The Coldest Man in the Room Melted Only for Me novel Chapter 458

Eleanor knew this was a delicate situation, so she didn't push the matter further. She waved her hand dismissively. "Go drive Riley home. Drive safe."

"I will."

When Sebastian returned downstairs, Alora had finished her bottle. He looked at Winona. "What time are you meeting your friends?"

Winona caught the hint immediately—he was practically kicking her out so he could be alone with Riley. She made a show of checking her watch. "Oh, look at the time, I've got to run! I'm leaving Riley in your hands."

Sebastian gave a cool, indifferent nod.

Playing her part, Riley offered a polite, distant smile. "Sorry to be a burden."

"It's nothing," Sebastian replied evenly.

Winona and Riley said their goodbyes to Victoria, then walked over to the coat rack to put on their jackets.

Sebastian trailed a few steps behind them.

Winona threw her coat on first, then took Alora so Riley could bundle up. "Come here, sweetie. Give Auntie a kiss!" Winona cooed, leaning in to kiss Alora's chubby cheek.

Riley smiled, her eyes softening as she watched Winona play with her daughter. Distracted, she blindly reached for her puffer jacket. As she pulled it, the heavy wooden coat rack tipped off balance and plummeted straight toward her.

Sebastian's eyes sharpened. In a split second, he lunged forward, shielding Riley with his body and taking the brutal impact of the heavy rack squarely on his injured back.

A low, muffled groan escaped his lips, and Riley realized what had happened. She gasped, dropping her jacket in shock.

Watching from across the room, Victoria's eyes widened in absolute shock. The notoriously ruthless, cold-blooded Sebastian St. John had just thrown himself in harm's way for Riley Vance.