"Tell me, brother, did you fall for her?"

Sebastian rolled his eyes, then took a sip of his whiskey. "I did not fall for anyone."

"Oh, really now?" Clarabelle sliced the chocolate cake with the spoon and put it in her mouth. "Damn, this cake is so good. Are you sure you don't want to try?"

"No. Also, I thought you want to get some advice from me?" He placed his glass on the table and leaned back, the back of his shirt rubbing against the leather of his chair.

"Nah, I would go to Maxon or Reed or Dex for that," answered her, clearly proving him to be right. Clarabelle would not go for his third older brother if she needed advice. That fact oddly did not bother him. There were eight of them and one did not just come to everyone for the advice. He himself would always go to Piers and when Piers was not around, he went to Thorton, their oldest.

"I know that already but I am still curious as to why you asked for me anyway. Thus why I came and now I have found the reason." He finished his whiskey and adjusted his tie. "I should go now that my curiosity is satisfied."

"Oh, no. You are not running away from me now," she caught his hand before he stood. "Do you love her, Jav?"

He gave her a look of boredom. "I do not love her, persistent little sister."

"Really?" Clarabelle lifted one brow. "Then why did you two get engaged?"

"If you must know, it was just an act to throw Mom off my back. She has been pressuring me to have a relationship. Something other than casual flings."

"Oh, wow. You went to that length to get away from Mom's pesterings, huh."

"Desperate times call for desperate measures." Sebastian shrugged his shoulders without care.

"Okay. You do not love her and it is just a ruse. So there is nothing between you two, right?"

"Precisely."

"Then are you okay if I set her up with Max?"

A frown formed on his forehead as he asked, "Max?"

"Maxon. Our brother. He is single and I think it is time for him to settle down with someone nice." She shrugged one shoulder, her eyes fixed on his. "I just happen to think that 'that someone' could be Andin."

"Mom does not like her," he reasoned.

"Maybe for now," said Clarabelle as she took the last bite of her chocolate cake and wiped her mouth with the napkin. "But I am sure if Maxon really likes her, he could reason with Mom. He could tell her how much he loves her and convinces her that Andin is the one for him. You know how our mother is. She believes in true love, mostly because she has found it with Dad. If Maxon convinces her that Andin is his true love, I am pretty sure Mom will be on board."

Sebastian suddenly felt the need to order another glass of whiskey. Or perhaps something stronger.

"You have not answered my question, Jav."

His jaw tightened. "What question?"

"Are you okay if I set her up on a date with Maxon?" reiterated her earlier question.

Sebastian did not say anything for a minute. His mind was filled with thoughts of Andin and Maxon. Would he be able to see them together? Would that be okay? He wanted her for himself. Fuck, he could not let them be together. But what could he say? They were not dating. There were no strings between them. He had absolutely no right to say no. Even when that was all he wanted to say.

"Sebastian? Brother?" Clarabelle's voice put his train of thoughts to a stop. "What do you say?"

He rose to his feet and looked her sister in the eye. "Do whatever you like, Sister. You do not need to ask my permission. The answer is in Miss Williams's hand."

* * * * * * *

It was a Tuesday morning when Andin woke up and was feeling extremely hungry. Carefully, she slid herself off the bed and walked her way to the kitchen. True to his promise, Monday evening after work, Sebastian had picked her up and brought her to his place. He surprised her when she walked to his garden to find a table had been set up there with candles and a vase of red roses. They had a really nice dinner followed by a bit of action in the bedroom. Andin bit her cheek to stop herself from smiling like an idiot.

She was just pouring herself a cup of coffee when she heard heels clicking on the marble floor. She looked up just in time to see Clarabelle Summers, Sebastian's little sister, walked in carrying what looked like a box of pastries and a small red purse.

Clarabelle stopped on her track and blinked. "Andin?"

"Yeah." Andin was not sure what to say so she simply greeted her, "Good morning."

"You are here." Clarabelle stepped forward and placed the box of pastries on the table and continued, "It is like six thirty in the morning."

Only when she had said that had Andin realized that she was only wearing Sebastian's shirt and her panties. "Um, yeah. I know this is a bit awkward but I, um, well, I have a thing with your brother."

"What a thing indeed." Clarabelle's brilliant blue eyes widened as she nodded her acknowledgment. "Look, I am not judging you or anything. I know you both are adults and this is not my place anyway." She pointed at the box on the table. "I just came to drop by these freshly baked croissants. My brother loves them and I might have said something that irritated him during our dinner on Sunday. I came to apologize."

"Oh. Okay. Do you want to wait for him?" asked Andin, feeling slightly odd about the whole situation. "He usually wakes up around eight."

"Yeah, I think I will just sit here a bit. I should have known, I am the only one in the family who wakes up early." Clarabelle opened the box and pushed the box slightly toward Andin. "Do you want some? This is really good and it will go well with your coffee."

"Sorry, where are my manners!" Andin patted her forehead with her palm. "Do you want anything to drink? Tea or coffee, perhaps?"

"Tea would be good." Clarabelle offered her a warm smile. "I am the only odd one out who does not drink coffee."

