“Which means, while you guys are off partying tomorrow, I’ll be at home in my makeshift lab, playing with D’s blood.” I groaned. “You’re even able to make a nice gesture sound appalling. How is that possible?” “Years of practice,” he said, grinning.”

“Oh, alright,” I conceded. “But if you try something, I swear I’ll use my pet dagger to cut off—” “I said I’d behave! Though, you’re making it kinda hard to be good with all that talk of wanting to have your way with me.” I released my grip on his neck and smacked the top of his head.”

“Brooke groaned. “Couple or not, isn't he like from the 1800's? Chivalry isn't dead, you know.” “I can't believe you actually know what the word chivalry means,” Sophie said, laughing. “Brooke's vocabulary is very extensive when it comes to talking about guys,” I teased, relieved that the conversation had shifted away from Sebastian.”

“Who are you?” I demanded when I was certain he couldn’t escape my grip. “I’m a twenty-four-year-old Taurus who enjoys long walks on the beach.” Even though I couldn’t see his face, I could feel his arrogant grin. “You have ten seconds to explain yourself,” I ordered. “Or I’m really going to hurt you.” “Oh, come on! Can’t we get back to the kissing? You can’t tease a guy like that.”

“Well, it’s more like a sentence on life,” he said, grinning. “I live by three rules: Don’t dwell on the past, present, or future, party hard, and never fall in love. Easy.”

“What are you doing here?” “I‘m simply an innocent gentleman trying to survive an attack by a crazy girl,” he teased, grinning. “I’m going to start counting down again,” I warned. “Okay, okay. I’ll tell you everything. But first, can you call off your pet dagger, please? I’ll be good, I promise.” I scoffed. “Why should I trust you?” “Because…I’m irresistibly charming?” He turned his head back to look at me. “Pretty please?” he asked, giving me another one of his teasing smirks—a trademark move that no girl refused, I figured, vowing to never be one of those girls”

“I have no idea what he wants. Maybe he needs to remind you to pack your skimpiest swimsuit.” He paused. “Oh, wait, no. That’s me.” He grinned as I rolled my eyes. “Why do I even try to have normal conversations with you?” I asked him. “Because you like talking to me.”