Chapter 8: The Way He Looked at Me
Sebastian Vale came back the next day.His eyes cold and distant as ever.
He walked like he owned the world
Rosalyn noticed him the moment he entered the café. He did not look around like other customers. He walked straight to the counter, calm and unhurried, as if he already knew where he belonged.
"The usual," he said.
She nodded and prepared his coffee. Her hands did not shake, but her chest felt tight. When she placed the cup in front of him, their fingers almost touched.
"You work long hours," Sebastian said quietly.
Rosalyn looked up. "Most people don't notice that."
"I notice things," he replied.softly
There was no smile on his face. No attempt to charm her. That unsettled her more than Marcus ever had.
"You look tired," Sebastian continued.
She hesitated. "So do you." She said eyes avoiding him.
That made him pause.
"I suppose I am," he said. "Life does that."
They stood in silence for a moment. It wasn't uncomfortable. It was heavy, like something waiting to be said.
"Do you like working here?" he asked.
"It's fine," Roselyn answered. "It pays the bills."
Sebastian studied her, his gaze sharp but not unkind. "People don't usually stay where they're only surviving."
Her breath caught slightly. She forced a small smile. "Some of us don't have many choices."
"I think you do," he said. "You just haven't used them yet."
The words stayed with her even after he paid and turned to leave.
At the door, Sebastian stopped. He looked back at her once more.
"Be careful who you trust," he said. "Some men don't like losing control."
Then he was gone.
Roselyn stood still behind the counter, her heart beating faster than it had in weeks.
Sebastian had not touched her.
He had not promised anything.
He had not asked for her attention.
And somehow, that made him far more dangerous.