Hello! Fancy seeing you all again after two VERY long years! I will not bore you all with reasons for why I left Wattpad completely and stopped writing all together – I am just so incredibly grateful to be welcomed back the way I have.

You are all wonderful human beings, and this community is something I am honored to be part of.

I completely understand the frustration and anger I have caused some/most of you, and I will do my best to make up for that.

ALSO – to write this chapter I read through the book and while I was cringing over 90% of the things my younger self wrote, I was audibly laughing over all the comments (truly to the point of tears), even some of the hate comments. You are all honestly so funny, and reading the comments made me excited to write again! 

I want so badly to give you guys something that you will ALL love, but sadly it is not possible and that is something I am working so hard to be okay with.

Some things that I need people to know moving forward:

1) I straight up forgot about including Will, Nate, and Emily in the last few chapters and I know a lot of you noticed that and I legit have no excuse

2) A LOT of people have mentioned how difficult it is to support Evie and Sebastian together, and I completely agree with that. There are undeniable toxic traits in their dynamic, and that is something I really am going to try to fix moving forward.

I am going to try my very best to steer this story to something that I can be more proud of, while honoring the characters and storyline I created for all of you!

In the words of Harry Styles, "Treat people with kindness" – and by people I mean me because I am going to be so anxious after uploading this damn chapter.

Love you all, xx.

+++++

Chapter Seventeen

DISCLAIMER: PLEASE RE-READ AT LEAST CH. 16 IF YOU HAVEN'T BECAUSE I REFERENCE SOME THINGS AND ALSO I did not feel like writing a recap :)

"Hold me down if I'm running off

They say it gets better, baby, soon enough

So I'll shut my mouth and I'll steal my heart

I still feel like a girl, thinking when we started, but

I want to feel the fire again, with you or anybody else"

– The Head and the Heart "Fire/Fear"

I adjusted my body on the hard plastic seat, my cold fingers gripping the warm coffee mug while I watched the headlines play by on the television at the coffee shop.

It had been ten days.

In London, with everything happening, that had to have been some kind of new record.

Ten days of no reports of gang related activity or crime.

The lack of crime had seemingly brought life back to the streets, which were packed with people and vehicles. Not that London was not always crowded, because it truly was. But the air was different. Laughter could be heard from within and outside of the shop, and people seemed to be smiling more.

Even myself.

I finished the rest of my coffee, adjusted my coat, and placed my sunglasses back on. Despite the cloudy weather, I felt it was necessary to be cautious – you really never knew who you were going to run into.

I had even made an effort to ditch the makeup, and had tied my hair into a loose low bun at the base of my neck.

The injury to my forehead had since healed, and the cut that was once there had been replaced by a pink scar, reminding me of what life was like when gang activity was operating at its usual levels.

It was only a matter of time.

I made sure to keep my head down as I passed through the streets, heading towards my car.

As soon as I entered it, I locked the doors, trying to calm the feelings of anxiety rising in me as I peeked out the windows cautiously.

Of course no one had been following me. Everyone passing by the car was either glued to their phone, walking purposefully throughout the city, or talking animatedly to their friends.

People were going about their everyday life.

And even though life felt different, better even – I couldn't forget what my everyday life was really like.

It was only a matter of time.

+++++

Flashback – The Talk

I shifted under his gaze. I could feel each beat of my heart in my chest, and I felt the anxiety swirl in the pit of my stomach.

My hands were clammy and I felt uneasy as his dark eyes raked over my form, waiting for me to begin to speak.

"I want to communicate better."

The second I uttered the words I regretted it. My face warmed and I felt my mind racing with millions of thoughts, trying to find a way to take back what I said, and somehow escape this conversation all together.

"What I mean is," I said after only a few seconds, refusing to meet his burning stare, "I think we don't communicate well."

My mouth snapped shut, leaving me hoping he would not pick up on the fact that I had said the exact same thing to him, just in more words this time around.

Oh how I wished I could anywhere but here, sitting in his office twiddling my thumbs nervously in my lap like an idiot.

While I was clearly struggling with speaking to him, it wasn't for the lack of knowing what I really wanted to say. In fact, I knew exactly what I wanted and needed to say, but the idea of lowering that wall was far too overwhelming for me.

I used to feel like I was drowning, and I was not ready to feel that way again.

"Better communication."

His voice finally cut through the silence, and my eyes rose to meet his despite the affect it would have on me.

He expects you to tell him what happened, and you're talking about communication.

"It sounds stupid—" It was in my nature to shy away from the topic, feeling humiliated by my weak attempts to say what I needed to say, without precisely saying anything at all.

"No it does not." His tone was firmer this time around, indicating his support of the subject.

I stared into his dark eyes, feeling my heart beat faster in my chest as the voice in my head urged me to continue speaking.

I stood up abruptly, wiping my hands on my legs as I paced back and forth in the room, focusing on taking long deep breaths as I did so.

It was like I was experiencing an adrenaline rush over the idea of talking about how I felt.

No wonder I allowed my barriers to stay in place for so long. I did not like how this made me feel.

Vulnerability, that is.

"You are right, Evie," Sebastian's voice was low, but it instantly had a soothing effect on my body, allowing me to stop pacing. "We are horrible at communication. I think there are a million reasons why this may be—"

"I am not good with words."

The interruption happened suddenly. I could tell he was choosing his words carefully, working to be accommodating to me in the moment. I found myself wanting to pace again as I continued.

"There are probably a million reasons why we are not good at communicating with each other," I agreed quickly, "It certainly does not help that we grew up in an environments that viewed vulnerability as weakness and apathy as strength."

"But Sebastian, I feel like there are times when I know exactly what I want to say, what I need to say to you, but I physically feel like I can't. And this has never, ever been a problem for me," I hesitated, "Or maybe it was. Maybe this is the reason I always struggled to have stable relationships in my life. Maybe this is why I am so volatile and abrasive and rather than addressing it, I just allowed myself to be this way because I never cared enough to change. But with you—"

"It's different." It was now his turn to interrupt.

I took a shaky breath and nodded in agreement, my eyes burning as I felt the memories resurface – not that they were too far away. In fact, they always seemed to remain close by, ready to haunt me at my moments of weakness.

"He hurt me, Sebastian."

I knew my words from the car had replayed in his head for the rest of the car ride, and even after when we returned home and got cleaned up.

My cold, still damp hair served as a reminder that I had spent the entire shower trying to find a way to tap into some kind of strength that would allow me to tell Sebastian everything.

I was scared I'd choke on my words, that the tears would come and I would not be able to continue. I was scared to bare myself in that way to Sebastian, to explain how I had felt like I lost my mind, and how I was not sure if that was something I had even gotten back.

"Mark my words, Evelyn Summers is going to be the death of the Kings."

I was scared to admit that Jack might be right.

"I'm not unstable."

My words to Sebastian in the car were firm. I said it with faith in myself. But I could not deny the anxiety that crept into me as time passed.

