Living with the Harringtons

Condition

The cool air felt like a slap to the face as they stepped outside. Amaya stayed close as Sebastian opened the cab door for her but hesitated for a moment before sliding into the car. He followed her, slamming the door shut with a sharp thud, the sound bouncing off the car's interior.

He ripped off his mask in frustration, tossing it onto the seat between them, his expression dark with annoyance. He quickly gave the driver the address, and as the car started, he leaned back into his seat, exhaling heavily.

Amaya, still slightly disoriented, slumped against the seat, trying to gather herself. The world outside the window seemed to spin ever so slightly, the faint glow of streetlights blurring together.

She glanced at him—his features sharp and handsome—but there was no mistaking that he was upset. She knew she wasn't exactly the picture of grace tonight and felt ashamed. The car ride was silent and filled with unspoken words. Soon, they found themselves in the Harringtons' driveway.

Sebastian swiftly paid the driver and climbed out of the vehicle before setting his hands on his hips. Amaya noticed and decided to head inside, only to feel her arm being pulled back.

Sebastian finally broke the silence. "I specifically told you not to embarrass yourself—or me." His voice was sharp as he took her arm and dragged her toward the garden behind the manor.

He led her along a narrow stone pathway, her heels catching on the gravel as they moved. Surrounded by hedges and twisted vines, she felt the tension in the air. His grip was firm, almost too firm.

Amaya shifted uncomfortably, trying to break free. "Let go of me!"

"No, you never listen. What the hell were you thinking today?" he said in a tight voice.

"I didn't mean to..." she started, her voice unsteady. "I didn't know." She stopped when she felt her back close to the stone wall.

"Don't tell me this was your first time drinking." His eyes narrowed. The girl didn't answer, but her silence spoke loud and clear.

He rubbed his temples, chuckling in disbelief. "What possessed my mother to make you stay with us?" he muttered. Amaya felt a sharp sting in her chest at his words.

"Look, I didn't ask for this," she muttered under her breath.

He let out a sharp breath, his gaze shifting toward her. Her mask was askew, her lipstick slightly smudged.

He laughed dryly. "Right, so you didn't choose to be here, huh? Am I hearing this correctly?"

Amaya's frustration simmered over as she met his stare. "You think I wanted this?" she asked, her eyes blazing. "You think I asked to be here, living with people who barely even know me? I didn't really have a choice, Sebastian."

He blinked, taken aback by her sudden change in tone. Before he could respond, she continued, her voice quieter now, like a confession she had been holding back.

"I didn't ask for your family's pity, but after... after my mother died, I had to leave home. I... I didn't know what else to do." She swallowed hard. "That's when I found out about my father... Alexander," she whispered, feeling her tears well up in her eyes.

Sebastian froze, his mouth slightly ajar as he processed the information.

"Wait—what?" he managed, his voice thick with disbelief. He could feel his heart hammering in his chest, his thoughts scrambled. "What do you mean... Alexander?"

She drew in a shaky breath before speaking again. "My mother... never told me that Alexander Harrington was my true father."

The weight of her words pressed down on him. She was Alexander's daughter. They were family—somehow?

He leaned forward, his hand covering his mouth. "But... I don't understand," he said, his voice hoarse. "Why didn't anyone say something? Why didn't you tell me?"

Amaya gave a small, bitter laugh. "What difference would it have made?" she asked softly, her voice distant. "I didn't ask for any of this, Sebastian, but I had nowhere else to go."

Sebastian swallowed hard. "I thought you were... I thought your mother had taken you away after—" He cut himself off, his throat tight. "I didn't know you were alive, Amaya."

Amaya looked away, biting her lip, suddenly regretting her words. "I shouldn't have said that."

"What? Why do you say that?" His voice softened. "What are you not telling me?" he asked, laying his hands on her shoulders.

Amaya hesitated. "I wasn't supposed to tell anyone, Sebastian. Not even you. Your father said that—" she started, but he cut her off.

Sebastian's face hardened instantly. "My father what?"

He moved toward her, the intensity in his eyes sharp and cold. She barely had time to react before he pushed her back against the wall, towering over her, his face inches from hers. "What exactly did he say?" he demanded.

Amaya's pulse raced, her eyes wide with uncertainty. She bit her lip, pressed between the wall and him. "He... he said it was best if no one knew," she whispered. "He said I could become a target—because of who I am."

Sebastian's hand turned into a fist, and he drew his knuckles into the wall next to her. "Target?" Sebastian echoed, his jaw clenched in frustration.

Her gaze dropped. "I don't even know what he meant, but please, Sebastian. Don't say anything to anyone. Keep this between us," she pleaded.

He looked up at the dark sky, laughing dryly. "He always has to control everything," he hissed.

His gaze returned to the beautiful girl, his expression softening for a moment before turning serious. "I have a condition, Amaya," he whispered into her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

She looked away, her expression a mix of shock and disgust. "What? Absolutely not! You can't be serious."

"Oh, I'm very serious, Amaya," he stated, his arm gently moving up to grab the back of her delicate neck before slowly leaning into her face. He stopped himself, however, instead moving to her cheek, leaving a small kiss.

She froze, her eyes wide as panic and confusion spread throughout her body. The touch of his lips on her skin burned, leaving a tingling sensation. "You're insane," she said before pushing him hard and running inside.