The Million Dollar Man

<< Hey, » Sebastian said softly, cupping my face with his hands, << Ev, you're scaring me. >>

I let out an unladylike snort as I processed his words, surprising the both of it.

It was ironic. I scared him.

<< I'm fine. >>

<< Yeah, so I've heard. >> Sebastian muttered, dropping his hands to his sides. The loss of warmth and comfort left me cold and empty, though I masked my sadness instantly, unwilling to let him know his effect on me. << What are you going to do with Eric? >> I held my breath after I asked this, anticipating the series of answers he could give me.

Sebastian looked confused for a mere second, before he took a step back and sighed.

I watched him closely, ignoring the painful tug on my heart as he distanced himself from me.

I didn't know why I cared, I just did.

<< I, I don't know yet, »> he responded tiredly, rubbing his hand across his forehead in an attempt to soothe himself.

I watched him as the wrinkles from his forehead slowly relaxed, though the exhaustion and stress remained evident in his eyes. It was then that I took a good look at Sebastian, and noticed how drained he looked. << Why ? »

His question threw me off guard, and I immediately felt a rush of heat flow to my cheeks as I attempted to form a reasonable answer.

<< Well, you see-<<

<< What? >> Sebastian cut me off, a bitter tone leaking into his voice. << You want to spend some quality time with him? >>

Sebastian's sudden implication made me drop my jaw with surprise. In contrast to his fatigued form only moments ago, he looked frankly pissed off right now.

<< What the hell has gotten into you? » I questioned, folding my arms tightly across my chest.

I thought about the way I had reacted when he had walked into the room, and how now, I wanted nothing more than to deck him across the head.

Sebastian's eyes narrowed, and a sneer crossed his lips. << I've been so fucking nice to you lately. >>

I mimicked his actions and narrowed my eyes in return, annoyance sparking within myself.

<< Your point? >>

Sebastian grew red and didn't hesitate to get right in my face. << My point? Did you actually think I wouldn't find out about you visiting out little prisoner? Huh? I thought that you were smarter than that, but I guess not. >> I frustrated noise left my mouth and my arms dropped from my chest, my hands curling into fists.

<< And what's so wrong with that, King? >>

<< What happened down there? >> He shot back, ignoring my question.

<< Why do you care? >>

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<< Listen here, » he gripped my upper arms tightly and yanked me into his chest, his eyes glinting with anger. << I don't care what you think, but I won't allow you to be by yourself in a room with a guy who tried to kill you. >> << That's rich, >> I spat out sarcastically, « Especially coming from you. >>

I saw the rush of fury in Sebastian's eyes before I felt it. The next thing I knew, I was being held to the wall by neck, which wasn't a first with him. The surprise had taken my breath away; I instantly began clawing at his hand in a weak attempt to pull him away.

<< What the-<< The commotion must have warned Callum and Mason that something was wrong, because I was immediately released as the two boys dragged Sebastian away from me.

I felt my lungs expand painfully as I took a large intake of air, while the black spots that had invaded my vision began to slowly go away. My hand was delicately pressed against my neck, and as I finally regained my breath, I threw Sebastian a hateful glare.

<< What the fuck, man? » Callum asked, placing himself in front of Sebastian, as if he would be a barrier in case he attacked again.

<< What do you mean? » Sebastian snarled, << Obviously Evelyn likes to be in dangerous situations, yet it seems as though she hasn't grown accustomed with how to deal with them. >>

His reference to my visit to Eric made my blood boil and I was on m feet in seconds.

<< He's chained to a wall- let it go ! » I threw my hands in the air for emphasis, and over Callum's shoulder Sebastian sent me a deadly look. I brushed it off easily, uncaring as to whether or not I upset him. In my defense, he upset me first.

I suppose I could have explained to him right then what had really happened during my visit, what I found out, and the danger I was in, but as usual, I wasn't thinking properly. I was enraged at his accusations and his mood swings- what the hell was up with that? Unless he was a hormonal teenage girl, he had no reason to be acting this way.

<< And besides, >> I snapped, << if anyone has put me in danger, it's you. You have no right to be saying anything right now. >>

My eyes widened slightly as Sebastian shoved Mason and Callum away, his murderous glare making me slightly regret my decision to say anything.

But then again, I am Evelyn Claire Summers, and I regret nothing.

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<< You're defending him now? » His tone was eerily calm, despite the fact that his chest was rising and falling dramatically while his hands formed tight fists.

I rolled my eyes at his statement, << For the love of god, if this is some way of you showing me your jealous and possessive side, I don't care. You're being unreasonable and quite immature. Is that really any way a gang leader should act ? >> Sebastian looked as if he were about to yell something at me, but instead took a step back, a smirk quirking at his lips.

«You're right, I'm not acting like a gang leader right now. >> His smirk was growing deeper and fuller, making my stomach twist under the anxiety his newfound amusement brought me.

I looked around the room, feeling uncomfortable as silence fell over us.

<< But, » Sebastian began to speak again, << as I recall, you haven't been acting much like the heartless, ruthless baiter that is praised and adored by so many. In fact, I must say that you've been a disappointment. If I had known there would be so many tears and pathetic emotional breakdowns, I would have never offered your brother that deal. >>

Talk about a low blow.

I stared at Sebastian, my lips sealed shut. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing that he had upset me. No, I couldn't do that.

With a tight smile, I turned on my heel and went up the stairs soundly, not followed by any of the boys.

Though I had put enough distance between Sebastian and myself, I could hear his words repeat inside of my head, as if they were mocking me.

It was weird though- because I wasn't hurt by what he said, no... I was frustrated. I was irritated beyond belief and I could feel myself growing more annoyed by the second.

It sucked, it all sucked because he was right.

I had a reputation, had being the key word. During my time with the Kings I had lost in a matter of days, and now I was going to have to work to get it back.

<< You are Evelyn fucking Summers, >> I said quietly, staring hard at the floor. << Get your shit together right this instant. >>