Sebastien

If anyone told me when I get back home I will find the real love of my life, I would have simply laughed. Never in my wildest daydreams, I would conjure up such beauty as my own. Standing over her, watching the first-morning sunlight stream through the window onto her messy red hair she was a vision. I couldn't resist taking a picture of her sleeping peacefully, naked under the sheets. Releasing a heavy sigh, I know I couldn't put off the inevitable I had to go to Dante. Face all of this head-on. Kneeling beside her in yesterday's suit and tired eyes, I gently caressed her cheek allowing my fingertips to brush over her pouty lips. With one finger I followed the curve of her pert nose then the curve of her jaw. Everything about her was delicate but the woman herself wasn't. My Becca was strong and resilient. She came into my life so suddenly full of questions, this personal goal to make me happy again. I just couldn't resist her and I'm glad not doing so. I smiled seeing a little smirk on her lips. Gently I placed a soft kiss on her cheek, grazing my lips across her soft skin to her lips. "I will be back soon sweetheart," I said against her lips.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, it was my cue to leave. Reluctantly I stood and turn away from her, "Tien?" I heard her sleepy voice call out to me.

"Go back to sleep baby."

"Be safe and I love you." she continued. It will never get old hearing her say that. "I love you too Becca."

The six-hour trip was a blessing in disguise; a hot shower and a good rest plus enough time to finalize some new deals. I decided to make the trip alone, with no one to remind me of what I'm about to do or anyone to disrupt my thinking. Getting the information I needed from Patrick was easy, he seemed highly bothered and worried about my old friend. This had me thinking, just what happened between Dante and Ronnie over the years. Looking out the window as my driver took me to his new home an inkling of worry was felt for him. After seeing and hearing about the real Veronica Hurst I tried to imagine the hell she probably put him through. I know he's now estranged from his family, the reports stated he wasn't working but his bank account had a substantial amount. His son was nearing four and was named Dane, haven't met either grandparent yet. That part was unacceptable. A child needs to know their family. Mitchell Tavolini, I recalled was a ball buster. Everything was to be done precisely and on time because making money was his top priority, it wasn't a surprise that he retaliated on his son after my father cut all ties with them. Going over what I've learned about him, the anger I've had for him for years somehow simmered down to a spark, now I was only feeling sympathy for the guy.

Taking in the beautiful scenery leading to Dante's new home had me making plans for the future with a certain redhead. The drive was a bit longer giving me some more time for a small nap.

"Mr. McRoy. We've arrived." my driver called out to me a while after. We were parked in front of a two-level villa, gated, and hearing the beach nearby I can tell the view was probably great. "Thank you. Pick me up in three hours." I returned looking at the residence.

"Very well."

Walking through the gate admiring the lush greenery and hearing the beach in the distance was comforting. Ringing the bell I took the time to actually admire the villa, Dante had a really great place to raise his son, pretty admirable of Maison. I was looking at the neighboring villas when the door opened, "How can I...." His words died when I turned around fully, his body became tense instantly. "Seb? W-what are you doing here? I mean.. wow." He was flustered and both of us knew why.

"Hey D. Long time no see."

"Uh yeah. No offense dude but why are you here? In San Diego to be exact. We didn't part ways on good terms." he said folding his arms looking me square in the eye.

"I know. I can explain. Can I come in?" I asked returning his stare.

"First. How did you find me?"

"Maison came to my office." I simply said noticing how he became relaxed but his eyes were focused on our surroundings. A tilt of his head gave me the okay to enter his home, hesitantly I walked past him admiring the open plan of the living area and the view of the beach. "Do you mind if I take a picture? Becca will love this view." I asked getting out my phone.

"Becca. The redhead you went to dinner with. Your girlfriend?" he inquired walking further into the house then turning toward the kitchen.

"Correct." Taking a few shots of the beach then sending them to Becca with a personal message. I was grinning like a schoolboy while texting.

"She's good for you. Never saw you this happy not even with... Ronnie."

My smile died by the mention of her name. "That's why I'm here." I began calmly following him into the kitchen. I stood by the entryway watching him move about the kitchen with much practice. A high seat was set up by the island, he placed a cartoon character plate before it before going to the fridge. The Dante I knew back then never stepped a foot in the kitchen, he preferred eating out or having our chefs fix us a meal.

Dante stayed in silence while he fixed what looked like a fruit salad. He got tense once more, his movement grew stiff. If my guess is right he was probably thinking of that day. "D. I didn't fly all the way here to rehash that day. I just want to get rid of her in my life by wanting to know what she has on you." I said calmly.

