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Sebastian blatantly ignored both of them. He turned sharply, striding into his office. The heavy door slammed shut with a resounding thud, vibrating through the floor.

Inside, silence reigned—except for the steady tick of the clock on the wall. On Sebastian’s desk sat a large black box, perfectly wrapped, its satin bow tied with meticulous precision. Sebastian’s eyes darkened as he approached, curiosity tightening in his chest.

He slid the ribbon free with a flick, flipped open the lid, and parted the layers of soft ruffled paper. Then—he froze.

Nestled inside, gleaming beneath the office lights, lay a pair of silver handcuffs. Sleek. Polished. Cold. A few silk blindfolds, and some other playthings. A note rested atop them in elegant handwriting:

‘Here are the cuffs for you to put on me, baby. Bought these ones with your card.’

Sebastian’s lips curved, twitching between amusement and something far more dangerous. A crooked smile tugged at his mouth, his eyes narrowing with a sharp glint. A low, husky chuckle rumbled from his chest. With one decisive motion, he dropped the cuffs back into the box, slammed the lid shut, and pivoted for the door with it.

Just as he stepped out, Leon appeared in the doorway, tablet in hand, mid-sentence. “Mr. Graves, your next meeting is—”

“Cancel it,” Sebastian cut him off, brushing past without slowing. “I’m done for today.”

Chapter 22 My Most Favorite Human

Less than an hour later, Sebastian stormed into his house. He took the stairs two at a time, his desire and anticipation coiled together, burning in his chest. At the end of the hall, he shoved the bedroom door wide open, the handle clanging against the wall.

The black box thudded onto the bed as he tossed it aside.

Emily had just stepped out of the washroom, towel still draped around her shoulders, damp strands of hair clinging to her skin. Her eyes widened as she froze at the sight of him barreling in.

“Sebastian—” she gasped, but before she could say more, he closed the distance in three long strides. His arms scooped her up effortlessly, pulling her against him.

She squealed, clutching at his shoulders, half-laughing, half-shocked. “What are you doing?! I thought you wouldn’t be home until late tonight!”

His grip tightened possessively, his gaze burning straight through her. His voice dropped, rough and low, laced with frustration and desire.

“Did you really think that after you sent me that damn gift I’d wait until tonight?”

Emily’s arms curled around his neck, instinctively pulling herself closer until her lips brushed the edge of his ear. Her voice melted into a whisper, soft and teasing. “Baby.”

Sebastian’s entire body stilled. For a fleeting second, the hard edges of his expression cracked, surprise flickering across his features. His gaze snapped to hers, his stormy eyes softening.

“Yes… baby,” he muttered hoarsely, a stunned joy sparking in his voice as if that one word alone were enough to undo him.

Emily leaned her forehead against his chest, her tone tender, affectionate.

“Thank you for waiting so many years for me. I never realized the little boy I once spoke to so casually would grow into this terrifying man—whose eyes still manage to scare me every time he looks at me.”

His expression tensed, his brow creasing, but she softened the sting with a teasing smile. “But still… the only man I will ever love until my last breath, is you. Thank you for loving me so much.”

Sebastian’s lips curved faintly, his hand sliding up her waist. “How can I not love my most favorite human to ever exist on this earth.”

Emily’s lips lifted into a brighter smile. “I’m not saying this just to show you how grateful I am,” she whispered. “I’m saying it because I truly want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want all the love you’ve carried for me since we were young… until the day I die.”

Rising on her tiptoes, Emily pressed a tender kiss to his lips. His gaze never left her, drinking her in as though she were the only thing that existed. Her palm slid up to his cheek, thumb brushing just beneath his ear as she held him there.

“I wish you had confessed earlier,” she murmured, her pout soft and playful. “Maybe then it wouldn’t have taken us so long to finally get here.”

Sebastian’s chest tightened. He cupped her face, his large hand sliding from her jaw to cradle the back of her head, fingers threading into her hair before gliding down the curve of her hip.

Suddenly, Emily leapt into his arms, surprising him. Her arms looped tightly around his neck, her legs wrapping securely around his waist. He caught her with ease, his strong hands gripping her hips as she leaned down, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

“Mr. Graves,” she teased, her smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, “do you like my confession?”

His restraint snapped. With a low growl, Sebastian crushed his mouth to hers. She met him eagerly, the kiss deep and consuming, stealing her breath as his lips moved against hers with unrestrained hunger. When she finally pulled back, their breaths mingled, and he spoke against her mouth, his voice husky and raw.