Unlawful Escort (Unlawful Series book 1) (6 page)

“Shut up
God-damn-it”, Matthew said through clenched teeth, “No one is expecting anything”.

“Would you like me to explain the concept of safe sex to you Matt?" Sebastian
teased.

“If you must know I’ve never had sex without a condom since my first time when I was in the eighth grade”, Matthew said, irately.

“TMI, TMI”, Brandon pleaded, covering his ears.

They were silent as
the waitress came and collected their orders and returned with their drinks shortly afterwards.

“I have a girlfriend”, Sebastian said
suddenly, breaking the silence. He didn’t usually hide matters of such a nature from them but for a reason he could not define at that moment; he omitted the sordid details.

“Whose wife is she?” Brandon said sarcastically and it was Matthew’s turn to laugh, “
Or mother, or rather, old enough to be someone’s mother?”

“She moved in this weekend”, Sebastian continued
doggedly and Brandon choked on his drink while Matthew’s eyes widened in shock, “you’ll meet her tonight at my father’s dinner party”.

“Is it
someone we know?” Brandon asked warily.

“I doubt it. She’s from Mount Vernon. I met her a month ago”, he said
, selling the story he had concocted.

“Are you sure it’s a good idea
to move in with her”, Brandon said, his sky blue eyes stern, “and how is it, we’re hearing about her for the first time?"

“Says the guy who falls in love with every woman he sleeps with
and falls out of it as quickly”, Sebastian’s lips twitched as he spoke, “Now tell me, who is the flavor of the week?”

As per usual Brandon fired to his
own defense, “Hey, it’s not my fault I have a heart”.

Laughter erupted fro
m Sebastian and Matthew, to which Brandon soon joined in.

“Don’t even bother to dodge the bullet”, Brandon warned Sebastian, “besides I’m yet to hear your protestation of undying love”.

Sebastian scoffed, “I’ll leave that sort of nonsense to you, thank you very much”.

“Wasn’t that Roberta we saw on the way in?" Matthew
asked with wry amusement, “liaisons are a detriment to committed relationships”.

“
Hot cougar…” Brandon intoned.

“Thank you for the heads up, baby daddy”, Sebastian said and Matthew’s lips pursed; al
l traces of laughter disappearing from his features.

The remainder of the afternoon traversed in much the same lighthearted manner, with the conversation diverting to politics, sports and other current issues that were of interest to all three men.

CHAPTER NINE

PAIGE CLEARED HER THROAT
as she entered the living room and saw Sebastian staring despondently into the fireplace; a glass of brandy clutched in his hand. He looked up at the sound and his lips tugged into a smile. Her heart melted at the sight and for a moment she wished she could capture that smile and hold it in her heart forever.

“You look lovely”, he said, emptying the glass in one swallow
and setting it aside.

“Thank you”, she blushed at the compliment.

She was wearing a knee length, Gucci, one shoulder, mint green silk dress with silver beaded accentuations at the waist and her hair was caught in a voluminous side bun at her nape. She had been surprised when he had phoned to inform her that a stylist would be up shortly to complete her hair and makeup but grateful as she doubted she would have been able to apply lip-gloss considering the nervous shaking of her hands.

“Let me help you with that”, he offered as she attemp
ted positioning her woolen coat over her shoulders.

“Ok”

She held her breath as he took the garment form her lax fingers and opened it while she slid her bare arms into the warm fabric. He was so close she could smell the spicy scent of his cologne and feel the heat exuding his body; his nearness igniting a warm sensation between her thighs. His hands brushed the nape of her neck as he adjusted the collar of her coat and a delicious shiver ran through her body. She sighed wistfully as he stepped away from her and indicated for her to precede him. They were silent as they boarded the elevator down to the lobby and made their way to the waiting car and settled inside.

She wondered what his father and stepmother were like. She knew that his father was a
multi-billionaire and that Sebastian had made his first billion years ago. Needless to say, they were a very rich lot. Would they snub her because they didn’t think she had enough money or family connections to be dating Sebastian or worst; acknowledge her for the imposter she was? She wrung her hands nervously. Why had she started this damnable charade in the first place? She wondered miserably.

“There is no need for you to be nervous”, Sebastian murmured, “
if anyone makes you uncomfortable you don’t have to speak to them”.

“That’s kind of you to say
”, her tense muscles relaxed a bit.

“I’m glad to be of service”, he responded with feigned diligence and she
couldn’t resist laughing.

THE DINNER PARTY WAS WELL
underway when they got there and all eyes were trained on them as they entered the opulent ballroom; the sparkling chandeliers highlighting the glamour of the attendees.

“Smile”, Sebastian encouraged
; placing his hand at the small of her back as he led her through the throng of onlookers.

“Helen”, Sebastian murmured as a beautiful blonde woman came up
to them and embraced him warmly and Paige held her breath.

So this was the famous Helen who had inspired him to instigate a fake relationship with an
alleged escort from Mount Vernon, Paige mused. It was evident that they shared a close bond in the way Sebastian’s face softened as they greeted each other.

“Paige”, Helen exclaimed, grasp
ing both Paige’s hands, “I’m so glad Sebastian has finally decided to share you with us”.

“So am I”, Paige responded on a sigh, her stiff posture relaxing somewhat.

“I’m so sorry but I have to attend to some guests”, Helen murmured apologetically, “I’ll see you later. Oh and red is definitely your color”.

“What did she mean by that?” Paige inquired as soon as she was out of earshot.

