Hellbound Heart

When Sebastian's brows lifted and he did not immediately retort, it was a sign that what she said had at least done something to him and a pleased grin bloomed across Elle's face. Somehow, the feeling that she ended up having the last laugh was really amazing. And it made it all the more sweeter since it is such a rare occurrence.

"So, behave, Crown Prince Sebastian..." she added, even tipping her chin at him triumphantly. Though that move looked proud, the genuine bright smile that had flashed across her face made her move come across as more playful.

Sebastian opened his lips as though he was about to say something, but quickly closed it again as he simply stared at her. It was as if he had loved what he was seeing so much at the moment that he did not want even himself to distract her even for a moment.

He then watched her giggle, shaking her head a little. It was as though she had stumbled upon a key discovery about Sebastian. "Lord... I can't believe that's all it takes to stop you from being naughty, Sebastian. Do you hate sleeping on the couch that much?"

While she was still being ecstatic that she had in her opinion, for once, managed to render Sebastian speechless, Sebastian on the other hand, just continued to stare at her. He was seemingly spellbound at the sight of Izabelle's genuinely happy face and her light-hearted laughter. He was just standing there, looking as though he was just so glad to see her smiling so brightly again, as though she had no other cares on the world.

"Now I'm feeling bad for letting you sleep there for quite a few nights now." she then continued, but still grinning widely, not looking the slightest bit repentant at all. "You should've asked for another bed. Or even a mattress, at least." Her grin still hanging widely on her face as her eyes sparkled with mirth.

As the music slowed, Sebastian pulled her closer against his body. Their faces were now so close. The happy, blissful and beautiful moment very naturally shifted into something more romantic. Not that the couple were not already oozing romance ever since they stepped into the hall.

Elle's wide smile slowly faded as she realized their breaths were literally mingling due to their closeness. This dance, she realized, was so different from their first dance.

And as she continued to gaze at him, it was then the realization came on how this current Sebastian was so different from the man she had danced with that night on Elijah's birthday. He was still the same in many ways. And he still acts as usual around everyone else except for... her.

She had noticed many times how his gaze always seemed to soften up whenever he talked or looked at her, no matter how serious and grumpy as usual he looked while he was talking with others. It always made her heart flutter, more violently so, lately. And right now... lord... he was just so drop dead gorgeous... and warm... hot as hell in fact. Though he was always hot and gorgeous, this Sebastian right now, was melting her heart... her mind... her soul... and not just her body.

Deep inside her, she was wishing that this moment would last indefinitely. That he would keep looking at her this way, holding her in this particular manner... treating her as gently and patiently. She wanted this moment to last... forever.

That word 'forever' had her nibbling the inside of her lip. She was even surprised at her own thoughts.

Trying to distract herself for fear she might actually suddenly kiss him right there in public, Elle averted her gaze and stared instead at his throat.

"Is it just me, or is the dance..." She had finally noticed that the dance was much longer than usual.

He smiled. "This is your night, Izabelle. I saw that you're enjoying the dance, so I signaled for the musicians to keep on going for a bit longer. Let me know if you want to st –"

"No!" She had said that a bit loudly, so she quickly snapped her mouth closed.

"Stop being worried about the audience, Iza. You don't need to whisper. Don't be afraid to talk normally like you used to."

"O... okay." She nodded.

"Good girl." He praised, flashing her that devastating smile again, made more lethal with the short appearance of his elusive dimple.

Elle blushed and she got lost in their slow dance and that pool of beautiful metallic grey eyes. Everything and everyone seemed to fade off into the background and there was only him and her. It was peaceful and just so good for her heart... this moment. She had never expected this night to be like this. Birthdays... she had hated it before. Because so far, ever since she was young, her birthdays were more like the gatherings of the socialites to further the political agenda of her father, rather than just celebrating and enjoying.

She had expected the same to happen tonight as well. In fact, she had thought that it would be something so nerve wracking and something so extraordinary in a bad way.

But none of what she had expected was happening. Everything felt normal. And everyone seemed to come just for the sole purpose of enjoying themselves and wishing her well for her birthday. There was truly nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, right now, she could tell that this was probably the most unforgettable and happiest birthday she had had since she was thirteen.

"What are you thinking?" his deep voice echoed.

"You?"

He raised his brow slightly. But he smiled and leaned in to whisper. "I'm thinking about the things I'd do with you later tonight."

Her lips parted before she smiled and uttered her threat ever so gently. "My husband. Did you forget what I had just said? Behave or else..."

"You really think you can threaten me with that, hmm... baby girl?"

His sexy voice and that teasing retort had Elle widening her eyes. And before she could process a reply in response to that statement, he continued. "It's not like the bed is the only place where I can screw your brains out, Iza. In fact, the couch is another perfect spot too, you know?"

As Elle fell utterly speechless once again, a woman standing in the veranda and drinking from a wine glass, had her eyes glued on the couple from afar and listened into their conversation secretly, her free hand clenching slightly. Her expression did not change, but her nails had grown long and her eyes turned red for a few moments.