I lowered myself back into the chair, staring at my bruised hand.

"If I could go the rest of my life without thinking about Nick Harmon, and what he did to me," a small humorless laugh left my lips, "There would be few things I wouldn't do for that."

I had noticed Sebastian's body tense at the sound of his name, but he remained silent.

With a deep breath, I began to detail the physical and mental abuse that Harmon had inflicted upon me during my time there. How he found enjoyment in my demise. How he would drag my body out in front of his men and beat me until I lost consciousness, as if he was proving a point. I explained how I began to lose my grip on reality, how I became convinced that Sebastian and the Kings would not come.

I felt myself cringe at the thought of my behavior. How I went from trying to skillfully play a game against Harmon and his people, to teetering on the verge of madness, desperate to do whatever it took to survive another day.

I remembered lying on the bed, broken, battered, and bloodied, feeling so consumed by hopelessness that I felt like I was being suffocated.

I had felt the cold arms of insanity wrap around me, but I had been far too lonely and exhausted to fight it.

So I accepted its embrace.

I went in feeling fearless, but every passing hour I spent inside that hell had broken me down further and further.

"There is no Evelyn Summers."

"I am just merely a figment of your imagination. I can be anyone you want me to be."

"Tell me who you want me to be and I'll be her."

The person I had become was necessary for survival. But the reality of it was that I was secretly terrified that I have no solid personality or identity. I had spent years morphing myself to be whoever I needed to be in the moment, that I felt I didn't have any idea of who I actually was. 

"He would go out of his way to assert dominance," I said softly, wincing as the memories filled my mind. "He knew I found even his touch to be sickening."

I closed my eyes, attempting to rid my mind of the intrusive thoughts.

"Sometimes I feel like I can still his hands on me," my voice was barely above a whisper. "And I want to peel my skin off when this happens."

I shuddered at the thought. 

The nightmares were less frequent, and while Nick Harmon was very much so dead—the memory of him remained alive and well.

"If you hadn't killed him," Sebastian's eyes were dark and his jaw was clenched, and I knew he was thinking of thousands of ways he would have killed Nick himself.

"But I did." I said softly, a weak smile on my face as Sebastian visibly tried to calm down.

I waited a moment before continuing.

"I never knew what I was capable of," I said quietly, "Everything I did came with a cost."

After I returned, my trauma lurked around every corner, silencing me when I tried to scream—especially when I wanted to beg for help. I felt mute. I was left numb as the rest of my world seemingly carried on without me.

I was so caught in my own thoughts that I had not realized Sebastian had stood up and moved towards me. He was now positioned in front of me, crouched down so that he could meet my eyes.

It was only then that I could see his tortured expression.

"Do you regret killing Harmon?"

"No." My response was immediate. "But Kate—" I hesitated.

"That was you?" The shocked expression was gone as soon as it came, but I felt the impact of it.

I had never told him, or anyone else for that matter, how she died. It was interesting though because none of them had ever thought to ask.

They didn't care, because what she did to the Kings, to Mason, had been enough to justify her death.

Yet I still held on. 

Perhaps I cared too much. 

The brutality of Kate's murder had haunted me the most—images of her back covered in bullet holes and blood frequently replayed in my mind.

But even worse than her dead body, were the things Kate said.

"You're pathetic. Staring at me with your stupid, empty eyes. Acting as if you feel nothing! You are a fucking fraud Evelyn Summers, or wait, is it Evelyn King?"

"You think I'm crazy, right? Absolutely fucking insane? Well take a grand fucking look then, Evie! I'm you!"

Even the mere memory caused me to flinch. The hatred dripping off Kate's tone was a reminder of the damage I had seemingly caused to Kate.

"Kate blamed me for everything." I finally said. "She made the decision to betray us, but it was through me that she ever was exposed to any of this."

I paused, "I don't regret killing her, but I regret allowing her to become what she did."

Me.

"She would have become what she did, regardless of your involvement." Sebastian's voice urged me to look up at him. "She made her choices, and she suffered the consequences. You cannot blame yourself for that."

I couldn't form a response, the guilt was too overwhelming.

"You would have never betrayed us the way that she did. You're more likely to put your own life on the line than someone else's."

He confidence in me was something I wanted to believe, but I felt like I couldn't.

"Do you really believe that?"

I stood up, my face flushing at our proximity when Sebastian mirrored my movement.

"I do." The resolve in his voice was unquestionable.

"I don't know." I said quietly. "I've always thought I would be fine on my own. I isolated myself from everyone and fought so hard to suppress my emotions. I always believed that when it came down to it, it was better someone else than me."

I knew this wasn't news to Sebastian, but saying it aloud made me realize how deeply I had tried to bury the truth.

I had grown up in a profession where it was far more acceptable to bare my body than my feelings. As long as I kept everyone at a distance, I was safe. No one could hurt me. No one could get close enough to me to be able to.

Except Sebastian.

He had a hold over me.

Perhaps it was because we were so alike—each of us desiring power and control that neither was willing to give up.

"You're not as bad of person as you think you are, Evelyn."

I wanted to believe that.

My heart ached with just how badly I wanted to believe that.

"I think I could be." I raised my hand to silence Sebastian the moment his lips parted in protest. My heartrate increased as I felt his eyes watch my closely, and I felt myself gently stepping away to place some distance between us.

"I think Jack wasn't so far off when he said I would be the death of the Kings."

"Jack was wrong." Sebastian's tone left little room for argument, but it wasn't in my nature to be obedient.

"Sebastian, I lost my mind. Not just when I was trapped with Harmon and his men, but after it all too." It was like I was trying to plead with him, to beg him to understand how my psychological state had become so damaged during that time.

"I used to fear vulnerability more than anything in the world. But the the reality of it is, no matter how hard I have tried to push others, specifically you, away, I find myself desperate to pull you back in."

"But every time I want to pull you back, to right whatever wrongs I have done, I am downright petrified." My voice wavered and I could feel the emotion rise in my chest.

"When I sat in that hospital, hoping and praying you'd come, and you didn't—" I paused, trying to collect myself. "It broke me."

He took a step forward, and I quickly took a step back, wiping the tear that had escaped before looking away. My movement caused him to freeze to his spot, allowing me to create more distance between us.

"You know what really scares me? Even more than vulnerability?" The small smile I attempted to wear dipped into a frown as the emotion got the best of me.

"Abandonment."

"Evelyn," Sebastian's voice sounded so soft, and the pained expression he wore made my eyes fill faster with fresh tears.

"I am scared that one day you're all going to wake up and realize that I am not worth the trouble I cause."

My voice broke. I knew it would. This thought alone had been the source of the constant pain I had felt for months.

"And when I was in that hospital, that is exactly what I felt like happened."

My hands were shaking as I attempted to rid my face of tears.

