Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 172

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 172 I’ll Wait**

“Yeah,” he replied softly, his voice barely above a whisper, as he took a step closer to her, closing the distance that felt like an ocean between them. “I can’t sleep a wink on my own tonight. I’m scared…”

“Scared?” Riley’s eyebrow shot up, a mixture of surprise and curiosity flickering across her face.

Hadn’t he managed to deal with those who posed a threat to him within the Torres family? She had even taken the initiative to enhance the villa’s security system during her free time not too long ago, ensuring their safety.

“Scared of losing you. Scared that something might happen to you,” Sebastian murmured, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke, revealing a vulnerability that tugged at her heartstrings.

Riley’s mind drifted back to his reaction earlier that day when she had taken the risk of flying the plane to save people in distress. The memory was fresh, vivid, and it made her heart swell with a mix of pride and concern.

“But I’m back safe and sound, aren’t I?” she countered gently, trying to ease the tension that hung in the air between them.

“Even though you’re back okay, the lingering fear is still there, Riley. Please, let me sleep next to you. I promise I won’t do anything without your okay.”

His eyes, filled with a pleading intensity and a hint of unease, bore into hers, making it hard for her to resist.

After a moment’s hesitation, Riley sighed, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. “Alright, then sleep here.”

After all, his uneasiness stemmed from her actions, and she couldn’t ignore the way it affected him.

Sebastian’s face broke into a smile that lit up his features, and he climbed into bed beside her. The once-spacious bed suddenly felt a bit more confined with his presence, amplifying the charged atmosphere that enveloped them.

As Riley leaned over him to grab the quilt, she felt a sudden grip on her wrist. Sebastian’s hand was warm and firm, and it sent a jolt of electricity through her.

“Riley,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “I won’t do anything without your say-so, but what about you? Don’t you want to do something to me?”

Caught off guard, Riley stared at him, her heart racing.

In that moment, one of her hands was propped beside him, while the other reached across his body to retrieve the quilt. Her upper body hovered over him, creating an intimate space that felt both thrilling and daunting.

Sebastian tilted his head slightly, his expression turning earnest. “Riley, are you really not gonna do something to me?”

His typically cold demeanor had melted away, revealing a side of him that was both alluring and enticing.

Riley arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk curving her lips. **He’s doing this on purpose!**

This rare glimpse of Sebastian intrigued her, igniting a spark of mischief within her.

“You really want me to do something to you?” she teased, her fingers gliding gently up his neck before resting on his Adam’s apple.

His lips parted slightly in surprise, and she could see his Adam’s apple bobbing beneath her fingertips, his ears tinged with a hint of red.

Riley felt a rush of exhilaration. Here was Sebastian, usually so cold and distant, now completely at her mercy. Every touch, every movement—she had him wrapped around her finger.

“Do whatever you want to me!” he murmured, his voice thick with desire.

Just her simple touch sent waves of excitement through him, and she could sense his longing to be closer, to feel more of her affection, to be loved by her.

For a moment, Riley found herself captivated by Sebastian. His eyelashes fluttered as he gazed up at her, and his eyes sparkled with affection and yearning.

“Riley, are you… gonna do something to me?”

His lips, glistening in the dim light, were incredibly tempting, and she felt an undeniable pull toward him.

Yes, she truly did want to do something to this man!

Without a second thought, she lowered her head and pressed her lips against his.

“Alright, I’ll wait,” he said softly, taking her hand in his and pressing a gentle kiss to her palm.

His cool lips lingered on her skin, and a rush of warmth spread through her at his touch.

“Riley, I’ll wait until you love me,” he declared with sincerity.

Sebastian was determined to be patient, willing to wait until she realized she couldn’t live without him. For that, he would do anything!

Riley felt a sudden heat in her palm from his kiss, and her heart raced in response.

That night, Sebastian held her hand until sleep finally claimed him.

Meanwhile, Riley lay awake, her mind swirling with thoughts of him, her heart caught in a whirlwind of emotions.

It wasn’t until the early hours of the morning that she finally drifted into a restless sleep, the echoes of their shared moment lingering in her dreams.

The next morning, Riley awoke feeling groggy and disoriented.

She swung her legs over the side of the bed and made her way to the bathroom, hoping to shake off the remnants of sleep.

As she opened the door, she was taken aback to find Sebastian with his back to her, just about to slip on his bathrobe after a shower.

Water droplets glistened on his skin, still clinging to his hair, and the sight momentarily stole her breath away.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize someone was in here!” Riley blurted out, her cheeks flushing as she instinctively stepped back, ready to close the door.

“Ugly, are they?” Sebastian’s voice cut through the air unexpectedly, leaving her momentarily confused.

“Huh?” Riley halted, bewildered by his words.