Sebastian - Dark Bonds Read Online Free PDF

have to pack some rubber gloves.  Though I have to say, I would prefer to be bent over your kitchen table than the range!”
    “Mmm, what a lovely thought,” he sighs.  “But I have far more interesting places in which to enjoy you, than in my kitchen Elizabeth.” 
     
    Sebastian takes my door key and goes back to the house, leaving Ruth and I to finalize our plans enabling me to be absent from the business for some months. 
    Our forecasts look positive, and cash flow is healthy thanks to Sebastian’s investment.  It’s entirely workable for me to leave the business in Ruth’s capable hands.  We diarize one day per week for a telephone meeting so that I can be updated with any difficulties or challenges at work, and we draft a memo to our staff team notifying them of the news that Ruth will be their only point of contact until further notice. 
    I suddenly feel free.  It’s such a liberating feeling after years of toil and stress building our company and trouble-shooting.  For the first time in years, it feels as though I’m truly doing something for myself rather than for others.  I just need to convince Bella of the merits of going away with me to Cornwall.  She needs a break as much as I do, the pain of our loss is a black cloud, hanging over us daily.
     
    On the way home from work, I stop at the shopping mall and treat myself to half a dozen expensive pieces of casual country clothing plus a very sexy set of lingerie which will be my treat for Sebastian.  I giggle to myself imagining the skimpy garments worn with rubber gloves while I wash up.
    It feels good to get home and I realize, for the first time in months, I feel more positive.  Excited even.  I’m keen to talk with Bella about my plans immediately so I shrug off my coat, hang it on the hook by the front door and climb the stairs to Bella’s room. 
    In my haste, I forget to knock and instead open her door and enter my daughter’s bedroom. “Don’t you ever knock?” she asks curtly.  Sebastian lies sprawled on Bella’s floor.

7
    Leaning into a bean bag, Sebastian clutches the control for Joe’s Gamebox, cursing at a game on the TV screen.  He glances at me fleetingly as I enter.
     
    “I’m beating your daughter’s ass on Zombie Killzone,” he tells me distractedly, concentration etched across his face.
    “You went into Joe’s room?” I ask incredulously, the intrusion of that fact sinking in.
    “Mum, don’t bust his balls,” Bella snaps. 
    “I didn’t think … I’m sorry,” Sebastian apologizes, pausing his game, he’s crestfallen.
    Bella glares angrily at me.  “You can’t keep his room like a fucking shrine, Mum!” she barks.
    “Hey, watch your smart mouth young lady.  Don’t talk to your mother like that,” Sebastian cautions Bella.
    “How dare you talk to me like that Bella!” my daughter blanches at my reprimand, her eyes brimming with tears.
    “Nobody … nobody goes in my son’s room.  DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”  Feeling myself losing control, I take deep breaths and try and rationalize my anger.  It’s grief, Beth.  Calm down, deep breaths.
    “Mum, I’m sorry.  I miss him too…” We hug each other tightly, I smooth her hair and kiss her away her tears.
    “Want to come and help me cook?” I ask her.
    “What’s for dinner?” asks Bella, wiping her nose with her sleeve.
    “Your favorite.  Pasta and meatballs,” I reply, and her face lights up.  I’m relieved that she seems to be regaining her appetite as she barely ate for the first two weeks after the accident and even now only picks at her food like a small bird.
    Sebastian continues playing with the games console while Bella and I work together in the kitchen making meatballs.
    Bella puts down the spatula she is using to mix the beef and turns to me.  “Sebatian asked if we’d go and stay for a while at Penmorrow.” 
    I’m astounded.  Primarily I’m shocked that he would discuss our visit without checking with me