"I will never be able to give you the apology you deserve for that." Sebastian said quietly, his eyes trained to mine. I saw the regret and sadness in them.

He hadn't moved from his position, but I could tell he wanted to. I could feel myself calming down slightly, the pain still in my chest after I exposed the thought that had haunted me all this time.

"You did what you had to do for the Kings." I finally said, sounding almost indifferent. "I get what you did and why you did it. It's your gang and it's important—"

"But you're more important," Sebastian said, taking another step towards me. "And I know I have a fucked way of showing it, but my god, Evie, you are."

"What if Jack was right?" I countered.

"I told you, that bastard was wrong." The finality in his tone almost made me want to just shut up and accept that he was right.

But god forbid I did that.

"But what if I do end up doing something that puts the Kings in jeopardy? It wouldn't be the first time," I reminded him. "What if the gang can't handle it this time around?"

"Then the Kings would be done." Sebastian stated, as if it was as simple as that.

"How can you say that? You built the Kings. You can't pretend it is nothing, or even something you can just throw away." My voice had risen, and I looked at Sebastian in shock over what felt like such a thoughtless statement.

"Why are you trying to convince me that you're a problem? That you're something I need to get rid of?" Sebastian's eyes were narrowed at me, and I instinctively took a step back from him.

"I'm giving you an out." I stated. "I don't want you to feel like you need to choose me because you feel bad about everything that has happened. If Jack—"

I couldn't finish my sentence, because it had been the last straw for Sebastian.

"Enough about Jack! I couldn't give a fuck about what he or anyone else is saying!" Sebastian's voice echoed throughout the room, and the intensity in his stare made me shut up completely.

"I am Sebastian King. I built this goddamn gang, I can very well tear it down if I want to, and I am telling you that you that the Kings are not more important to me than you are." He was now only a few feet away, and his mere physical presence caused my heart to race and my cheeks to redden.

"You are worth the trouble you cause, and so much more." Sebastian said softly, moving closer to me. "And believe me, if it has to come down to you or the Kings, it will always be you."

He was now only a few inches away, and my heart rate accelerated in response.

"Sebastian," I said quietly, my hands now reaching out to grip his arms, stopping him from moving closer to me.

He looked down before bringing his dark eyes back up to meet mine.

"Don't make promises you can't keep."

I had said this to him before, but this time I was begging.

I was not sure I would be able to survive if this was broken.

"I plan on proving this to you, no matter how long it takes." He quietly, his eyes travelling over my face before settling on my eyes.

It was then that my eyes dropped down to my hands, which held him from getting any closer.

My whole life I had pushed people away, until it became something that was easy to do. But it was different with Sebastian. Everything was different with him.

"I find myself desperate to pull you back in."

My fingers gripped his arms tighter, and my eyes flickered to his lips before landing on his eyes.

I gave in, and did just that.

+++++

Present Day – Third POV

Callum and Sebastian were sparring on one side of the gym, while Danny blatantly watched Emily as she ran on the treadmill.

Evie scoffed at the sight, despite the small smile that formed over the sight of them. It had been clear that they had grown closer over the last few months, and she was happy to see Danny invested in someone, rather than worrying about her or the gang.

She felt someone approach her, and turned her head, catching the eyes of Will.

He looked wearier than usual, and Evie's heart ached slightly at his appearance.

"I look bad," he said after a long moment of silence. "I know."

Evie gave a slight nod before lowering the weights from her hands, trying her best to remove the pitying look she knew was on her face.

"I'm sorry," Evie finally said, feeling defeated as Will stared blankly across the gym.

"Don't be. It isn't your fault that he made the choices he did."

Evie opened her mouth before letting it shut.

Nate and Will had been like brothers. They had practically grown up together, and she had considered them inseparable ever since she met them. Evie knew that while his absence affected them all, it had been the hardest on Will.

"Have you talked to him recently?" Evie finally asked, feeling anticipation grow inside her stomach as Will moved around her, placing his own weights down.

"Not much." Will responded with a shrug. "He's alive. He's apologetic. But that doesn't make it better—"

"Will," Evie said softly, "He didn't have much choice. He put his life, and the lives of his family members, on the line to help me."

Will just scowled in response, but Evie knew her response didn't fall on deaf ears.

She understood how he felt. It would take time before the betrayal passed.

Her eyes drifted back over to Sebastian, who was now taking a break. He barely looked like he had worked out, while Callum was practically leaning over the side of the ring panting.

Evie watched as Sebastian looked up and caught her eye, her face turning a light pink as he gave her a smile, one she returned with a small one of her own.

"You two seem to be doing better now," Will observed.

Evie pulled her eyes away from Sebastian, directing her attention back to Will.

"Well enough," she responded.

She thought back to their talk and the events that followed, trying to suppress the annoyance that immediately invaded her mind. She had told herself not to dwell on it and to let it go, but she had made no actual effort to do just that.

She was embarrassed that she had let it get to her because their talk had been good. 

She had finally said what she needed to.

Why couldn't she just be satisfied with that?

"That's good," Will said, looking genuinely happy for her. His words tore her away from her thoughts, and she was grateful for that.

"It's nice to see the old Evelyn back, but one that is actually happy."

Evie playfully rolled her eyes at his statement, knowing he was referencing her trademark moodiness.

"Yeah, yeah, happy Evie," she replied. "We'll see how long that lasts."

Will only smiled in response. While seeing him no longer look as miserable as he had been when they first started talking was a relief, Evie felt her real smile begin to slip.

Her words were meant to be lighthearted, but she could not help but feel apprehensive over her statement.

Danny's voice rang out, capturing everyone's attention. "Mason called. Some guy just showed up to the hospital will a bullet in his leg."

His expression was grim as he looked at Sebastian, who had a similar look on his face. 

"He's claiming to be a member of the Kings."

Evie let the smile drop.

There had been a reason why she had felt such trepidation.

Because more than anyone else, Evelyn Summers knew that all good things must come to an end.

+++++

"Mason, when I called you I was just trying to keep you in the loop." Elizabeth hissed, "It wasn't an invite for you and your gang to come marching into the hospital in the middle of the day."

Her wide eyes surveyed the figures behind him, cowering back slightly when her eyes met Evie's cold ones.

Why couldn't Danny have come instead? He was always nicer to Elizabeth than her.

She had hoped she could be cordial with Evie, but something told Elizabeth that Evie had no intention of warming up to her any time soon.

"You guys need to leave!" Elizabeth insisted for what felt like the tenth time. "I can't get in trouble for this."

"Will you stop freaking out?" Evie's voice caused Elizabeth to shut up, and she noticed the look Mason shot Evie who continued to look bored.

Even Sebastian seemed surprised by Evie's demeanor, but he did not waste time addressing it.

"Listen," he finally spoke, "The sooner we can talk to him, the sooner we can get out of your hair. You will not get into trouble."

Elizabeth's eyes darted between Sebastian and Mason, silently deliberating if she should just call security instead and remove them from the hospital. After a few moments, she decided to give in.

