Kind Regards

4. Break My Heart

I haven't spoken to Sebastian since yesterday when I stupidly pushed him away. Part of me thinks I should've told him, but I couldn't.

We just met. I can't drag him into the mess I call my life.

To avoid being alone in the apartment, I made my way into the local bookstore.

I picked out a book, sitting down against the wall as I winced at the sharp pain in my abdomen.

My phone buzzed against the carpet, Sebastian name popping up.

Sebastian: Can I see you? - S.R

After contemplating my decision, I decided to send him my location and slide my phone away from me.

I need to apologise. He was just concerned.

Time seemed to fly by as I read, being so invested with the words on the pages.

"Alexandra" Sebastian's voice startled me.

He stood in front of me with a bouquet of flowers, raising a brow at me.

"Sebastian" I smiled, patting the spot beside me.

A slight chuckle left his mouth as he hesitated, muttering under his breath.

We both looked down at the flowers, a suppressed smile on his face.

"These are for you, I wanted to apologise. I overstepped yesterday, what happened is none of my business and I shouldn't have asked" He stated apologetically.

I held the flowers, smiling at him as I shook my head.

"You have nothing to apologise for. I shouldn't have pushed you away like that, I just- I don't want to hurt you Sebastian" I spoke softly, almost a whisper.

He kissed his teeth, resting his head against the wall. His eyes lingering in mine.

"You wouldn't hurt me. But if you do, I'll let you. Break my heart Alexandra Hood"

Break my heart. My breath hitched, hearing him say that - being so vulnerable. There was no hesitation, it was genuine.

He left me speechless. Not even my brain could string up a fitting response besides wow.

His cheeks were slightly pink as he looked away, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt.

"I don't expect you to reciprocate that, I just want you to know. Let's change the subject"

I nodded slowly, smiling down at the flowers. He was looking but it didn't bother me. I wanted him to see me smile.

"And what exactly can we talk about?" I asked, closing the book.

He thought to himself for a few seconds before smiling. What goes on in the mind of Sebastian Reign and how do I get in?

"Tell me about yourself. Tell me anything" His smile widened.

I chuckled, nudging him gently. There isn't much to me, what you see if what you get, really.

"Why?" I responded, looking down at my lap.

"Because" he paused, tilting his head to look at me. "I just can't seem to get you out my head"

Hearing those words leave his mouth made me weak. No one has ever spoken to me this way.

I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks redden. He seemed amused by it, smiling to himself.

His attention remained on me as I rambled, giving him a gist of my life before spiralling and talking about books.

The smile on his face, the occasional nod and eyebrow raises were all he needed to do to assure me. That I wasn't talking too much or boring him.

I took a deep breath, following the rambling as he chuckled, nudging me softly.

"The way you feel about books, how they transport you to somewhere peaceful. I think I know how that feels" He smiled sheepishly, running a hand through his dark hair.

I tilted my head at him, admiring how the light perfectly reflected against his hazel eyes. "Really? how?"

There was a peaceful silence between us, as if it were just the two of us in this store. Smiling at each other like two people falling for one another.

"When I'm with you" He breathed out, wetting his lips. "My world is constant work; stress and pressure. Then here, with you, it's peaceful and I'm worried that if I blink, you'll disappear"

When I first met Sebastian Reign, I assumed he would be a workaholic robot. Someone who would never lay his cards out on the table, to become vulnerable.

Yet here he is; showing me his cards. Not all, but this more than nothing and he is more than anything.

I put my head in my hands, smiling like an idiot at his words. He laughed, patting my back before I leant into him.

He welcomed me into his arms, removing my hands from my face as I looked up.

His heartbeat was nearly rapid against my ear and his chest was firm but comfortable. I felt at peace here.

"What are you doing tomorrow?" He asked, swiping his thumb against my exposed back.

I sighed, shaking my head. "I've gotta get medical records for work"

He scoffed lightly, furrowing his brows. "What? You were only discharged two days ago. You had stitches"

His shock matched mine when I received the email from my boss.

"I have to anyway. Athena and I split rent and with me out of work these two days, she's had to work overtime. I'm good though" I assured, sitting up straight.

I regretted it instantly, missing the heat from his body. Before he could respond, I stood up holding the flowers and book in my arms.

"What are you up to tomorrow, Mr Reign?" I asked, watching him get up.

He hummed, thinking to himself. "Oh fuck, I have to deal with some business in another state for about four days"

I was never one to grow attached to people, to miss their presence after two days or be clingy but for some reason, hearing this ached part of me.

I smiled at him, nodding as I fiddled with the book in my hands. "Wow, that's great. Goodluck with that"

We walked to the cash register, exchanging greetings with the worker. As I went to pay, a black card flashed in front of my eyes.

He paid for my book. Sebastian Reign just - why am I shocked?

"Oh my god, what the hell Sebastian?" I scolded as we walked away.

He chuckled, shrugging his shoulders. "Don't act like that bankrupt me, it was a fifteen-dollar book"

I scoffed, waving my hands in the air as he smiled at me, amused. So instead of throwing a fit, I wrapped my arms around his waist.

"Thank you, thank you. I appreciate it so much" I mumbled against his chest.

He caressed the back of my head as the other arm wrapped around my waist. "If I knew you'd react like this, I would've just bought the store"

I pulled away, shoving him away as we laughed. He is something else... something special.