Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 161

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**
**Chapter 161: Breakup?**

**Lucky Draw**

Despite the peculiar comfort that came from knowing she was watching his back, Sebastian would willingly take a bullet himself rather than witness her getting hurt again. The thought of Riley in danger gnawed at him, a constant reminder of what was at stake.

Riley opened her mouth, ready to articulate her thoughts, but before she could utter a word, her phone rang again, cutting through the tension like a knife. The screen lit up with Vince’s name, a sight that sent a jolt of unease through Sebastian.

Just as her fingers reached for the screen, he instinctively covered her hand with his, a gesture that surprised both of them.

“What?” Riley asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Sebastian slowly withdrew his hand, the weight of his unspoken words hanging heavily in the air. “Nothing,” he replied, his voice steady but his mind racing. He simply didn’t want her to answer Vince’s call.

In Sebastian’s eyes, Vince had always been a looming threat, a shadow that Bryce had never cast. He had already taken measures to have Vince transferred out of Carmel, but the man remained a persistent presence. And now, with this phone call, the familiar unease crept back in, wrapping around him like a cold fog.

**11:12**

Riley answered the call, her voice steady despite the turmoil brewing inside her.

“Rye. It’s true, isn’t it? You’re not Sebastian’s bodyguard anymore?” Vince’s voice crackled through the line, filled with a mix of curiosity and something else—was it relief?

“How do you know?” Riley replied, her surprise evident.

“I was at the base earlier and overheard some chatter,” Vince explained casually. “Since your mission’s done, when are you coming back to Washington?”

Riley hesitated, caught off guard by the question. He had a valid point. Her assignment was officially over, and technically, she should be heading back soon.

“I can book your flight,” Vince offered, his tone light but with an undercurrent of urgency. “Or I can pick you up. Just say the word.”

“Not yet,” she said firmly, though she could feel the weight of his disappointment through the phone. “I still have some personal things to wrap up here. I’ll let you know once I have a flight.”

“Alright, just let me know. I’ve got a lot to tell you,” Vince replied, his voice tinged with a hint of eagerness.

“Okay,” Riley said, ending the call with a sense of finality.

Once the call concluded, Sebastian turned to her, his voice barely above a whisper. “So you’re going back to Washington soon?”

Riley pressed her lips together, contemplating the implications of her next words. “Now that the assignment’s officially over… yeah. I just need to take care of some things first. There’s still stuff waiting for me back in Washington.”

“How long do you plan on staying in Carmel?” he inquired, his eyes searching hers for answers.

“Probably ten more days,” she replied, her heart heavy with the thought of saying goodbye to her great-grandfather.

**11:12**

“What?” Riley blinked, her surprise evident. “You want to go with me… to the border?”

“Yeah,” he affirmed, his gaze steady and unwavering.

“What about your work?” she asked, concern lacing her voice.

Sebastian straightened, unperturbed by her question. “The internet works everywhere. And the Torres family has plenty of people to keep things running smoothly without me.”

Riley mulled over his words, realizing that his plan wasn’t far removed from her own. She had intended to work remotely too.

It had been five long years. Every conceivable lead had been pursued, both by the military and by her own efforts. She had even journeyed to that stretch of border three times already, each time coming up empty.

Yet, despite the futility, a flicker of hope still burned within her. She needed to go back one more time, to chase down that elusive lead.

“Riley,” Sebastian lifted his eyes to meet hers, his voice soft yet resolute. “You agreed to date me. So stop thinking about shaking me off.”

His usual cool demeanor had melted away, replaced by something deeper, more intense. His gaze held a dark, sultry possessiveness that was utterly captivating.

It was as if Sebastian was pouring every ounce of his energy into capturing her full attention. If keeping her meant seducing her, then so be it. He would do whatever it took to ensure she stayed by his side.