"Room 229." Elizabeth said quietly.

Just as Sebastian was about to walk past her, Elizabeth stopped him, giving him a warning look.

"If I hear anything coming from that room that sounds remotely like torture, I will call security."

Sebastian's dark eyes made her want to cringe back, but it was Evie who spoke next.

"Sebastian's not the one you should be worried about."

She shot them a smirk before gliding off in the direction of the room, moving too quickly for anyone to stop her.

Sebastian shook his head slightly before looking back to Elizabeth.

"I'll try my best."

Elizabeth watched as Sebastian walked off after Evie, before turning her attention to Mason. He had not moved from his spot, and he wore an unreadable expression on his face.

"You're going to make me lose my fucking job." Elizabeth muttered.

It was not so much that she was angry, but more so that she was incredibly anxious about the situation she had found herself in.

"You didn't have to call me, you know." Mason reminded her.

"But I did." She said softly.

"On the bright side," Mason said, now smiling mischievously, "If you do get fired, I work with this great group of people who usually need a doctor. I'm sure your skills would be greatly appreciated."

He shot her a wink before casually strolling off in the direction of the room, leaving Elizabeth standing in the hallway with her face a deep shade of red under the fluorescent lights.

+++++

I was scowling by the time Sebastian finally caught up to me, unable to shake the irritation that had come over me ever since we had been informed about the call.

Sebastian was watching me carefully, and with each passing second I could feel myself grow increasingly more annoyed.

"You could be nicer to Elizabeth."

I rolled my eyes, feeling exasperated.

"Are you seriously thinking about her right now?" I bit out. "Shouldn't you be more focused on the guy pretending he's part of the Kings? Or are your priorities out of order?"

I knew I was lashing out, but I felt like I couldn't stop myself.

It was like the phone call had ruined my inner peace that had been growing over the past ten days.

It was only a matter of time.

"Evelyn," his voice was low, and I could hear the irritation. "I do have my priorities in order actually. But if I'm going to send you in that room right now to talk to that man, I am going to need you to calm down and fucking get it together."

Mason had finally joined us, but I noticed he backed away slightly when he sensed the tension that had filled the hallway.

"What?" I asked, my irritation was replaced by confusion.

It was now Sebastian's turn to roll his eyes.

"I'm not going to just storm in there myself. If he knows anything at all about the Kings, he will recognize me and he likely won't say a word about why he is really here."

"And he won't recognize me?" The uncertainty was evident in my tone. "Why would he tell me anything?"

"He will recognize you," Sebastian said slowly, "But if I am not mistaken, it is quite literally your job to bait people into getting comfortable around you and talking to you."

Sebastian did not offer me the chance to even come up with a response before he spoke again.

"See what you can get him to say. We will be right outside this room if you need anything. I just want you to talk to him."

I hesitated for a moment, before nodding my head. Mason had now moved closer to where we were standing.

"Remember, Ev." There was amusement in his tone but warning in his eyes as he spoke. "No torturing the poor lad. Wouldn't want to upset Dr. James."

The scowl was back on my face, but Mason's expression didn't falter.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to face the door.

I can do this.

And then I entered the room.

My expression was stony as I observed the man lying on the bed, one of his legs wrapped in bandages while an IV protruded from one of his hands. The soft beeping of machines was the only sound to be heard and had clearly lulled him into a sleep that my entrance had not disturbed.

He looked relatively young. His exposed extremities were decorated with poorly done tattoos, which I would have otherwise overlooked had it not been for the one on his neck—a dark crown that seemed to stand out amongst the others.

The symbol of the Kings.

For a fleeting moment, I felt the urge to leave the room and go to Sebastian. My gut was telling me something was off, and for some reason that thought almost sent me running.

Don't you fucking dare, I told myself.

You are Evelyn Claire Summers.

With one last deep breath, I allowed my lips to twist into my trademark smirk.

"Wakey, wakey," I sang out, my tone sickeningly sweet.

Showtime.

My smirk deepened when his eyes shot open, zeroing in on me as I slowly approached the side of his bed. I purposefully took my time with each step, allowing him to try to orient himself.

"Who are—"

"No, no," I cut him off, waving my hand casually as if I was talking to a friend. "You don't get to ask the questions here. I do."

His eyes flickered to the door and then back to myself, and I had to stifle a laugh at the thought of him trying to make a run for it, only to run quite literally into the arms of Sebastian King himself.

"Besides," I interrupted his escape plan, "I think you know exactly who I am."

I watched as his nervous eyes met mine.

"No, I don't."

Lie.

"Well, that's alright," I said with a smile that did not reach my eyes. "You'll know soon enough."

I sat down on the side of the bed, suppressing a laugh as he flinched away from me.

"Word on the street is that you've come in with a bullet in your leg, and have told everyone you're a member of the Kings."

His eyes seemed to go everywhere except mine.

"I am."

I couldn't resist the laugh that escaped my lips and lifted my hand to gently pat his arm closest to me.

"Is that so?" I asked, keeping my hand on his arm.

"I have the ink."

He seemed to be becoming more confident in the moment, for reasons I could not understand. If he had even half a brain cell, he should have known the gig was up.

"Was that really your grand plan?" I asked. "Get a tattoo, which was done horrifically if I may add, and try to convince the Kings you're one of theirs?"

His face had contorted with anger over my words, and I could tell he was losing his cool. His short temper was definitely going to be his Achilles heel, and this was going to be something I had to exploit.

"The plan wasn't to convince the Kings," he spat out, "It was to convince others. And it worked because now you're here."

He seemed smug despite the anger in his eyes.

"So, you do know who I am," I said with a smirk.

He rolled his eyes and shifted so that he was sitting more upright.

"Obviously."

We held each other's stares for a moment before I nodded thoughtfully.

"What is the plan now that I am here?"

He scoffed at me, clearly unhappy with my question.

"Oh, I understand now," I said, leaning in closer. "You put a bullet in your leg and lied to medical staff about being a big bad gang member—all so you could meet me!"

I let out a laugh as his expression turned to one of shock, and then pure anger.

"Don't get upset," I told him, still continuing to laugh. "I am really flattered."

"Get over yourself," he snarled, shifting aggressively on the bed so that he could face me better. "You couldn't be more wrong."

"Prove it," I challenged him. "Tell me why you're really here."

He was clearly flustered, and the monitors were now indicating his heartrate and blood pressure were far higher than their normal values.

I had to get him to crack.

"Fine then." I said with a shrug. "I'll be off then."

He spoke as soon as my feet touched down on the tiled floor.

"They sent me here to warn you."

I paused, my back still to him.

"They?" I turned slowly, maintaining a bored expression. 

Those words would have usually elicited some kind of anxiety in me, but the slight shake in his voice made me believe he was bluffing. 

"Did you really think that the sudden absence of gang related activity was not at all suspicious?" He now looked excited, as if he was saying things I had not already considered.

