Page 206 of The Bittersweet Bond

Evin met his gaze, her heart racing at his whispered challenge. The words were on her tongue, ready to spill—but Bas cut her off.

“Don't,” he murmured, that faint smirk returning. “Not until you're ready. Not until you can tell me without hesitation. But believe me, Ev,” he murmured, grazing his teeth lightly along her jaw as his hand slowly released her throat, “I will get you there.”

Evin savored his monologue, responding silently through her gaze and the way her body reacted to him. She felt her heart racing, her entire being consumed by fire. When his lips claimed hers again, she knew there was no turning back. She was utterly lost to him—to his dominance, his passion, and the dark, destructive love that burned fiercely in his eyes.

Chapter 55

Eden’s Rotten Apple

Sebastian

Friday morning began like any other, but there was something unspoken lingering in the air. The California sun shone relentlessly, almost too bright, as Bas walked up the driveway, having just finished his morning workout before heading to school. Palm trees cast their usual long shadows over the impeccably swept driveway, and parked in front of the villa was his father's black SUV—gleaming like a predator waiting to devour him.

Bas let his gaze wander, searching for a reason to slow down, but the driver was already standing at the door, polite yet unmistakably insistent. His father sat in the backseat, flawless as always, his suit a masterpiece of fabric, his tie knotted with such precision that Bas could've sworn it was measured out with a ruler and protractor.

"Get in, Sebastian," his father's tone allowed no argument.

Bas pulled his lips into a crooked smile, as he always did when he wasn't in the mood for discussions, and dropped onto the backseat. Immediately, the smell of leather mixed with his father's cool, sterile cologne surrounded him, reminding him more of a prison than a family.

"Where are we headed?" Bas asked, trying to distract himself with his phone.

"New York." His father spoke as if it were entirely normal to fly across the country on a random Friday morning. "An important meeting. I thought you should accompany me. It's time you gained more insight into the business world."

Bas lifted his head, studying him carefully. "And when exactly were you planning on telling me this?"

"Now." His father flashed him a smile as polished as his appearance. "It's an opportunity, Sebastian. And don't worry—we'll be back tomorrow. You won't miss anything."

Bas's stomach tightened slightly as he imagined Evin's face if he didn't show up on time. Tomorrow was her performance, and he'd promised he'd be there. But the idea of spending a Friday in school clearly lost against the allure of a spontaneous trip to New York.

"Give me fifteen minutes; I need a quick shower," Bas said hurriedly, jumping out of the car. He let out a quiet laugh and quickly typed a message to Evin.

Bas

Hey, my dad’s dragging me to New York. I'll be back tomorrow, promise. I won't miss your performance.

Only seconds passed before the reply appeared.

Evin

What?

New York?

Why?

You're not coming tomorrow after all?

Bas

I am.

I'll be back in time. My dad has meetings he wants me to join. I won't let you down.

He could practically picture her rolling her eyes and shook his head with a small grin. The SUV silently began rolling down the driveway, and Bas felt the familiar blend of skepticism and excitement. New York sounded thrilling—but with his father, nothing was ever as harmless as it appeared.

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Evin

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