Shadows Between Us (Stella and Sebastian) novel Chapter 163

Chapter 163

“I never said that,” Stella replied.

Sebastian jerked, surprised. “You did.”

“I didn’t,” Stella insisted.

Sebastian took a deep breath. “You did.”

“When did I ever say that?” Stella asked.

Staring into Stella’s earnest eyes, Sebastian’s face stayed blank, but a shadow seemed to gather around him as his fingers clenched tight. “Right after Grandma’s surgery, at that coffee shop, you said it to Linda.”

Her face twisted awkwardly.

She thought, ‘How does he remember that so clearly?

‘He just blurts it out like that?’

Stella tried to remember, then said with confidence, “I didn’t.” At least, they were not those exact words.

Sebastian was silent for a long moment.

His eyes flickered as he stared at her, his expression going full-on hell mode. “Trying to deny what said?”

Stella didn’t respond.

Sebastian’s eyes were practically blazing with frustration. “You really don’t want to take responsibility for me?”

‘How did this conversation suddenly turn into a talk about responsibility?’ Stella thought, totally baffled.

“Say something!” Sebastian snapped.

“Seriously, what do you want me to say?” Stella said, her tone full of exasperation.

Sebastian pressed his lips together, his voice barely hiding a hint of hurt. “Are you starting to find me annoying?”

‘Here we go again!’ Stella thought. ‘Look at him, all pitiful like a puppy!’

Spoiling one patron who loved to throw tantrums was more than enough for her in this life.

“I’m not! I just wish you’d stop making such a fuss all the time!” she said.

Sebastian’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. “I’m making a fuss?”

She held back for three seconds, then reached out and slapped her hand over his mouth before Sebastian could get another word out.

“Quiet!” Stella ordered.

He fell silent.

But he was still giving her that wounded, accusing look.

“What’s bothering you?” Stella asked, pouring all her patience into dealing with these two troublemakers, one grown, one little.

Patron Care Guide, Rule One: Always distract your patron before he spirals into pointless drama.

“My ear…” Sebastian mumbled.

Stella reached over and gave the spot behind his ear a gentle rub, and just like that, Sebastian started to unwind.

But his eyes were still silently complaining.

Stella was helpless.

Patron Care Guide, Rule Two: Always be patient with your patron.

She patted her own shoulder. “Want to rest your head here and take a nap?”

Sebastian gave a cold snort.

‘Fine, whatever,’ Stella thought.

She pulled up her black hoodie and hugged Lucas close; if she couldn’t see it, she wouldn’t have to deal with

He reached out and gave her a little poke.

Stella totally ignored him.

Sebastian felt upset.

Two seconds later, Stella felt his weight settle on her shoulder as the guy who’d just been putting up a front leaned in all on his own.

He snuggled right up to her.

Patron Care Guide, Rule Three: When your patron starts acting all tough, just let it slide.

An hour later, the plane hit Haliville.

John pulled up to pick everyone up. But the moment the cabin door swung open, a cloud of dark vibes spilled out. Everyone except Stella and the sleepy, adorable Lucas in her arms was shaking.

Anyone could tell Sebastian was in a seriously foul mood.

“Miss Chase, let me drive you home!” Vincent blurted out, not wasting a second. That bone-deep fear of Sebastian from his Red Shadow days made him desperate to get out of there.

‘What a bootlicker,’ Allan thought.

Everyone got into the Maybach.

Ivan and Blackie squeezed into the dark back corner, feeling cozy.

John kept checking the rearview mirror, sneaking glances at the back.

The vibe in the car was kind of off between Sebastian and Stella.

Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore.

“Mr. Gray?” Carlos called out.

Sebastian sat behind his desk and looked up, his eyes cold as ice. “Is there anything you’re hiding from me?”

John’s heart skipped a beat. “I swear, I’m totally loyal to you, Mr. Gray!”

Sebastian said, “Think again.”

They stared at each other, no one speaking.

Seriously, he had no idea what he could possibly be hiding from Sebastian!

“Mr. Gray, can you give me a hint?” John asked.

Sebastian snorted. “After my grandma’s surgery, at the coffee shop.”

John thought, “That was ages ago!

‘Didn’t I send him a real-time feed of the whole thing back then? Wait, hold up…

Suddenly, John remembered something and nervously looked up at Sebastian.

Sebastian asked, “Remember now?”

John remained silent, not sure what to say,

Sebastian asked, “What was the last thing Stella said?”

John, honest as ever, replied, “She said to ask her for the money to clean up the floor.”

Yep, that really was the last thing she said.

Sebastian was so mad he had to laugh.

“And what about the line before that?” Sebastian pressed, his voice suddenly sharper, a hint of menace in his tone.

John stalled, nerves tight as a drum. “He’s my…”

Sebastian’s heart did a double-take, but then John, totally missing the moment, finished, “Patron.”

Sebastian rolled his eyes. Just adding that one word completely ruined the relationship.

‘So to Stella, I’m nothing but the patron, huh?’ Sebastian thought, feeling totally bummed out.

He looked like he was struck by a bolt of lightning.

‘Mr. Gray looks seriously crushed,’ John thought.

The next second, Sebastian spoke up, forcing himself to sound calm. “If-”