Sebastian - Dark Bonds Read Online Free PDF Page B

first.  At such a sensitive time in Bella’s life, it’s my place to broach the subject with my daughter, not his.
    “I’ve told him we’ll go mum.  Well, I’m going regardless of whether you are.”  My astonishment now rests like a leaden weight around my shoulders.  “I thought you’d be pleased…” she sulks.
                  “I… I am darling.  I’m just a little surprised that Sebastian discussed this with you before I’ve had the chance to talk to you first, that’s all.   I’d like to go, I really would.  In fact that’s why I came in to your room – to talk to you about it.  I’ve taken time off work, as much time as we both need, and we can leave as soon as I’ve had a chance to talk to Nana.  Please don’t mention this to her, she’s been through enough.  We all have.  I’ll suggest she comes to stay in Cornwall for a weekend soon, ok?” 
    “Sick” replies my daughter. 
    In my day we would say ‘that’s nice,’ but teenagers today insist on saying ‘sick’.  It’s such a weird world we live in now I muse. 
    “I suppose we’ll have to wait for me to finish my last exams?” asks Bella with a frown.  In my haste to speed ahead with our plans I’d overlooked the fact that Bella has five GCSE exams to sit in May.  She’s hardly revised and, quite honestly, I’ve not been of clear mind since the accident and therefore have not pushed her to study.  We agree to wait a further month so that Bella can finish her exams and therefore her secondary schooling.  The delay also gives me time to spend with my mother, which eases my conscience at leaving her. 
    Bella’s clearly besotted with Sebastian.  Using this opportunity to talk to her about her feelings, seems a sensible approach to air my concerns.
    “Bella, darling, I know you think you love Sebastian and that’s really wonderful.  He’s a kind and generous man but… please don’t see him as a replacement for Dad.  I just worry that you may see him as a father figure at a time when you’re very vulnerable.  It’s totally understandable that you’d feel that way.  I… I just don’t want you to expect too much of Sebastian ok?”  She looks genuinely affronted.  Her mouth is gaping and a mist of anger clouds her eyes.
    “For fucks sake mother. I certainly don’t think of him as a new daddy.  Jeez mum!”
    “Language!” I exclaim exasperatedly. 
    Having had this conversation with Bella doesn’t reassure me that my daughter won’t end up getting hurt.
    After dinner, Sebastian clears the plates while I languish in a hot bath.  Closing my eyes and enjoying the sting of the hot water on my skin, my worries begin to soak away and the pain of grief, deep inside me lessons just a fraction.
    Sebastian makes love to me for hours, with a leisurely exploration of each other’s bodies, kissing and licking every inch of each other’s skin. 
    As the first blush of sunrise lifts the shadows in the room, I wake to feel Sebastian’s leg draped over my hip as he spoons me.  Feeling hot, but reluctant to disturb him, I lay still – listening to his breathing, and feeling safe and loved in his strong arms and contented sleep envelopes me once more.
    Hitting the mute button on my alarm, I kiss Sebastian’s bare shoulder and he stirs, pulling me down and kissing my neck.
    “Mmm, good morning sexy,” he croaks sleepily.
    “Hi sleepyhead,” I purr.
    “It’s Saturday.  I have the whole weekend to use and abuse you, Mrs. Dove,” he promises.
    “Delicious as that sounds, De Montfort, I have a hair appointment at ten.  I’m going to have to leave you and Bella for an hour, is that ok?” 
    He plants a tender kiss on my nipple and I’m lost to him again.
    My hair is styled differently.  My usual curls have been straightened to within an inch of their lives.  The new sleek look frames my face nicely.
    “God.  You look amazing,” George my hairdresser coos.
    “You’re a miracle worker,