Right after Andin fixed her a cup of tea and Clarabelle poured a splash of milk into her cup, both women were sitting on the bar stools and enjoying the croissants and their drinks on the counter.

"Andin," said Clarabelle after finishing her croissant. "I think I did you a great disservice by simply judging you and labeling you without trying to get to know you. And truly, I am so sorry."

"That is okay." Andin shook her head. "I was humiliated that night but after that, I took a moment and realized that if I were you or any of Sebastian's family members, I would have thought the same thing if he suddenly introduced a stranger and claimed that she was his fiance."

Clarabelle let out a sigh. "Still though, I should not have been so judgy. My sincere apologies, Andin. I hope you can find it in you to forgive me."

"Do not worry about it, truly. All is forgiven."

"I know my mom has not been very welcoming to you and I feel that I should tell you what her deal is. she was not like this before. She had found true love with my father so she was a believer in true love. But then things happened with my brother's marriage and then, I am not sure if you know this, but Sebastian had his heart broken as well by a girl who claimed to be so in love with him but then fell into bed with one of my other brothers."

Andin took a sip of her coffee, then tilted her head. "Let me guess. Piers?"

Clarabelle looked shocked. Her blue eyes widened as she gasped. "Oh, wow! So my brother did tell you!"

"Not exactly. We happened to meet Piers back when we were in Sicily."

"Oh, shit!" Clarabelle bit her bottom lip and cringed. "That must have scarred you for life." When she noticed Andin looking every bit confused, she explained, "I mean seeing the two of them together. I imagined they would either throw punches or awkwardly quiet and ignored one another."

Andin laughed, shaking her head which caused her simple ponytail to bounce around. "Actually they hugged and talked and teased each other like they were old friends."

"They did?!" Clarabelle gasped for the third time that morning. "How did that happen?"

"It is a long story," answered Andin with a small smile.

"Well, you have to tell me nonetheless!"

* * * * * * * * *

It was rather odd waking up and finding yourself alone on the bed. It had not been weird previously, but now it was. And the only difference was Andin. It was her that made him feel so odd waking up alone. Previously he would not mind it. He was always alone since he had reached adulthood anyway. With his casual flings, he usually had gone before neither he nor the woman he had been with fell asleep. Perhaps it was a commitment issue or trust issue, whichever that had been, it was never an issue with Andin. If he was being honest to himself, it did make him wonder sometimes.

He knew that he liked her. He was certain he had made it very clear to her as well. He had given her three orgasms last night. He was being selfless and cared more about her pleasure rather than his own. Furthermore, he had never had to arrange a special dinner for any woman and yet he had even ordered the dish from the chef and picked the wine himself. She was someone special and if only he could convince her that. Then there was another problem, she only wanted him for sex and he had no idea for how long. He had never been in this position. Usually, he had been the one who would get bored, he had been the one who would end things. It was as if the position had been switched and now he was worried when this thing they had between them was going to last.

Then there was his sister's question the other night. Even though he had boldly said that it was all up to Andin, he had his doubts. What if she would choose Maxon rather than him? What if she got bored and decided that it might be best to end the relationship? He needed to do something to avoid that from ever happening. The only problem was he had no idea what that was and how.

He combed his fingers through his hair then wiped his face as he got up. He went to the bathroom. Once he washed his face and brushed his teeth, he put on a plain white shirt and a pair of gray training pants. He made his way downstairs and nearly stumbled backward when he caught sight of his sister and Andin having breakfast in the kitchen.

"Good morning," he greeted both of them as he approached them with caution. He wondered if Clarabelle had asked Andin whether she would like to have a date with Maxon. Then he ruled that possibility out as his gaze landed on Andin's robe because surely, his sister could not be that dense to ignore the obvious. She must have known that Andin had slept with him last night.

Judging by the look his sister was giving him right now, he knew he was on point. "Morning, brother. I brought you some freshly baked croissants. Your favorite."

"Should I be worried?" asked Sebastian as he pulled open the drawer and picked up an empty cup. He placed it on the counter and poured himself a cup of black coffee.

"Worried, why?" Her sister frowned. She tossed her hair to one side. "It is still your favorite food for breakfast, is it not?"

"Yes," he answered then took a sip of his coffee. "I was referring to you coming here bearing gifts. You must have motives and I am trying to figure out what it is."

Clarabelle laughed, there was no shame in her expression upon being caught in action. "This is why you are my smartest brother. I wanted to apologize for what I said during dinner. But," she spared Andin one look before moving her gaze back to him, "I see that it is no longer an issue."

"Do you guys need some time to talk in private?" Andin finished her cup of tea and put it on the sink. "I can go upstairs and get ready for work."

"That would be lovely," replied Sebastian with a smile. When she walked past him, he caught her waist and pulled her against his side. His lips captured her in a kiss that left her breathless. "Good morning. I was rather worried when I woke up and saw you were not there," he whispered huskily, his voice was low so only she could hear him.

He saw her cheeks slowly turn red and kissed her forehead. "I will see you in a bit."

Andin gave him a nod and he let her go. Once she was gone, he turned to his sister.