"Nothing. She has nothing." he grounded out his attention solely on what he was doing on the stove. Why the fuck is he lying? I wanted the truth from him and not a third party.

"Then why move?" I pressed. He released a sigh then ran his hand through his now long dark hair. "She wants our son to play you again."

I stayed silent waiting for him to go on. "She never wanted Dane. She signed away her parental rights when he was an hour old. She didn't even hold him. I thought... I thought she will want us to be a family you know. Since you called it quits but to her I wasn't worth it. It was you she wanted. It's like she's fucking obsessed."

"So I've heard. Maison told me everything though. You loved her truly when I thought I did." I said out loud idly walking around the kitchen.

"What do you mean you thought you did?" he asked genuinely interested. Dante folded his arms and leaned against the island. I did the same opposite of him, "Remember how my parents met?"

He nodded his head in response, his brows furrowed. "It's the same with Becca and I. I love her dude. She helped me a lot I just wish I can repay her. She did so much for me." Just thinking of her had me smiling.

"I'm glad that you're happy Seb. I'm sorry for everything. I shouldn't have listened to her and kept quiet." he commented. I can hear the sincerity in his voice from his apology, I guess that was needed because I felt somewhat lighter. "You loved her. If you did come and explain it all then all of this wouldn't be happening." I said gesturing to the house.

"That was one regret but I got a blessing out of it. A son who I love a lot. It still fucking hurts that she doesn't want him." Dante said laughing humorlessly but you can hear the underlying sadness.

I stood silently watching him work, in the mindset I expected us to go at it but found this way completely mature. Here we were in the same room talking about the women in our lives. I did miss my best friend, sad, that a woman had to destroy us. "I came also for your help. We know what she's up to, I need a copy of your son's birth certificate and the document stating she gave up parental rights. I know you don't want him mixed up shit and we both know she needs to be dealt with. What do you say?" I asked.

"I have a better idea."

Noticing the familiar glint in his eyes I knew I had my best friend back.

Becca

"Do you think it all will be ready for the weekend?"

"I'm sure of it. The delivery of new plates and linen has been confirmed for Thursday. The painters will be here in a few minutes and the designers tomorrow. I know how important this is for you. This relaunch will be great. I heard the good news of your back in business dinner last night. Just relax Marina." I said trying to stifle a smile. The young owner was now on the red leather couch in my office with her hands over her eyes.

"You think um.... your boyfriend will be able to come as one of the VIPs?" she asked hesitantly.

"We did have plans for the weekend but I can ask him," I answered double-checking the kitchen inventory then the VIP list. Among the twelve were three highly acclaimed food critics, I was excited about all the planning going on for the upcoming big night. Being in the background is what I loved, the comings and goings, what makes the business tick. "I meant to ask. How is it dating the prince of New York? He's a duke. Heir to a billion-dollar company not to mention multi-million investments. You're practically set for life." Marina exclaimed.

I frowned at what she said. "Is that all everyone sees? That he's a walking bank?" I asked wanting to know what other women thought of him.

"That and he's so fucking hot, especially with those glasses. You're like the most envied girl in America."

I didn't comment hating the way women saw Sebastien. They will never know how much of a cat lover he was. How sweet and funny he was and a huge book nerd. To me, he was my protector, my anchor, and my world. "They will forget me soon enough. I don't care about paparazzi and stuff." I offered, wanting the conversation to end. Before she can go deeper into the topic one of the waitresses knocked and came in. "Miss Callum. You have a visitor." the girl grounded out.

"Who is it?" I asked still unable to get over Marina's comment. I should be comfortable with it, after all his ex, sees him as her future personal bank and the media keeps reminding the world how much he and his family is worth. I guess I have to keep my head on, Sebastien did say to prepare for the worst.

"Mrs. and Miss Hurst and also the painters," she said rather tightly. The tampered emotions were probably for the first.

"Uh... I will take the painters." Marina said quickly escorting the waitress out, giving me a confused look over her shoulder. I shrugged my shoulders waiting for the two witches of the west to come in. Somehow I expected this, it was one of the few things Sebastien and I spoke about. Just thinking of him and our emotional night had me smiling. Never have I been the receiver of such raw emotions and feelings, he gave me his love, his heart in which I will cherish forever. My cellphone beeped alerting me of a new message.

