<h4>Chapter 110: Chapter 110 You Seem Awfully Excited</h4>


    Cecilia’s pov


    After hesitating for a few seconds, I picked up the cufflink, removing its protective cap.


    My eyes fixed on the sharp pin as I studied Alpha Sebastian’s sleeping form, considering my options.


    Which would be the least offensive spot? His arm? Thigh?


    No, those areas were covered by the nket.


    I’d have to pull back the covers and push up his sleeve or pant leg—definitely creepy territory.


    Finally, I settled on his hand—the only exposed part besides his face and neck.


    I carefully lifted one of his long, elegant fingers, positioning the pin near his index fingertip.


    Just as I was about to make contact, his brow furrowed slightly.


    I paused, looking at his handsome sleeping face. "Alpha Sebastian, I’m really sorry about this," I whispered apologetically.


    "But you’re sleeping too deeply. My grandmother used to say when someone can’t be awakened, they might be trapped in a nightmare. Sometimes a little pain is what it takes to wake someone."


    "This will sting a little," I warned his unconscious form. "I’ll count to three... one, two, three—"


    As I finished counting, I moved to prick his fingertip.


    My pin met empty air.


    The finger I’d been holding suddenly withdrew, and before I could process what was happening, my hand was captured.


    His fingers slid between mine, interlocking our hands in an intimate grasp.


    I tried to pull away in shock.


    Instead, I found myself yanked downward.


    Since I was already bending over him, his pull sent me crashing onto his chest.


    I could feel the hard warmth of his torso against mine, his heartbeat strong and steady beneath me.


    My eyes widened in panic as I pressed my free hand against his chest, trying to push myself up. But I’d forgotten about the pin I was still holding, which pricked his chest during my struggle.


    My weapon-wielding hand was immediately captured in his other grip.


    I copsed back onto his chest, thoroughly mortified now. I demanded he release me, and when he didn’t, I tried to jab at his hand with the pin, only to find myself flipped onto my back with him looming over me.


    "Are you really that determined to draw my blood?" His deep, husky voice rumbled through the quiet office.


    His eyes opened slowly, still hazy with sleep but quickly sharpening with awareness—and something else that made my pulse spike.


    My heart was hammering against my ribs. This position was far toopromising!


    Iy frozen beneath him, feeling heat rush to my face. "Alpha Sebastian, please let me go," I managed to say, my eyes darting anywhere but his face. Making eye contact in this position would be... catastrophic.


    "So you can stab me again?" he murmured.


    I could feel his gaze traveling across my face, down my neck.


    The intimate way his fingers were still inteced with mine, his thumb slowly stroking my palm, sent currents of electricity through my body.


    The air between us grew thick with tension, dangerous and intoxicating.


    "I-I won’t stab you, I promise. Here, take it." I dropped the pin away, my voice shaking. "See? No more weapons. I’m harmless now."


    Alpha Sebastian studied me for another long moment before finally releasing me.


    I scrambled off the bed, my legs wobbly and unreliable.


    My hair was a mess, my palms damp, and I nearly stumbled right back onto the bed in my haste to put distance between us.


    His gaze lingered on my figure, his breathing noticeably uneven.


    I turned away to straighten my clothes and hair before facing him again, attempting to appearposed. "Since you’re awake now, I’ll be going," I said, desperate to escape.


    Waking him up was definitely too difficult—and dangerous—a task.


    "Don’t be in such a hurry," he called, stopping me mid-retreat.


    I reluctantly turned back. "Is... there something else?"


    "You injured me." Alpha Sebastian pulled open the cor of his shirt to reveal a tiny spot of blood on his chest.


    I stared at the small ruby droplet in silence before offering a weak, "I’m sorry."


    "You think sorry fixes it?" His voice was soft but pointed.


    "Well, what do you want?" I shot back, irritation ring. "Should I let you stab me back?"


    The moment the words left my mouth, I realized their implication. Especially with his chest still partially exposed.


    Oh my God, no!


    Alpha Sebastian narrowed his eyes, then looked down at his pillow, seeming to search for something.


    Was he actually looking for the pin?!


    My chest tightened in rm, and without another word, I fled the room as if my life depended on it.


    Twenty minutester, Alpha Sebastian emerged from his rest area, impably dressed in his suit once more, the epitome of elegant sophistication.


    He emerged from his room, impably dressed, and raised an eyebrow at my presence. "You’re still here?"


    [Trust me, I don’t want to be!]


    I suppressed the thought and exined, "Luna Regina called. She’s arranged a mating for you tonight. She asked me to remind you of the time and location, and to make sure you attend without fail."


    I quickly ryed all the information, my dutyplete.


    Alpha Sebastian’s phone chimed twice with the details I’d sent, but he didn’t bother checking it.


    Instead, his cool gaze fixed on me, his expression growing increasingly severe. "You’re telling me to go on a mating?"


    "Your mother is telling you," I corrected. This wasn’t my idea!


    "Do you want me to go on this date?" he rephrased, his tone growing even more distant.


    [Can’t you just leave me out of this?]


    "Your mother asked me to convey her wishes," I reiterated carefully. "She wants you to attend this date."


    Alpha Sebastian studied me for a moment before a smile appeared on his lips—not a pleasant one.


    "Since my mom chose to ry this through you, there must be deeper meaning. Perhaps she thinks my previous dates failed because Icked proper guidance. She’s sent me an advisor."


    "I don’t think—" I started to protest.


    "I think my mom has made a wise decision this time," he interrupted smoothly. "Thank you for your assistance, Advisor Cecilia."


    I tried again. "I believe—"


    "I believe you should return to work now," he cut me off once more, then smiled as if remembering something. "Unless you’re not busy, in which case we could discuss your stabbing habit. You did offer to let me return the favor."


    He reached into his suit pocket and pulled out the cufflink pin.


    I stared in disbelief. He’d actually kept it!


    [Is he insane?]


    I turned and walked away as quickly as dignity would allow.


    ...


    When evening came, I found myself unable to leave work as nned.


    Harper called just as I was preparing to pack up. "Cecilia, what time will you be home? I have news—that ne Mrs. White gave to Cici! And Cici mentioned she’s having dinner at Xavier’s tonight. You should hurry back so we can listen in. There might be some valuable information."


    "Go to my ce first," I told her. "I’ll be backter."


    "Workingte?" she asked.


    "Something like that."


    More like ying dating consultant to my Alpha boss.


    It was too ridiculous to exin. Anyone would think I was making it up.


    But I’d realized Alpha Sebastian was rebelling against his mother’s meddling.


    He was annoyed that she’d arranged this date based on mere rumors.


    Harper said she’d wait for me at my apartment, and we hung up.


    At 6:20 PM, I finished my work and headed to Alpha Sebastian’s office, forcing a smile. "Alpha Sebastian, you’re scheduled to meet Miss Hazel at seven o’clock. It’s almost time to leave."


    Alpha Sebastian continued working without looking up. His voice was cool as he replied, "You seem awfully excited. Looking forward to this, are you?"