Bait for a Gentleman novel Chapter 25

Sebastian didn't say a word.

He stared at Audrina, his deep, dark eyes burning like fire in the dead of night.

Then he reached out, grabbing her and pulling her around to the front. Cupping the back of her neck, he yanked her right into his lap.

This time, he was the one kissing her, and he was far less gentle than she had been.

Audrina's lipstick was thoroughly smudged. Pressing her hands against his firm chest, she managed to break away.

Her chest heaved. "Looks like you're not mad anymore? Then I'll be going now? I'm technically still on the clock."

As the words fell, she made a move to get up from his lap.

The man wrapped his arms around her waist, locking her in even tighter.

She looked down, a smirk playing on her lips, fully aware he wouldn't let her go. She didn't bother struggling.

"Are you really that reluctant to part with him?" he asked.

She knew he was talking about Zachary. It wasn't that she was reluctant; she just hadn't found the right moment to talk to Waldo yet.

But the explanation died on her lips.

Why should she explain herself to him? They weren't exactly at a place where they were pouring their hearts out to each other.

Instead, she deflected, her tone lazy. "Once we're married, the title of Mrs. Sutton will carry a lot of weight."

Sebastian didn't answer immediately.

He just looked at her, his gaze slowly trailing from the top of her head down her face, taking in every detail.

Audrina let him look. She even tilted her chin up slightly, curling the corners of her mouth so he could get a perfect view.

But he merely scoffed. "Is an empty title like Mrs. Sutton really worth all this humiliation?"

Well, what else was she supposed to do? If she had a choice back then, she wouldn't have exiled herself abroad for three whole years.

But Audrina ignored his remark and pivoted. "You and Zachary grew up together?"

"Mm."

At the time, Zachary was just the only lifeline she could grasp.

She had tried being a good, obedient fiancée, quietly waiting to marry him, but it seemed he didn't appreciate the effort.

Because she had her head turned, Audrina completely missed the fleeting flash of emotion in Sebastian's eyes.

She turned back, meeting his gaze with a teasing, radiant smile. "But is Mr. Hawthorne doing all this because you love me?"

The word *love* fell from Audrina's lips so lightly, as if it were just an insignificant line from a script.

She didn't believe in the word.

Men didn't have love in them.

It was just that the chase was thrilling. He had slept with her once and arrogantly assumed he had conquered her.

But she wasn't playing his game.

Sebastian was frustrated with her—frustrated by her cold detachment, and frustrated that he couldn't control her.