“Your hair was brown the last time she saw you. Remember?" Sebastian responded, frowning.

“Oh…that”,
she laughed nervously, “I was…wearing a wig”.

What the hell was wrong with her?
If she wasn’t careful she would get caught in a trap of her own devise.

“I figured as much”, Sebastian said dismissively, “let’s go say hello to my friends”.

He led her to a far corner of the room where a tall, lean blond man was conversing with another of chocolate complexion and about Sebastian’s height and built. 

“Hey Brad”, they said in unison; patting him on the shoulder.

“Brandon, Matthew, this is Paige”, Sebastian said, “Paige; these are my friends”.

“
Hi.”

“Where has Brad been hiding
a beautiful gem, such as you?” Brandon said, his sky blue eyes dancing with mischief.

“
He has been holding me hostage in that Godforsaken apartment, of his all weekend”, she whispered in contrived distress; placing a hand over her heart and both men erupted in laughter. Even Sebastian had a telltale smile on his lips, “I swore I’d never live to tell the tales”.

“Shall we defend your honor”, Matthew queried sternly, his full lips twitching and another bout of laughter ensued.

They conversed for a short while longer before parting ways as dinner was served. She noted the immense change in Sebastian; unsure whether she should be incensed at his shameless flirting or appreciative of his amicable mood. She was even more shocked when he requested a dance after dinner but she accepted gracefully nonetheless; a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins as she thought of the closeness such an act would require.

Her heart galloped in her chest as he led her unto the dance floor; his arm snaking around her waist as he assumed the position for a slow waltz.
Her fingers tingled where he held them and she felt as if his hand had burned away her dress where it rested at the small of her back. Her head would fit perfectly between the indent of his shoulder blade and neck, she thought as they sashayed in tune to the slow ballad.

“YOU’RE TENSE”, SEBASTIAN COMMENTED
as he drew her body closer to the hard length of him.

“No I’m not”, she laughed nervously
; inhaling sharply as his hand made circular motions where it rested in the center of her back.

“Brandon and Matt are watching us”, he whispered against her
ears; his warm breath sending delicious shivers along her spine, “seems to me, they need a little convincing that our relationship is genuine. Don’t you think?"

“What?” a hot blush stole up her cheeks as she
saw his underlying meaning.

She hadn’t
realized he had such long lashes until his beautiful brown eyes stroked the curve of her face; their brown depths glazed with devilment.

“
A kiss perhaps”, he cajoled, the heat in his eyes wreaking havoc on her senses.

“Is that really necessary”, she glanced away from his mesmeric stare; searching the room for some form of diversion, “and what about your parents?”

“Minding their own business, I’m sure. Besides; we’ll have to display some form of public affection if we intend to be convincing. Now is as good a time as any”.

“Fine”, she acquiesced, her muscles coiling in preparation for the onslaught
of his mouth on hers; her eyes firmly closing as his hand left the small of her back and lightly stroked her nape.

She fought against the desire streaming throw her veins as she awaited his kiss and when it wasn’t instantly
forthcoming, her lashes fluttered open in time to see his arrogant head drifting towards hers. His hand cushioned the nape of her neck as he angled her head so that her mouth was completely exposed to his ministrations.  Her breath caught in her throat as his lush lips glided over hers lightly; warm and persuasive until she sighed in pleasure; her body melting into his.

His tongue
slide between her lips; his mouth devouring hers hungrily. Heat exploded inside her body and she trembled with yearning; her tongue stroking his tentatively. He ended the kiss abruptly and she almost mewled in protest; the blissful sensations he had awakened in her body craving to be sated. Her cheeks stained with embarrassment as the fog of desire dispersed from her brain and she remembered where she was.

“I… I think I need to use the ladies room”, she stuttered; quickly disentangled her limbs from his and virtually running from the dance floor.

She went straight to the ladies
room and closed the door securely behind her; willing her racing heart calm and cursing herself for allowing the kiss to happen. Her hand rose to her lips in an effort to quell the delicious tingling impression of his mouth.

She gave hers
elf a mental shake; she couldn’t allow a repeat of what had just occurred a few moments ago. She had no sexual obligations to him as far as the contract stipulated and she had no intention of falling into Sebastian’s bed. She hardened her resolve; she was there to complete a job and she intended to see it through with no exceptions. With that she repaired her makeup and returned to the ballroom.

Fortunately, the evening progressed with minimal complexities
except the heightened awareness that seemed to permeate the atmosphere encompassing her and Sebastian. They were conversing with Brandon and Matthew when his father appeared and the air suddenly grew frigid around them and both men quickly excused themselves. 

She had expected a striking
resemblance between father and son. However their only discernible similarity was their brown hair, of which the older Bradley’s was streaked with silver strands. She felt Sebastian stiffen beside her as he approached.

“Brad”, William greeted with a nod, his
wrinkled face as hard as granite.

“Father”, Sebastian
responded, mimicking his father’s nod and meeting his cold stare unflinchingly.

“And you must be Paige”, he said, his face creasing into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “my wife has been going on and on about you these past weeks”.

She smiled, not certain what to make of the situation, “I guess I am, Mr. Bradley”.

“Let’s just hope he does not so carelessly lose you as he did Elizabeth”, William said grudgingly; his smile unwavering, and she felt the rage emanating from Sebastian.

“Well what do they say”, Sebastian’s voice didn’t raise an octave but it was as cold as ice, “you win some, you lose some. But I’d like to think I’ve gained”, he snaked an arm around Paige as he spoke and drew her closer.