The Million Dollar Man
07

<< I hardly replace blackmailing to be a tactic for the weak, my sweet Evie. >>

My body was convulsing between the wall and Sebastian's body, and my throat felt like someone ran over it. My eyes were watering uncontrollably and black spots began to invade my vision.

<< Sebastian, don't do this. » Callum said, glancing back at us.

<< I'm having trouble thinking of a reason to even keep her alive anymore. >> Sebastian snapped in response, his eyes boring deeply into my unfocused ones.

<< Mate, you're going to kill her. » Mason's warning tone seemed to snap Sebastian out of his murderous state, and he roughly released me.

Before my body could hit the ground, he managed to catch me and support my limp form. I found myself still not being able to breathe, the pain in my throat still increasing. My heart sped up and my eyes widened as a sickening question crossed my mind.

Am I dying?

In my blinded attempt to be saved, I grasped onto Sebastian's shoulders, digging my fingernails into his skin. His dark eyes scanned my face and for a second there, I thought I saw a hint of concern flicker across his face. << Shit, » Danny spoke, pushing past Mason and Callum. << Evie ? Evie what's wrong? Breathe, you're okay. You're okay. >>

Seeing my brother try to calm me down, I felt my body start to ice over. I wasn't some pathetic little girl who needed her big brother to save her. My breathing became somewhat normal, and I quickly removed my hands from Sebastian's shoulders.

<< See? You're okay-<<

<< Just stop. >> Despite my croaky voice, my deadly tone took effect. Danny stared at me speechless lay, until a knowing expression settled on his face and he moved away from me.

Nothing made me angrier than when people tried to help me. If they thought I needed help, that would mean I was helpless. I was Evelyn Summers. I am not helpless. I am the girl who has never failed at any task my brother has given me because of my determination and ruthlessness. I didn't need now to be the time where someone rushes to my aid.

I don't need anyone.

<< Danny, me and Evie are going to finish our talk now. You all can leave. >> A bewildered expression crossed Danny's face, and he looked at me. I gave him a weak nod, trying my hardest to pretend that I was okay with being left with someone who almost just killed me.

<< I'm not leaving Ev-<<

<< Go before I kill you. » Sebastian wasn't in the mood to be messed with at the moment, and he made that very clear.

While everyone shuffled out of the room, Callum stayed behind, whispering something privately to Sebastian. I watched as Sebastian gave him a short nod, and then clapped him on the back before he walked away.

The burning sensation in my throat was still present when Sebastian approached me.

<< You're really something,» he muttered, his eyes searching mine as if he was looking for something.

Maintaining eye contact, I refused to back down at this point, seeing as how weak Sebastian already saw me.

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<< And what do you mean by that ? » I rasped out, wincing at the sharp bolts of pain that exploded in my throat.

<< Just a minute ago, you were practically begging for help, and now you're standing here like nothing ever happened. » He shook his head, his eyes focusing on my now most likely bruised neck, before meeting mine once more. << I just don't understand you, Evelyn Summers. >>

I stared at him blankly; a little shocked by his sudden change in behavior.

<< You never will, Sebastian King. >> My voice was firm and cold, matching the expression I now wore on my face.

We stood there, silent. Seconds went by and soon nearly two minutes passed with us simply refusing to break eye contact. By now my breathing was much more regular, and other than the stiffness in my throat, I felt completely numb- a feeling that I enjoyed more than anything.

Sebastian then chose to break the silence, with laughter. I felt my brows furrow in confusion while his eyes gleamed with amusement, and if he had been any other person, I would have let myself relax.

Don't lower your guard Evie, I warned myself. That's what he is waiting for.

Fed up, I decided to speak. «< Why in the world are you laughing? » My hand instinctively grazed against my neck when I felt a harsh stinging erupt. Wincing, I gently tried to dull the pain by lightly massaging it, but that only proved to increase my discomfort.

I flinched back when a large hand engulfed my own, pulling it away from my troublesome injury. My frantic expression made Sebastian roll his eyes, as he leaned down to inspect the damage. Standing stock-still, I allowed Sebastian to look over the bruise, sharply inhaling whenever he would touch it.

When he pulled away, I focused my eyes toward the ground, not wanting to look at him anymore.

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<< I got you good, huh? >>

I didn't respond, and just continued to stare at the floor, my eyes tracing over the intricate designs of the carpet.

Sebastian carried on, << I was simply laughing before, mainly because I replace it so funny how hard you try to act like you're some emotionless, uncaring, bitch. » I felt myself stiffen, and my eyes shot up to meet his. << You're like an overly dramatic teenager who is trying to rebel against her parents. >>

Gritting my teeth, I spat out a reply. << First of all, I am a fucking teenager you twat. Secondly, I have no one to rebel against seeing as how my parents are dead. Thirdly-<< I stopped him from cutting me off, giving him a pointed glare. << Who said it's an act ? Sure, I can be dramatic, but if that's what I want to be then you will just have to fucking get over it, yeah? »

He stared at me in shock, before he was able to compose himself and his expression hardened. << How old are you? »

I let out a noise of exasperation before throwing my hands up in the air. << Is that all you got out of that? >>

<< Other than your blatant disrespect for me, yes, that's all I got. »> He was challenging me almost. It's like he wanted me to retaliate and fight back, only to end up getting hurt by him. He loved the power he held over me, so I refused to give him what he wanted.

<< Seventeen. >> This time, he wasn't able to control his shocked expression. His eyes were wide as he looked me over in a state of disbelief.

«You're so young, » he muttered, as if he was speaking to himself. I frowned when I saw his wicked smirk appear, and his eyes met mine. << So innocent. >>

It was my turn to laugh now. << Innocent ? >> I questioned, leaning up towards him. << Far from it, in fact. >>

Sebastian's eyes darkened and he pulled my body towards his. << So if I do this... » he began, lowering his head into the crook of my neck. My eyes bulged and I felt the color drain from my face when a pair of lips attached themselves to my injured neck. << You won't mind ? » His lips brushed against my neck, making shivers run down my spine.

Snapping back into reality, I shoved him off of me, a deep blush tainting my usually pale face. Sebastian gave me a devilish smirk, cocking a brow as he had just proved himself right.