Chapter 32

Mr. Chancey is broad like Sebastian, but he has much less muscle mass. He easily accepts the papers from me, his pale hands reaching across his desk to take them.

He is a Dragon Shifter like Sebastian, but Mr. Chancey's scales are the palest, ice blue in color.

"The funds have been wired." I tell him, my voice shaking slightly. "Do you need any proof of that?"

"No, child." He shakes his head, a gentle smile on his face. "I have been the lawyer for the Orville family for over thirty years. I know that they're good for it."

He is professional and courteous. Like any good lawyer, I guess.

"My discretion is assured." He flicks through the papers, making sure that the signature is there. "I will look after the rest."

It's a clear dismissal, so I head out of the office and take the elevator to the exit.

I really wish I had thought to change my outfit, but there wouldn't have been time anyway. It's not ideal to meet Sebastian's family lawyer dressed like this.

Mr. Chancey will be faking the notarization for Karl's signature. Sebastian was, hopefully, in the process of moving Karl to a discreet location so that he doesn't have an alibi for the evening.

Everyone at the party saw Karl and I have a conversation before leaving the party together. Our story will be that he came to the lawyers office with me to sign the contract. A story that Mr. Chancey was going to back up. Karl was going to see the error in his ways, signing away his rights to Sebastian's brand.

I make my way to the waiting car. Surprisingly, Sebastian is waiting inside for me.

"You were supposed to meet me at your house," I scold him.

"I know, but I couldn't wait." I slip into his lap. "It was far too difficult to see his hands all over you, Flora. I could have killed him. I needed to be with you."

"You didn't hurt him though, did you?" I ask, a warning in my voice.

"No, I didn't leave a mark. I know that he needed to show no signs of coercion. It wouldn't have been worth it anyway, he lost consciousness right after you left."

"Everything worked out well on my end too." I tell him.

Sebastian runs a hand over his face, a rackety breath escaping him.

"It's all gone to plan," I continue. "You're free, Sebastian."

I shake him jokingly, joy filling me as his eyes light up.

"I don't know if I should be laughing or crying." In truth, he does both.

I lean forward, kissing his tears away one by one. Eventually, his tears dry up and I kiss him properly, my arms twining around his neck as we share our joy.

The car pulls to a stop and a glance out the window lets me know that we're home.

"I wanted to surprise you with something fun…" I say, my finger running down his chest.

Standing up as much as I can in the car, I slowly slip my dress off, displaying myself in my lace lingerie.

I reach behind me, opening the car door slightly.

"Give me a head start," I say, holding up the house keys that I stole from his pocket in my hand.

I turn and run towards the house, squealing with laughter.