, warm brush of Citrine's tongue against her palm sent a jolt through her-hot and electric. Her hand stopped moving.

She'd always thought she could keep her composure, but now, with just this tiny, unconscious gesture from Citrine, her calm shattered.

A slow, dangerous heat built in her chest, threatening to burn away her self- control.

And yet Citrine, completely unaware of the effect she'd had, simply rolled over and drifted deeper into sleep, leaving Sebastian to deal with the chaos she'd left behind.noveldrama

Sebastian watched her peaceful sleeping face and allowed herself a quiet, helpless laugh. Then she dutifully finished wiping Citrine's hands, making sure she was settled comfortably.

Only when everything was done did Sebastian tiptoe out of the room.

It was already late. Back in her own room next door, Sebastian didn't try to sleep right away. Instead, she stood under a freezing shower, letting the cold water chase away the lingering heat beneath her skin.

Maybe it was the courage she'd witnessed in that reckless couple

tonight, or maybe it was Has net

desperate plea-either way,

something had shifted inside her.

Sebastian lay awake the entire night,

unable to close her eyes.