A Couple of Plans
ZAIA. “Zaia, is everything ok?” I look up at Mom from where I’m slicing the potatoes for the evening meal.
“Of course, why do you ask?” I smile. Mom looks concerned from where she’s braiding Sia’s hair at the kitchen table.
“You don’t cook unless you have a lot on your mind.” She says with a knowing look of understanding in her eyes.
I returned yesterday morning and although I filled her in on everything with Valerie; I refrained from telling her what went down between Sebastian and me.
I don’t know why, but I know how she would have disapproved of me spending the night with him, and that would only make me feel worse…
My heart clenches as I remember that morning….
(FLASHBACK)
My eyes flutter open and I find myself cocooned in warmth. I snuggle back against the hard wall of muscle behind me when I tense. Wall of muscle?
Sebastian!
I’m about to pull away when I realise that my head is on his arm, his hand clamped around my breast, his other arm firmly around my hips, holding me tightly against him…
He’s asleep, I can tell from his steady heartbeat…
his face
always hold me
up. For a fleeting moment, I want to enjoy the warmth
weak resolve makes me glare at the wall, and I slowly free myself from his hold. I have to
(END OF FLASHBACK)
please answer me,” Mom says, making me look over
has been on my mind, and I have been doing some research. “Oh, you are thinking about the
I know in this day and age the practices of our
So is Jai going to ask Sebastian to allow Valerie
say shortly. I have made it clear we will not discuss
close my eyes, hoping she didn’t catch my tone, and if she did, that she plays it off to my
wondering who would want us apart? Who is
you Zaia, it isn’t your fault you didn’t know about Valerie,”
says, giving me an adorable smile as she holds her paper up
Valerie, then the moon will heal her.” She says in her adorable little voice.
hug her tightly. “That is the perfect plan,” I say,
we have to!” Mom says. I nod as I stand up, carrying Sia. “Yes, deep down, I feel
a
asked many questions. They may be three
this, Zaia?” Dad asks. We’re in my new office, one floor up, at the Toussaint Headquarters, and he has just placed a file down in front
Toussaint of Toussaint Empires turns down Business Tycoon Atticus Payne’s proposal.” I read aloud before I cock my brow. “I don’t want to lose focus on what I
file and cross my legs as I look across at
someone else stepping in on the Zero project, there’s a high chance we might lose that deal.” He grunts. “If we had Atticus’s backup, I think we could have secured the position and proved
for a business
by the mountains… look, Dad, don’t worry, I’m flying out there for the meeting and I’m extremely confident I’ll get
beat at the mention of Sebastian. Why would he do that? Everyone knows
my
don’t think you
Sebastian. If he wants to compete for it, then I’m up for the competition, but I am not taking a back seat!”
past years. Whilst he came to accept. and approve of Atticus, his resentment for Sebastian and
I will come with you.” Dad says firmly, knowing I won’t
head. “No. You need to be here
them. I think the trip will do them good too and Sia can enjoy the fresh air.” Dad
would be good. “And will your wife be alright with that?” I
“She doesn’t “Security-”
I mean no one will touch those children, here or abroad.” He says firmly. “No one, not even Sebastian
back and nod appreciatively. The protection that Dad provides for me is the one thing that I appreciate the most and I won’t ever
“Or perhaps Atticus-”
for me to go with him when the rumours are already spread all over the media.” I say, picking up the file and flipping
Atticus. at the party, a blurred image at the fountain, me and him out for
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G5fUqYAVvxms31rLnLrXC1b3ZhjJPsux8ljlCVv5kLpxoiylag0sEQNogtic6d4HPnAW9IxH11YpXlmCM/R1KZGX56RoKMye+abKE3LlQpTzf0LAQvt2uJZcP2T8G9vNy02iPrXYbWPPfvED6DW0kDGi34nBgfSJ2I0UMWvYVBeKWbvb4IvRoiFp6TM5TmULo2OgbJ8KttVhA30bxKVi6/UbuxARdNKSGGMgeZbD7ou7Q0Djl40K3hGJBYCPZTb+VAT8t7WeEObyiCKPPnNkPFR0i+8vP456wchtTclZIuxxb7Ir2Gf0d6M7e/ixce/hhsI04ZUe
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