"You know you did not have to do that, Jav." Clarabelle rolled her eyes. "I get it. You both finally made it official. I will not set her up with Maxon."

"I am not sure I know what you are talking about," he grabbed one croissant out of the box and gave it a good bite. "Also, which part are you apologizing for?"

She sighed. "Sometimes it is tiring to talk to you because you do not want to admit it in the open. Just be blunt about it, brother, we are family. You do not need to hide anything from me. Also, I meant for the part where I said that I would go for Max or Dex or Reed whenever I needed advice. I realized that it was kinda harsh."

"It is fine. I do not think that even worth an apology."

"No. Look, I just want you to know that I do value you and your advice or opinion. You are one of the smartest people I know and of course, I will also go to you for advice."

"Clarabelle, it is fine. Truly." When she did not seem convinced, he added, "People have preferences even among siblings. I always go to Piers or Tony for advice."

"Yeah, but it is because they are your big brothers. Well, you are mine. Being the youngest, I should not be so picky. I should be grateful that I have seven brothers I could ask for advice." She let out a deep sigh and toyed with her mug. "It is just that—" she took a calming breath and finally lifted her gaze and looked him in the eye, "Tony, being the oldest, always chastised me if I told him about something. Perhaps that is why his name is Thornton because he is such a thorn in the ass. For Piers, well, he is all the way in Italy and he prefers being alone. He is not exactly the type to open up or listen. Draven is in god knows where and you, well, it is embarrassing to admit it but I did some silly stuff sometimes and as I said, you are one of the smartest people I know so I just assume that you would not understand."

"Perhaps I would not," he commented as he closed the gap between them. "I do not think I am supposed to understand you, Sister. But I will listen to you and offer you my advice." He put his hand on top of her head, then caressed her with brotherly affection. "Plus, I am not Thornton, I will not be a thorn in your ass. You can always come to me, Kiddo."

"If that is going to happen then you need to drop the nickname."

"Fine. Clarabelle then." He moved over to the other side and popped himself on the barstool.

"By the way, are you two going steady?" When he narrowed his eyes, she quickly added, "This goes both ways, brother. I open up to you and you open up to me."

"Fine." Sebastian heaved an exasperated sigh. "I am not even sure if Andin and I were in a relationship. She turned my offer down when I asked her to eat outside. She does not want anyone, especially her friends or people from the office to know that we are—fuck, I do not even know what to call this—that we are banging each other, I guess. It is not even dating. We're just having dinner and casually having sex."

"Really? Casual, huh?" His sister lifted her eyebrows and asked, "How often?"

"What?"

"How often did you guys, um—there is no easy way to say it—well, how often did you guys do it?"

"I am not talking about my sex life to my little sister. That is sick!"

"Duh." Clarabelle made a face. "I was not asking you to explain in detail. I was just asking how often you see each other and have it in, let's just say, a week?"

"And why on Earth should I tell you—out of all people?!"

"Because I am a girl. I know one or two about how a girl's mind works. I might be able to tell you what Tony or Piers does not even know."

"Seven."

She blinked. "What?"

"You asked how often we see each other in a week."

"Seven out of seven?!"

"Yes." He narrowed his eyes infinitesimally. His jaw tightened, he was not comfortable talking about this to his sister but perhaps she was right. Perhaps she could provide him answer from a female perspective.

"Okay, then what do you know about her?"

He leaned forward, frowning. "What do you mean?"

"Like, did she share with you some of her personal stuff? Maybe where she used to live when she was a kid or, I don't know, how she grew up? Her brother or sister or even her parents."

Sebastian recalled their talk a few weeks ago when they had been in Sicily. He had shared some personal stuff that he had never shared with anyone else. Then last night, she shared how growing up she had to move from city to city to avoid debt collectors. She had shared about her mom and their relationship with her aunt. "We did have a talk about our childhood and something sensitive that I will not disclose to you."

Her sister clapped her hand together and then covered her mouth. "Oh. My. God."

He could only stare at her, feeling confused. "What?"

"And you told her about Piers too." She shook her head, widely grinning like a kid in a candy store. "You both like each other."

He let go of the breath he did not realize he had been holding and gave her a look. "I already know that. I do not think I would have sex with someone I do not like and neither would she."

"No, I mean you as in you both have feelings for each other." Clarabelle jumped off her chair and walked over to give him a hug. "I am so happy for you, brother. And I can tell that she is a keeper."

"Clarabelle, you do not understand. She only wants me for sex and I—" He groaned out of frustration. "I do not know when she will end things with me. And it is driving me crazy."

"Oh, God! I think this might be even deeper than I thought."

"What is?" he asked, feeling even more frustrated.

"Your falling," she answered with another grin.

"What falling?"

"You fall for her, you idjit!" She tightened her hug and sighed.

"I did not fall—"

"Ssshh!" She placed her finger against his lips, silencing him which caused his frown to turn into a scowl. "I know you gave up on love since what happened with Aimee but, Brother, you have to give yourself another chance. This could be your chance to finally be happy. You know, to have what Mom and Dad had. Please do not be stupid and stubborn when it comes to this."