Cecilia’s pov
After hesitating for a few seconds, I picked up the cufflink, removing its protective cap.
My eyes fixed on the sharp pin as I studied Alpha Sebastian’s sleeping form, considering my options.
Which would be the least offensive spot? His arm? Thigh?
No, those areas were covered by the blanket.
I’d have to pull back the covers and push up his sleeve or pant leg—definitely creepy territory.
Finally, I settled on his hand—the only exposed part besides his face and neck.
I carefully lifted one of his long, elegant fingers, positioning the pin near his index fingertip.
Just as I was about to make contact, his brow furrowed slightly.
I paused, looking at his handso sleeping face. "Alpha Sebastian, I’m really sorry about this," I whispered apologetically.
"But you’re sleeping too deeply. My grandmother used to say when soone can’t be awakened, they might be trapped in a nightmare. Sotis a little pain is what it takes to wake soone."
"This will sting a little," I warned his unconscious form. "I’ll count to three... one, two, three—"
As I finished counting, I moved to prick his fingertip.
My pin t empty air.
The finger I’d been holding suddenly withdrew, and before I could process what was happening, my hand was captured.
His fingers slid between mine, interlocking our hands in an intimate grasp.
I tried to pull away in shock.
Instead, I found myself yanked downward.
Since I was already bending over him, his pull sent crashing onto his chest.
I could feel the hard warmth of his torso against mine, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath .
My eyes widened in panic as I pressed my free hand against his chest, trying to push myself up. But I’d forgotten about the pin I was still holding, which pricked his chest during my struggle.
My weapon-wielding hand was imdiately captured in his other grip.
I collapsed back onto his chest, thoroughly mortified now. I demanded he release , and when he didn’t, I tried to jab at his hand with the pin, only to find myself flipped onto my back with him looming over .
"Are you really that determined to draw my blood?" His deep, husky voice rumbled through the quiet office.
His eyes opened slowly, still hazy with sleep but quickly sharpening with awareness—and sothing else that made my pulse spike.
My heart was hamring against my ribs. This position was far too compromising!
I lay frozen beneath him, feeling heat rush to my face. "Alpha Sebastian, please let go," I managed to say, my eyes darting anywhere but his face. Making eye contact in this position would be... catastrophic.
"So you can stab again?" he murmured.
I could feel his gaze traveling across my face, down my neck.
The intimate way his fingers were still interlaced with mine, his thumb slowly stroking my palm, sent currents of electricity through my body.
The air between us grew thick with tension, dangerous and intoxicating.
"I-I won’t stab you, I promise. Here, take it." I dropped the pin away, my voice shaking. "See? No more weapons. I’m harmless now."
Alpha Sebastian studied for another long mont before finally releasing .
I scrambled off the bed, my legs wobbly and unreliable.
My hair was a ss, my palms damp, and I nearly stumbled right back onto the bed in my haste to put distance between us.
His gaze lingered on my figure, his breathing noticeably uneven.
I turned away to straighten my clothes and hair before facing him again, attempting to appear composed. "Since you’re awake now, I’ll be going," I said, desperate to escape.
Waking him up was definitely too difficult—and dangerous—a task.
"Don’t be in such a hurry," he called, stopping mid-retreat.
I reluctantly turned back. "Is... there sothing else?"
"You injured ." Alpha Sebastian pulled open the collar of his shirt to reveal a tiny spot of blood on his chest.
I stared at the small ruby droplet in silence before offering a weak, "I’m sorry."
"You think sorry fixes it?" His voice was soft but pointed.
"Well, what do you want?" I shot back, irritation flaring. "Should I let you stab back?"
The mont the words left my mouth, I realized their implication. Especially with his chest still partially exposed.
Oh my God, no!
Alpha Sebastian narrowed his eyes, then looked down at his pillow, seeming to search for sothing.
Was he actually looking for the pin?!
My chest tightened in alarm, and without another word, I fled the room as if my life depended on it.
Twenty minutes later, Alpha Sebastian erged from his rest area, impeccably dressed in his suit once more, the epito of elegant sophistication.
He erged from his room, impeccably dressed, and raised an eyebrow at my presence. "You’re still here?"
[Trust , I don’t want to be!]
I suppressed the thought and explained, "Luna Regina called. She’s arranged a mating for you tonight. She asked to remind you of the ti and location, and to make sure you attend without fail."
I quickly relayed all the information, my duty complete.
Alpha Sebastian’s phone chid twice with the details I’d sent, but he didn’t bother checking it.
Instead, his cool gaze fixed on , his expression growing increasingly severe. "You’re telling to go on a mating?"
"Your mother is telling you," I corrected. This wasn’t my idea!
"Do you want to go on this date?" he rephrased, his tone growing even more distant.
[Can’t you just leave out of this?]
"Your mother asked to convey her wishes," I reiterated carefully. "She wants you to attend this date."
Alpha Sebastian studied for a mont before a smile appeared on his lips—not a pleasant one.
"Since my mom chose to relay this through you, there must be deeper aning. Perhaps she thinks my previous dates failed because I lacked proper guidance. She’s sent an advisor."
"I don’t think—" I started to protest.
"I think my mom has made a wise decision this ti," he interrupted smoothly. "Thank you for your assistance, Advisor Cecilia."
I tried again. "I believe—"
"I believe you should return to work now," he cut off once more, then smiled as if rembering sothing. "Unless you’re not busy, in which case we could discuss your stabbing habit. You did offer to let return the favor."
He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out the cufflink pin.
I stared in disbelief. He’d actually kept it!
[Is he insane?]
I turned and walked away as quickly as dignity would allow.
...
When evening ca, I found myself unable to leave work as planned.
Harper called just as I was preparing to pack up. "Cecilia, what ti will you be ho? I have news—that necklace Mrs. White gave to Cici! And Cici ntioned she’s having dinner at Xavier’s tonight. You should hurry back so we can listen in. There might be so valuable information."
"Go to my place first," I told her. "I’ll be back later."
"Working late?" she asked.
"Sothing like that."
More like playing dating consultant to my Alpha boss.
It was too ridiculous to explain. Anyone would think I was making it up.
But I’d realized Alpha Sebastian was rebelling against his mother’s ddling.
He was annoyed that she’d arranged this date based on re rumors.
Harper said she’d wait for at my apartnt, and we hung up.
At 6:20 PM, I finished my work and headed to Alpha Sebastian’s office, forcing a smile. "Alpha Sebastian, you’re scheduled to et Miss Hazel at seven o’clock. It’s almost ti to leave."
Alpha Sebastian continued working without looking up. His voice was cool as he replied, "You seem awfully excited. Looking forward to this, are you?"
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