"It's only a matter of time, Evelyn."

His words struck a nerve.

I jerked forwards and leaned over him, forcing him to lay back onto his pillows. He grimaced at the sudden movement, and I glanced down at his injured leg.

"Tell me who you're working for."

He barked out a laugh, shaking his head as he did so.

"Oh no, is someone scared?"

"Tell me."

He merely rolled his eyes, clearly no longer threatened by me.

"What does Sebastian see in you?" He suddenly asked. "Why does he even keep you around?"

My expression did not falter.

"I mean it was too easy to get under your skin right now." His choice to continue speaking was a poor one, as my patience was wearing thinner by the second. "It is so obvious that you are scared of being attacked again."

I stared back at him, thousands of thoughts passing through my mind as I tried to figure it out.

"You don't work for anyone, do you?"

His smug smile slipped slightly.

"Of course I do—"

"No you don't." I cut him off. "I'm willing to bet you've always had this shitty fucking crown on the side of your neck, and for some fucking reason, you made a very stupid decision to try to put it to use."

I could feel the triumph swell in my chest as his eyes widened at my words, and he continued to remain silent.

That had been a complete shot in the dark, but somehow, I had hit my target. 

"It seems like I am getting somewhere with this, aren't I?" I was barely able to suppress the smile on my lips. "You're probably some nobody who has always wanted to be in a gang, and when everything quieted down you thought you had your shot."

A glare was the only response I received, and I could see his hands forming fists by his side.

"Well, you do deserve some credit," I said eventually. "You did manage to get the attention of the Kings with the little stunt you pulled. I mean, people are always trying to do crazy things, but not many are willing to shoot themselves to do it."

I moved back closer to the bed, a smirk gracing my lips as he glared at me with a murderous expression.

His silence was my confirmation.

"How did your fifteen minutes of fame feel?"

His hands twitched, and I half expected him to attempt to at least get a hit in. Surprisingly, he remained in the bed, unmoving.

"You're not as stupid as you look." He finally said.

I don't fucking look stupid? 

I bit my tongue, refusing to react to his comment. 

"But you do know that to some extent I am right." He said stiffly. "People are talking about what is going on. No one thinks this break from violence and crime will last, and you and your gang would be awfully naïve to think that suddenly order has been restored, and the Kings are back to being the most feared gang."

"Once people hear that some guy off the street managed to give the mighty Kings a scare, it will only be a matter of time before you get the hell you deserve."

I watched him carefully, absorbing the hatred and borderline deranged look in his eyes.

"You really shouldn't threaten the Kings," I whispered, my expression malicious. "But more importantly, you shouldn't threaten me."

His screams were deafening as I dug my fingers into his bandage, blindly prodding his wounded leg.

"To answer your question before," I spoke over his screams, smirking as he writhed in pain. "Sebastian keeps me around because I get things done."

I didn't hear the door open because of how loudly he was screaming, but in a matter of seconds I was being yanked away from his flailing body.

Sebastian's expression was lethal as he glared down at me while Mason held down the man, forcing him to stay silent as blood stained his once clean bandage.

"What did I fucking tell you?" Sebastian's voice was low, barely restraining against the anger that was evident in his tone.

I glanced back at the man, offering a small shrug.

"Oops."

+++++

Sebastian stared at Evie from across the lounge that they had been forced into by a frantic Elizabeth.

She refused to meet his eyes, feeling that the action would trigger him to yell at her.

"What were you thinking?" Mason sounded like he was ready to explode.

"He's going to be fine," Evie said defensively. "Besides, I got him to talk, so—"

"Evie, you need to stop being so fucking impulsive." Mason cut her off, his expression annoyed. "If you had gotten him to talk you should have left as soon as it was over, not cause a bloody mess for Elizabeth, and everyone else, to clean up."

Evie felt a twinge of guilt at his words, knowing that he was right. Sebastian had made some threats to the man in order to ensure Elizabeth would not be dragged further into this. Although Evie knew this was not necessary—no one would be willing to go after Elizabeth if they knew the Kings were working with her—she knew it had added unnecessary stress.

"Mason, enough." Sebastian's voice cut through the silence. "Evie is right. He will be fine, and you know Elizabeth will be too. Don't blow this out of proportion."

Evie's eyebrows furrowed in shock.

Sebastian coming to her defense was the last thing she had expected, especially after the way he had initially reacted.

She expected Mason to retaliate, but he had fallen silent at Sebastian's orders.

Evie chewed the inside of her cheek as Sebastian approached her, positioning himself so that she had no choice but to look into his eyes.

"Talk to me," he insisted. "Just tell me what he said."

It took her a moment to recollect herself before she spoke.

"It was a trap."

Sebastian gritted his teeth as Evie explained how the man had concocted a plan to convince the Kings they were under attack. Sebastian wasn't naïve. He had no intention of lowering his guard due to the lack of other gang activity. He knew it wouldn't be long before something happened, but he had not expected some lowlife off the street who happened to have a crown tattoo and very few brain cells to be the disruption to the peace he had been enjoying.

"He said he was going to spread word about what happened today," Evie had now recovered, her eyes traveling to Mason's. "It was a pathetic threat but I still acted on it."

She took a side step away from Sebastian so that she could look more clearly at Mason.

"You're right, I did act impulsively. As much as I am ashamed to admit this, his words did get under my skin and I lashed out." She paused. "But I'd do it again."

Her eyes flickered back to Sebastian.

"I can't just sit back and let someone speak about the Kings as if we are just something to fuck with. It is not in my nature to do that. You know that," she gave Mason a pointed stare. "So I hurt him a little, okay? It's better I do that than let him eventually leave here without any consequences, and start spreading shit about our gang and potentially inspiring others."

"Did you really think he was that big of a threat?" Mason asked, genuinely wondering if this man could have caused the potential destruction he had threatened them with.

"I wasn't going to take any chances." Evie stated. "We already let Jack and his men walk free, and I was not going to let him get out of this without some kind of consequence." 

She had a point, both Sebastian and Mason knew that.

"I'd rather be safe than sorry. I did what I had to do, and you may disagree with it but I was the one in the room, not you."

Mason stared at her in response, only offering her a slight nod of his head to indicate he understood. Sebastian, on the other hand, had an indecipherable expression on his face.

She stood her ground, he thought to himself, feeling a sense of pride in how well Evie handled herself with Mason.

Elizabeth entered the room before anyone else could respond, her expression one of caution as her eyes surveyed the room.

"He'll be fine," she said. "He won't say a word about what happened. Besides, nobody is willing to vouch for him that members from the Kings were here—especially since it's you three."

Mason looked relieved at the sight of Elizabeth, and his stony expression relaxed into one more characteristic to him.

"Thank you."

Evie's words surprised Elizabeth, and while they were not an apology, Elizabeth was grateful she had acknowledged her.

"You're welcome."

