Vindictive #4

15. Crystal

(Warning: Sexual assault is hinted at in this chapter. Keep that in mind.)

As I step foot off the elevator and into Sebastian's penthouse, my eyes casually take in the the decorated space in slight appreciation and mild judgment. Sebastian did not shy from color, I note as I scan the paintings hanging on the walls. I stop at one and tilt my head to the side in confusion. A fat, naked baby held onto a rope connected to a cloud. Next to it, a bird sat perched atop a red balloon.

"What am I looking at?" I ask aloud, sensing a presence coming up from behind me.

There's a long pause and then Sebastian's voice breaks through the momentary silence, his breath fanning the back of my neck. "Surrealism."

I instantly move, stepping to the side and turning to face him. "It's ugly, is what it is."

His lips twitch as he fights back an amused smile. My eyes flicker down to look him over. Damn. Sebastian looks fine even when he dresses like a fucking loser. He dons a grey v-neck sweater, dark pants, and those Chuck Taylors I can't stand. I try not to look so unimpressed and refocus on his face. Glasses. He's wearing his glasses. I don't know why, but those I liked.

Sebastian took more time than I had with my once-over, his eyes slowly trailing down the length of me. I hear party and I tend to dress up, but it seems like I was the only one who felt the need to. The short black dress and super high heels elongated my legs—something Sebastian couldn't help but notice if the way he is looking at them right now was anything to go by. I hadn't done much in the way of makeup—some eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick was all I really needed. Everyone else in the party save for a very small few (i.e, me and, like, two other girls) were dressed casually in jeans and nice tops. That's fine by me. I'm not against being best dressed.

He finally pulls his gaze from my legs and when his eyes meet mine and he realizes I've caught him staring, his cheeks tinge pink and a shy smile slips onto his face. "Sorry. You look good. Thanks for coming, I honestly didn't think you would."

"Why not?"

He decides not to answer that and instead offers me his arm. I don't take it.

"You need to change."

Surprise crosses his face and he looks down at himself. "What's wrong with this?"

"Nothing, if you want to look like an angsty virgin teenager."

I hadn't expected him to laugh, but he does. "You're not one to sugar coat, are you?"

I send him a long look.

"And what would you prefer I change into, Miss Milan?"

I roll my eyes. "Something presentable. Show me to your closet."

His smile turns flirtatious. "Are you just trying to get into my bedroom?"

"No. But I have a feeling you wouldn't mind if I were."

He blew out a breath as his eyes flickered down to my legs once more. "Definitely not."

I don't want to smile, but for some unknown reason my lips lift slightly. I duck my head and brush past him before he can notice. We walk past many people on the way to his room—some of which Sebastian feels the need to stop and converse with before moving along. Finally we make it to his bedroom. It's large and simple. A bed. A bedside table. A closet. A dresser. A rug. I go straight to the closet and pull it open. Five minutes later, Sebastian emerges dressed like a man and I can't help but look a second longer.