Rekindled Bonds

Chapter 6

A green haze washed over Ash's eyes as she blankly stared at the wall. Sebastian laid his wand on her bed and turned to face her.

"Ash." She made no expression as she slowly turned her head to face him. "Tell me honestly, how do you feel about Ominis?"

The only movement Ash made was the rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. "I love him." Sebastian's face fell. "However, ever since he has pushed me away, I find myself doubting that my feelings are requited. I do not wish to be in a relationship with someone who cannot love me back."

Sebastian regained his calm expression as he asked the next question. "Ash, tell me honestly, do you have feelings for me?"

Ash hesitated as if she was trying to fight the curse before speaking in a robotic voice. "...yes. I have feelings for you. I've always had feelings for you."

Sebastian breathed a sigh of relief. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"

Ash seemed to think for a moment. "A relationship with you wouldn't have worked out. You were too... volatile."

Sebastian winced. "Well, how about now? Do you think a relationship with me could work now? Would you want to try?"

Ash tilted her head in contemplation. "...yes. I suppose a relationship with you could work now, and I would like to try."

He smiled as he removed the curse on Ash. The green haze faded from her eyes as her head dipped forward and she tried to control her heavy breathing. When she was composed, she looked up at Sebastian's comforting gaze. He gently moved his hand to cup her cheek as he stared at her intensely. Without warning, their lips were locked together. Ash moaned as her hands clawed at his back. Sebastian's fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her head closer like he intended to devour her. His arm wrapped around her waist as he rolled over on top of her. Ash was gasping as his lips moved down her neck and to her shoulder. He slid his hand out from behind her head and rested it on her neck, squeezing slightly. His fingers grazed up and down her burning body as she fought to breathe through stuttering moans.

"Sebastian..." She whimpered.

He hushed her as his hand tightened around her throat. "Quiet, sweetheart, unless you want someone to hear us." She let out a strangled moan and he moved his hand to cover her mouth. He stared at her with such a strong gaze of desire that it was almost frightening. "Be a good girl and lift up that pretty dress of yours."

Without even thinking about it, Ash slid her hands down to her thighs to pull her nightgown up above her chest. Sebastian dipped his head to squeeze and bite her breast. His left hand remained firmly planted over her mouth in an attempt to quiet her desperate moans. His right hand left her breast and moved down to pull off her underwear and toss it to the floor. Without hesitation, he slid his fingers into her with a hiss.

"Mmmm so wet and I haven't even started." He dragged his tongue to her neck before biting it.

Ash raised her head as she moaned and saw the light shift under the door. The shadow that peeked out from beneath the door disappeared.

Ash pulled Sebastian's hand away from her mouth before speaking in an urgent whisper. "Sebastian, stop." His movements stilled as he looked up at her with concern. "I think– I think Ominis was listening."

"So let him listen." Sebastian kissed her neck again.

Ash shoved him away. "No, Sebastian I– I can't... please just– just go."

He regarded her for a moment, before sliding off her bed. He wiped his fingers on his shirt and exited her bedroom. As soon as her door clicked shut, she let out a gasp as she tried to stop the tears from forming in her eyes. She slipped under her covers and pulled them up to her chin, trying to hide her embarrassment from the world. She strained her ears, but the only noise she could hear was the pounding of her own heart. At some point, she fell asleep.