Sebastian seemed to finally snap out of his trance, and he turned to Mason.

"We should let the rest of the guys know what happened. They're going to want to be updated, even though it has all been handled."

Mason nodded in agreement, and was about to suggest that they leave, when Evie spoke up.

"I am sure a phone call or a text will suffice," she said, as if she had read Mason's mind. "I would like to speak to Elizabeth, if that's alright."

She did not spare Elizabeth a glance as she said this, and her expression turned to one of annoyance when Sebastian and Mason exchanged looks.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine." Evie was smirking as she continued, "I've already gotten my fill for torture today."

+++++

How Elizabeth James ended up sitting in the hospital's cafeteria with Evelyn Summers was beyond her.

So much for going under the radar, she thought to herself, as people sent wide eyed stares their way.

Evie seemed unbothered by the attention, and merely stared at Elizabeth who was now awkwardly breaking apart the cookie she had grabbed.

Oh how I wish one of my patients would code.

"I know I haven't been very friendly to you." Evie finally said, stating an obvious fact.

"It's okay—"

"I don't trust you." Evie cut off Elizabeth bluntly. It was evident that she did not care to hear Elizabeth's perspective on how she treated her. "I know you've done a lot for the gang, especially for Mason and even myself, but the reality is that I do not trust you and I do not like the way you are getting so close to Mason."

Elizabeth's mind raced as she tried to formulate an adequate response, but she had been caught off guard by Evie's tone.

It was protective.

"I'm sure you already know that I am basically the one to blame for Mason ending up in critical condition," Evie continued. "And while that man pisses me off quite often, to the point where I am tempted to stab him myself, he is like family to me."

"Evie, I understand why you're protective of Mason, but why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because for some reason, I have a feeling I am going to be seeing you more often. If that is the case, then I want you to know why I am acting the way I am."

Elizabeth nodded slowly, nibbling on part of her cookie before attempting to smile at Evie.

"Transparency is good."

Evie immediately rolled her eyes.

"Don't play therapist with me, Lizzy."

Elizabeth scowled at the nickname Evie had branded her with. It seemed she would only use it when she wanted to annoy or mock her, and so far it did manage to have an effect.

Elizabeth's expression softened when she sound the light tinge of pink appear on Evie's cheeks.

"I'm," Evie waved her hand nonchalantly, "trying to work on myself or whatever."

Elizabeth could not help but feel amused at the shy expression on the usually stoic Evelyn Summers' face.

"Evie, that's really good—"

"Oh fuck off," she said, her eyes set to a glare. "I'm not going to turn into some angel so don't hold your breath."

Elizabeth only smiled, not at all offended by Evie's comment.

The two sat in a slightly less uncomfortable silence before Evie spoke again.

"I think I reacted the way I did to that man, because it felt like he was trying to disrupt the peace." Her confession was a quiet one. "I've been on edge ever since what happened to me, but these last few days have given me the chance to relax a little. And then this guy just shows up, ready to ruin everything."

Elizabeth tried to maintain a neutral expression as Evie spoke, knowing even the slightest change could cause her to shut off.

"Have you been having any PTSD?"

Elizabeth had seen Evie at her worst, right after she had been rescued. She watched as the young woman was tormented throughout her recovery—not only by the memories of what had happened to her, but also through the dismissive actions of the Kings.

"Only sometimes," Evie admitted. "It's a lot more manageable right now, but I think that's because we haven't had much to deal with."

Elizabeth nodded, her expression one of sympathy.

"It's understandable that you would want to get rid of anything in your life that could be a threat to the security you are feeling."

Elizabeth's heart beat faster in her chest when Evie's eyes locked with hers. Her expression was now stony, and Elizabeth knew Evie was no longer willing to discuss her psychological wellbeing.

"So you understand then? If you hurt Mason, or somehow do anything that would indicate that you are becoming a threat to this gang," her icy eyes sent chills down Elizabeth's spine. "I will get rid of you."

If Elizabeth hadn't known anything about Evelyn Summers, she wouldn't have felt nearly as threatened by what had been said.

But she did.

"I would never—"

"We'll see." Her smile did not reach her eyes. "Thanks for the girl talk, Lizzy. Can't wait to do it again." 

Elizabeth let go of a breath she had not realized she had been holding as Evie stood up abruptly, and exited the cafeteria.

"I have a feeling I am going to be seeing you more often."

Elizabeth felt overwhelmed by everything that happened that day, and even more so over her now blatant involvement with the Kings, specifically because of Mason.

She could only hope it was worth it.

If her involvement alone was not enough of a threat against her life, Evelyn Summers certainly was.

+++++

I watched as Sebastian paced around in the lounge, still speaking on the phone to who I assumed was either Danny or Callum.

Mason exited the room as soon as I arrived, his eyes scanning my body as though he was inspecting me for blood, or any other indicators that Elizabeth had been harmed.

"She's fine," I snapped, holding up my clean hands as if I was showing proof. "I did not touch your precious doctor."

Mason shot me an annoyed look before he seemed to relax.

"You two seemed to have kissed and made up," Mason commented. "I was half expecting Sebastian to have another go at me for getting upset with you after you left."

A smirk had formed on his lips, but it was soon gone when he realized the annoyed expression I now wore.

"Something like that."

I was being plagued with the same thoughts that had invaded my mind when I had spoken to Will earlier.

"What does that mean?" Mason pressed, looking at me with confusion.

"I told him everything. He listened. It was a good talk." My response was short, a weak attempt to get Mason to drop the subject.

It evidently had the opposite effect.

"Then why are you annoyed?"

"I'm not."

"Yes, you are." Mason's tone indicated he wasn't willing to accept my denial. "If you two talked, what else was there to do?"

My mind wandered briefly, causing me to relive the memory of his hands on my body.

I could not believe I was letting what happened get the best of me.

"Mason, will you just drop it?" I asked, unable to contain my irritation.

"Well it is kind of hard to, especially when you're obviously frustrated over something."

You could say that again.

I did not even realize I had reacted to his words, until I saw his eyes widen slightly, a grin now forming on his lips.

It was as though a lightbulb went off in Mason's head.

"You guys kissed."

I rolled my eyes, despite my face becoming increasingly warmer. I was actively trying to take deep breaths to calm myself, in hopes my face would stop turning into a tomato.

"Drop it."

His grin widened.

"You wanted to do more than just kiss."

Clearly transparency was not as great as everyone seemed to think it was—because Mason was reading me like a book.

I didn't want to go for the bait, but I wanted him to shut up.

"And what makes you think we didn't?" I countered.

Mason audibly laughed at this, causing those passing by to stare in surprise.

"Because you wouldn't be so," he paused, wiggling his eyebrows, "frustrated, if you had."

I ignored his statement, my heartrate speeding up as Sebastian hung up the phone and started to make his way to the door.

And to think I felt the need to threaten Elizabeth over this boy, when not even fifteen minutes later I was ready to kill him myself.

