Maya's POV
The penthouse Sebastian brought me to after the wedding made the reception look modest in comparison. Perched atop the Grandview Hotel, it commanded a breathtaking view of the entire city skyline. A private infinity pool glowed like liquid sapphire, and every surface screamed wealth beyond imagination.
I stood frozen in the center of the living area, slowly turning to absorb the opulence surrounding me. The marble floors gleamed under a crystal chandelier that could have funded my college education. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the city sprawling below us like scattered diamonds.
"This is absolutely insane," I whispered, my voice barely audible over my racing heartbeat. "How on earth can you afford this place? If you're dropping this kind of money on every client, your business model makes no sense whatsoever."
Sebastian's laughter rumbled through the space, rich and warm. For a fleeting moment, it almost managed to silence the aching hollow that had consumed my chest since witnessing Julian pledge his love to Bianca.
"I happen to know the right people," he replied with casual confidence.
My suspicion flared instantly. A hired escort with connections to penthouses worth millions? The story felt thinner than tissue paper.
"Right, you just happen to know people." I emphasized each word with exaggerated air quotes. "Still maintaining this elaborate charade even when it's just us? Your dedication to the role is honestly impressive."
He offered nothing but that infuriating enigmatic smile, which only deepened my skepticism. What kind of man in his profession moved through this level of luxury like he belonged here?
But honestly, I had more pressing concerns than his mysterious connections.
The infinity pool beckoned like salvation, promising temporary refuge from the torment plaguing my thoughts. Images of Julian kissing Bianca haunted me relentlessly, along with every shattered promise he had whispered in my ear.
Without hesitation, I stepped out of my heels and reached for my dress zipper. The silk fabric pooled around my ankles, leaving me standing in black lace lingerie under the starlight. The evening breeze caressed my exposed skin as the pool's blue radiance painted my body in ethereal light.
Sebastian's intake of breath was audible, his gaze traveling slowly across every curve revealed to him.
"Stunning," he murmured.
I attempted a playful glance, though it probably failed to mask the chaos raging within me.
"Something wrong?"
His head tilted slightly, eyes gleaming with appreciation mixed with something deeper, more perceptive.
"I'm beginning to realize I'm the one who struck gold tonight."
Despite everything, I managed a smile that never quite reached my eyes.
Then I dove cleanly into the heated water, as if I could somehow drown the pain for just a few precious seconds. The warm liquid enveloped me like silk, every muscle relaxing as I floated beneath the surface. When I emerged, droplets cascaded from my hair as I gazed up at the star-painted sky.
"This feels like paradise," I called out, forcing enthusiasm into my voice while treading water.
But paradise felt hollow when your heart was shattered.
The luxurious warmth embraced my body, yet it couldn't touch the frozen knot of anguish lodged deep in my chest. Even here, surrounded by impossible beauty with a man who looked like temptation incarnate, my thoughts kept circling back to him.
To Julian standing at that altar, radiant with happiness as he gazed at Bianca in the wedding gown I had personally helped her select. The shock in his eyes when he spotted me in the congregation. The subtle satisfaction, as if he had expected me to be home wallowing in self-pity.
And truthfully, I was wallowing. Not publicly, never where anyone could witness my weakness. But alone in my childhood bedroom at my parents' house, where I had been forced to retreat after discovering Julian and Bianca together, I cried myself unconscious every single night.
I had loved that man completely. Trusted him with every dream I possessed. Built an entire future around him in my imagination.
Only to be discarded like yesterday's newspaper.
"You were always so incredibly dull," Bianca's cruel words echoed endlessly in my mind. Boring. Ordinary. Easily replaced.
The most devastating truth? If Julian appeared right now, claiming it was all a terrible mistake and begging for another chance, I would probably collapse into his arms without hesitation. And I despised myself for that weakness.
My throat constricted as familiar heat burned behind my eyes. This time, I couldn't maintain control. A single tear escaped, disappearing into the pool water. Then another. And another.
I dove deep, letting the water conceal my moment of complete vulnerability.
When I surfaced and caught my breath, I found Sebastian still lounging in his chair, watching me with an expression of genuine concern that didn't match his supposed profession.
"What now?" I asked, swimming to the pool's edge while attempting nonchalance. "Never witnessed a woman actually enjoying herself?"
He flashed that crooked smile, though his eyes remained thoughtfully serious.
"It's fascinating to watch someone get so excited about luxury."
I frowned, treading water near the edge.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
He shrugged, his shirt now unbuttoned to reveal tantalizing glimpses of his perfectly sculpted torso.
"You're acting like you've never experienced anything like this."
I scoffed and splashed water in his direction, hiding my pain behind mock indignation.
"Because I haven't, genius. I don't know what kind of wealthy, bored socialites you typically service, but where I come from, the only thing that glitters in our house is the overdue utility notices." I studied his face carefully. "Though I'll admit, you play this wealthy heir character convincingly. How does someone in your line of work learn to discuss investments and wine estates so naturally?"
He observed me for a long moment, as if he could see straight through every defense I desperately tried to maintain.
"Maya, I genuinely appreciate exactly who you are."
"Who doesn't?" I shot back, but my voice betrayed me with a telltale crack. Because Julian hadn't appreciated me. Bianca certainly hadn't. Nobody ever truly did.
Sebastian's smile turned knowing as he tilted his head, analyzing my bitter response.
"Humility appears to be another one of your many gifts." He paused meaningfully. "But I'm curious what you're really trying to prove tonight. Or perhaps what you're trying to forget."
His words struck me like a physical blow. For an instant, I considered climbing out immediately, grabbing my clothes, and fleeing this place. But fleeing to where? Back to that suffocating childhood bedroom? To endure more of my mother's pitying sighs every time I emerged from the bathroom with swollen, red-rimmed eyes?
"I'm not trying to prove anything," I lied, my voice barely above a whisper.
Sebastian studied me with that penetrating gaze for another endless moment, seemingly debating whether to believe my obvious deception. Then, without warning, he began unbuttoning his shirt completely.
Sweet mercy.
If he looked devastating in formal wear, shirtless was absolutely lethal. Amberplains skin gleamed under the ambient lighting, every muscle carved to perfection, intricate tattoos decorating his arms and chest in stark contrast to his polished, sophisticated image.
My body responded instantly, betraying every rational thought. That man was pure, walking temptation. And perhaps, just maybe, he could help me forget for one night how utterly empty and worthless I felt.
He tossed the shirt aside and began unfastening his belt.
"Hold on," I raised an eyebrow, grasping for some semblance of control. "You're actually getting in?"
"Didn't you want company?" Something flickered in his eyes, a gentleness that seemed completely at odds with his alleged profession. "I assumed you weren't the type to worry about getting your hair wet."
"And I assumed you'd be the type to have made a move much sooner."
Because I'm desperately craving any connection, anything to make me feel wanted again, I thought but simply said, "Then get in." I issued the invitation while fully understanding exactly what was about to unfold between us.