The attached picture was breathtaking, it was a picture from the man of my daydreams himself. Below he added, 'How about some sex on the beach in the future? Oh and if you really think I'm talking about sex on the beach you have a dirty mind, my love.' I laughed out loud seeing the winky face emoji at the end of the text. This man was too much.

"I hope we are not interrupting anything?"

The haughty tone in the woman's opening statement bristled me greatly, sending a laughing emoticon and 'brb' to Sebastien, I placed my phone on the desk and greeted my visitors. "Hello and I can assure you that you won't. How can I help you, ladies?" I asked with a stiff smile. To say I was intimidated by the two I would be lying if I said yes. Veronica Hurst was currently in a body-fitted denim jumpsuit with pink stilettos, standing in the middle of my office with a large tote on her arm looking around with disgust. Her mother was now perched on one of two of the chairs at my desk. The head witch was dressed in a light blue pants suit, her face heavily pasted with makeup just like her daughters. They shared the same blue eyes but were differentiated by their hair, one favored black hair while the other had brown hair.

"Pleasantries aside. Whatever The McRoys are paying you we wish to double in exchange for you to just.... disappear." Mrs. Hurst stated firmly. I said nothing. Biting my lip, I crossed my legs and observed the two. It was amusing, they had it in their mind that I was hired to throw them off. I caught Veronica eyeing me, her face in a contemplative expression when she caught me staring her mean girl expression came back.

"Mrs. Hurst I wish to correct you. I wasn't hired by the McRoys. The relationship Sebastien and I have is real. This is no gimmick for the press. I don't know why people will do such things. I'm sorry to disappoint you." I said eyeing them both purposely.

Victoria lifted her head higher, looking down her nose at me I didn't move my gaze, they won't intimidate me. "We've done our research on you. Low-Income family. Middle child to divorce parents. Admirable of earning a scholarship for a top college. You've worked a few jobs before you reached The Aria only recently you've acquired this one. This... place isn't in McRoy's investments I wonder how you manipulated him to get you this position. Manager? You don't fit in our world." Veronica said pacing the office.

"Manipulation that's your job. If you really did your research I have a degree in Business Management which secured me this job. No one knew of Sebastien and me before our public dinner date. I'm not the kind of girl to depend on my man for money or my personal social-climbing ladder. I work for my own money. Sebastien doesn't have to worry about getting hurt again by me." I stated, watching Veronica closely. She shifted uncomfortably on her feet as I spoke, her arms folding tightly across her chest. It seemed my words definitely hit home.

"All that is good dear but in our circle. Status and money speak. You being on his arm will be a total letdown. He doesn't know what he's doing, he needs someone like my Veronica to lead him in the right direction. Someone to help him meet great connections. Do what's right and leave him to us." Victoria commented pulling out a checkbook. They spoke of Sebastien like an object, not a person, it did anger me. A lot. Clenching my fists under the table I was trying hard not to explode, these two women were parasites. To them, money solved everything and I wasn't having that. I know Sebastien can handle his own but I too wanted to protect him, just as well I'm protecting myself.

"I will love for you to leave." I simply said moving to the door.

They looked shocked, no one probably asked them to leave as I did. There's always a first time for everything. "Excuse me?" Victoria exclaimed.

"Leave. Your visit was surely a waste of time. Also your future endeavors." I simply said then turned to Veronica. "He doesn't want to be with you. You fucked him over in the worst possible way. He's still hurting and I'm trying my damn best to heal him. He just learned to love again and God forbid he won't revert to the shell he came back home as. You can sprout lies, make plans, Sebastien won't come back to you and make you his wife. Y'all need to give up." I seethed. I was trying my best to keep my temper down, it would be a good thing to make a scene on my new job.

She rolled her eyes, "I'm not letting an opportunity great as him pass me by bitch. You can be all holier than thou but he will still be mine."

"Are you that fucking delusional? He isn't yours. Nor is he mine because he isn't an object. He's a person. Now if you can please leave my office. We are done here." I shouted letting my anger get the best of me. I didn't care if anyone heard downstairs I have had enough of these women.

"You've just made enemies with the wrong family." Victoria hissed as they both walked by me.

"No, you just messed with the wrong girl."

From the office loft area, I watched them both storm off through the bar area onto the street. Taking a deep breath I went back into my office just in time to hear my phone ringing. Too focused on getting back to work I answered my phone blindly.

"Hello."

"Becca?!"

"Shane?" I said in shock. Since I left home I've had kept somewhat a close relationship with my little brother, we talked over the phone and he came to visit me once or twice without mama knowing.

"I need your help."