"Evie, all you have to do is tell him, and Sebastian would happily fu—"

"Mason Walker if you finish that sentence, I will make you regret the day you were born."

The timing was impeccable.

We both fell silent as Sebastian stepped out into the hallway, his brows slightly furrowed as he took in my disheveled state and Mason's amused expression.

"Everything alright?"

I could only manage a stiff nod, while Mason laughed lightly.

"Of course," he responded, "just been winding up dear little Evie."

Sebastian's eyes flickered back to me, as I struggled resisting the urge to hit Mason, who was having far too much fun for his own good.

"Poor girl just needs a release."

My hand collided with the back of his head.

+++++

Evie had been silent in the car ride back to the house, and only threw occasional glares at Mason, who had been laughing to himself the whole time.

Sebastian had followed her as she went upstairs, and waited as she showered, trying to put together what was causing her behavior. 

He now watched as she towel dried her hair, looking just about everywhere else except at him.

"Are you okay?" Sebastian finally asked, unable to handle the silence for much longer. It did not go unnoticed how Evie practically bristled in response before nodding her head stiffly, refusing to actually say anything to him.

He watched as she practically stomped into the bathroom, before reappearing only seconds later, her arms tightly crossed over her chest.

As much as she wanted to listen to the voice inside her telling her to let it go, she knew she could not. So she chose to ask the question that had been playing on a loop in her mind since they had talked.

"Why didn't you want to have sex with me?"

Sebastian's eyebrows shot up as he was genuinely surprised by the words that left her mouth.

"What?"

"After our talk," Evie's tone was sharp, and he could see she was pissed off.

Sebastian hesitated, unsure of how to continue. He had replayed that talk, and the following events, repeatedly in his head.

She had pulled him in, bringing his face close to hers.

Sebastian didn't hesitate to meet her lips, his arms snaking around her waist and bringing her flush against his body.

She was like a breath of fresh air.

Sebastian had forgotten how well their bodies fit together, and suppressed a smile as she tugged on his shirt, silently telling him to take it off.

But it ended before it could escalate further. He could feel Evie's disappointed eyes following him as he went to his desk to answer his ringing phone.

He was practically holding his breath fixed her hair and adjusted her clothes. Her lips were swollen and her eyes were glossy, and it took everything in Sebastian's power to not hang up the phone right there and finish what had been started.

But he didn't, and she left the room.

"Evie, you had just told me about everything you had gone through," Sebastian spoke slowly, as though he was carefully choosing his words. "I understand that you're mad, but it didn't feel like the right time."

She scowled at his words before rolling her eyes.

"A right time?" She repeated.

"You're upset—"

"For the love of god, Sebastian!" Evie interrupted, her voice raising. "Do I have to spell it out for you? I am fucking horny, okay? And when we didn't have sex that day I was fine with that, or at least that's what I told myself, but then you proceeded to not even address it afterwards. If you genuinely did not want to, that is completely acceptable, but I feel like you held back because you think I am too fragile."

She felt only slightly relieved that she was able to get it all off her chest.

"You're horny?"

Of course that was his takeaway.

Sebastian was staring at Evie with such surprise, which only worsened the anger and frustration she felt.

"Yes." Her chest was rising and falling rather quickly. "And I'm mad."

"Horny and mad," Sebastian repeated, a small smile forming. "That's a dangerous combination."

The smile, paired with how slowly he seemed to be processing her very clear statements, caused Evie to snap.

"Sebastian King stop fucking mocking me." Her icy cold glare was a force to be reckoned with, and Sebastian knew he was on thin ice with her.

"I am not mocking you," he finally said. "But Evie you have to understand, after everything you went through I was worried I could hurt you."

A mix between a scream and a laugh left Evie's lips, and she dragged her hands through her hair.

"Stop treating me like I am fragile!"

"Oh so now I'm a bad guy because I was trying to be thoughtful?" Sebastian snapped back, his unusually calm demeanor slipping.

"Oh please Sebastian," Evie retorted, her face flushed with annoyance. "That is such a cop out and don't deny it. Just admit that you don't want to have sex with me instead of making some bullshit excuse about not wanting to hurt me and complaining that it's a crime to be thoughtful. Do you actually expect me to believe you suddenly became Prince Charming?"

Sebastian moved faster than Evie could process and was towering over her in an instant. His eyes narrowed as he restrained himself from pinning her to the wall and taking her right there.

This woman drove him insane.

"Evelyn Summers, you're an idiot if you think I don't want to have sex with you." His voice was low, almost threatening.

Sebastian's heart was pounding in his chest as he cupped Evie's face in his hands, tilting her head so that she was forced to look into his eyes.

"You're an even bigger idiot if you think I don't know you well enough to know you wouldn't want me to be gentle."

Sebastian held in a groan as a small pout formed on Evie's lips, disappointment gracing her features before being replaced by a dark and lustful gaze.

"Then don't."

Her words were soft, but they echoed through Sebastian's head.

She hadn't been wrong. He had been treating her as if she were fragile. It was why he took the phone call that day, and it was why he had been so quick to intervene when things became physical between Evie and that lowlife in the hospital today.

He didn't care about what Elizabeth had said about torturing the man. He cared about Evie getting hurt again.

There was still a part of him, albeit now miniscule, that could have made up an excuse as to why this was a bad idea.

But a far larger part of him told him otherwise. With her body pressed against his, and the throbbing that had been going on for far too long down below, Sebastian decided to give in to what he really wanted.

Her.

Keeping one hand on the side of her face, now more firmly gripping her, he slid his other hand into her hair, smirking as her lips parted in confusion.

Without warning, he gave her hair a sharp tug, pulling her head back and bringing her lips closer to his.

A soft cry of surprise left her lips at his action, and her bright blue eyes had widened in response.

"Be careful what you wish for, my sweet Evie."

+++++

~Kind of Mature~ content ahead!

"Be careful what you wish for, my sweet Evie."

His lips descended on mine before I could react. And frankly, before my mind could even process what was happened, my body was already responding.

I had not expected to be so bold when we had gotten back. But Mason's taunting had only added more fuel to the wildfire that had been raging within me, and I could no longer hold it in.

A smile crossed my lips as Sebastian's hands gripped the backs of my thighs, lifting me so that my legs were now tightly wrapped around him.

A moan left my lips when I felt him rub against me, causing him to do it again but harder as he pushed me into the wall.

His lips broke away from mine, and I found myself removing the large shirt I had been wearing, shivering as the cold air hit my skin.

He made use of his hand and mouth, causing me to cry out as he nibbled, kissed, and played with my exposed flesh.

My legs tightened around him further as he suddenly backed away from the wall, carrying me over to the bed.

Anticipation swirled in the pit of my stomach, and a soft gasp escaped me as he practically threw me onto the bed.

He exuded control, and to my surprise, I found myself happily conceding.

I bit my lip as he removed his shirt and swiftly dropped the sweatpants he had been wearing.

I nearly had a heart attack at the sight of his naked body. My skin feeling as though it were on fire as he stroke himself in front of me, unbothered by the fact I was shamelessly watching his actions.

He moved slowly, dropping down to the bed until he was hovering above my hips, his fingers trailing over the waistband of my underwear.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked, his fingers hooking under the band.

"Yes."

My voice sounded breathless, which was a pretty accurate portrayal of how I felt in the moment.

A whimper escaped my lips as he began to pull the fabric down, tantalizingly slowly. His dark eyes were trained on me as I squirmed underneath him, silently begging him to move faster.

He pressed a kiss to my hip, and finally removed my underwear fully, throwing it off to the side.

I watched as he glanced down, a deep smirk forming on his lips before he seemed to say something to himself. I couldn't tell if he had only whispered it, or if the pounding of my heart had managed to drown him out.

"What did you say?" I managed to choke out, trying to sit up slightly to look at him better.

Sebastian pushed me gently back down before bringing his face to mine, the smirk still in place.

"I said," his hand cupped me, causing my hips to involuntarily thrust into his hand. "You're so wet for me,"

My face burned as his fingers danced around my entrance, but I managed to resist practically humping his hand again.

I fought to regain my bearings as he suddenly got up from the bed, making his way to the bedside table. My heart was still pounding as he put the condom on, my eyes now fully taking in his size.

"Get on your hands and knees."

My shocked eyes met Sebastian's before I reluctantly complied.

My eyes were trained to the headboard as he approached me from behind. The mattress dipped at his weight, and I was practically holding my breath in anticipation when a sound of surprise left my mouth as I was pushed down so that my chest lay flat against the mattress, while my hips remained lifted.

Sebastian's large hands spread my legs further apart before gripping my hips, holding me tightly.

"Are you—"

"Sebastian," my voice was weak, "please."

That was all it took.

A cry left my lips as he pulled my hips back while simultaneously thrusting forwards, entering me swiftly. I fisted the bedsheets under my hands as he began to move rhythmically causing my toes to curl at the sensation.

He had not been kidding when he said he was going to be anything but gentle.

I finally began to recover, and felt myself moving along with him as my own need to take control began to grow.

Sebastian let out a growled when I thrust back particularly hard, and immediately I felt his hand come into contact with my ass, before gave my hair a sharp pull, causing my head to lift as my back arched further.

How long we went at it, I do not know.

It was as though time had disappeared altogether.

Each passing minute, every different position, was like a battle between us.

Our sex was quite similar to the way we interacted.

It was intense, to say the least, but also passionate as we both fought for control.

There was something so invigorating about being with someone who you knew wouldn't give in to you.

His heavy breaths and my pants filled the room as I tightened my legs around him, pulling him closer into me with each thrust.

I felt him increase in speed, and instinctively knew he was close. His hand dropped down and I felt his fingers apply pressure to my clit, causing my breath to catch in my throat.

My eyes practically rolled to the back of my head as he moved in circular motions, grinding his hips down on me as I got closer to my own release.

It was as though he waited until I reached my climax before he allowed himself to finish, and I was more than grateful for that.

A smile graced my lips as we laid there, neither of us speaking as we fought to catch our breaths.

I didn't know how long I laid there before I turned to look at him, surprised when I caught his eye.

"Evelyn Summers, if you really are going to be the death of the Kings—"

He gave me a smile that left me breathless.

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

+++++

Evie stepped out of the bathroom, a smile ghosting her lips when her eyes landed on a shirtless Sebastian.

"Well?" He asked, his voice still low and gravelly. "How do you feel?"

Evie fought the urge to roll her eyes, knowing that while he was practically tempting her to admit she felt sore from the night before, he was also asking out of genuine concern. It was evident in his expression, although he tried to be nonchalant about it.

"Fine," she finally responded, "Never been better."

Sebastian nodded thoughtfully before smiling again, "Then you're ready for round two?"

Evie's eyes almost popped out of her head as he lowered the sweatpants he was wearing, smirking at her as he casually stepped out of them, causing her look up to the ceiling while her face burned a bright red.

"Why so shy now Evie?" Sebastian taunted her.

She could practically hear the laughter in his tone.

It took her a few moments to recover before she was able to stare back at him without allowing her eyes to drop down.

She held his dark brown, almost black eyes, in her icy blue gaze. Their stares challenged each other, daring the other to back down while knowing damn well neither would.

"Fine," Evie said, a smirk forming. "But you're doing all the work."

She tossed her towel to the side, and not so gracefully, flopped onto the bed, positioning herself to look up at him as she laid there shamelessly.

Sebastian suppressed a smile at the sight in front of him. Her eyes seemed brighter than usual, and he could see the smile forming on her lips as she looked at him.

She was beautiful.

Evie felt her cheeks tinge with pink when his eyes remained on her face, as if he was not even tempted to stare at her naked body.

He moved slowly and carefully, so that his body was positioned over hers. He felt the corners of his mouth lift as her chest began to rise and fall faster at their close proximity.

"I like this position," Sebastian said, unable to hide the grin on his face.

"I like this one better." Evie replied with a smirk.

Sebastian was caught off guard when Evie somehow twisted herself from underneath him, pushing him to the side, before climbing on top where she could straddle him.

Sebastian's hands rested gently on her hips, and Evie couldn't resist a smile of her own as she looked at his tussled hair and the boyish grin he wore.

In a manner completely uncharacteristic to Evelyn Summers, she lowered herself down and kissed Sebastian softly and slowly, catching him by surprise yet again.

One of his arms wrapped around her waist while the other slid up her back, his hand finding its way into her hair. It was as if they were embracing, an action that would have previously caused Evie to cringe and break away from—but now, it brought her comfort.

"You bring out the worst in each other, but at the same time, you bring out the best."

She felt safe in his arms.

This kind of safety was one that felt so foreign to Evie, for she had been denied it for so long. But she was learning to allow herself to accept the things that made her happy, even if she felt like she did not deserve them.

A gasp left her lips when Sebastian suddenly moved, repositioning them again so that he now hovered above her, her back flat on the bed. Evie found herself wanting to arch her back, to bring herself closer to Sebastian.

He looked at her with an expression that was almost unreadable. His eyes were dark and she could not help but stare at his lips, hoping they would be on hers again.

Evie felt her breath catch as he slid his hand gently up her side, capturing her gaze with his own.

She didn't know how long their little peace was going to last—how long they'd have have before they would be thrown back into the chaos that she had so desperately needed an escape from.

But she knew one thing for certain.

Evelyn Summers didn't want a Prince Charming when she could have a King.

+++++

Author's Note

I truly hope you all enjoyed! Please don't forget to vote/comment as well :) I try to read each comment so that I can see how you liked the update, and what I can improve on. 

Love and appreciate you all, xx.