A Secret Proposal

  She gasped and said, "Toby!" She glanced down, hoping like hell she hadn't squished the little pup to death.

  He was whimpering, and Sakura said, "I'm so sorry, Toby."

  Sebastian chuckled, his deep timber echoing loud in the quiet room. "I think he's all right," he said.

  Sakura tried to sit up, but Sebastian tightened his hold on her and made her roll over him instead, to give Toby some space between them.

  Sakura found herself flat on her back with Sebastian beside her. He was resting the weight of his body on his elbow as he gazed down at her.

  "Good morning," he said, a handsome smile on his lips. "Are you all right?"

  Sakura pulled her yukata about her person, trying to cover herself properly. She shuffled herself back to put some space between them but found her endeavor was useless because she was trapped by another body to her other side. She turned over and met Darcy's dark gaze. He was watching her intensely.

  "Why are you up already?" he asked. "It's not even six yet."

  She blushed and muttered, "I usually get up this early. It's my biological clock."

  Toby chose that moment to wriggle out of Sakura's arm. Once he was free, he jumped onto Darcy's chest, gave him a good lick on the cheek in greeting, and then hopped over onto the sofa with Conrad, landing on the youngest brother's chest. The dog then snuggled under Conrad's blanket and made himself comfortable.

  Sakura sat up and said, "I'm going back to the apartment."

  "At this time?" Darcy queried. "Don't you think it's a bit inconvenient for Lady Haruka?"

  Sakura admitted he was right.

  Sebastian gently nudged her back down between them, moving his pillow so she could share his. "Nicolas already informed Lady Haruka about you staying here for the night."

  Sakura sighed as she once again found herself in between the two men. When Darcy pulled his blanket so she could have some, she said, "No, in that case, I'll just go and get some coffee."

  She moved, stood up, and pulled her yukata properly on her person. Then she said, "Excuse me," and stepped over Sebastian's body.

  She was just opening the door when Sebastian said, "In that case, I'll join you."

  "Me, too," Darcy said.

  The three came into the kitchen and met Beth there, who was getting breakfast ready.

  "Good morning, Beth," Sakura greeted.

  Beth nearly jumped out of her skin. "Sakura?"

  At Beth's questioning look, Sakura said, "It's a long story. I'm going to make some coffee. Would you like one?"

  "Yes, of course," Beth said, nodding, her eyes on Sebastian and Darcy at the door. They were grinning from ear to ear.

  Some twenty minutes later, Sakura, Sebastian, and Darcy were enjoying their breakfast and coffee together in the dining room when Conrad joined them.

  "Why didn't you wake me?" Conrad demanded at the door, Toby in his arms. Toby barked at them in outrage as well.

  "You were too comfortable in your bed," Darcy said. "Come on." He nodded at the chair next to his, which Conrad happily took.

  *

  "You know I can get to the clinic myself," Sakura said, staring at Sebastian beside her.

  "Yes, I know," he replied, a grin on his face. "But I want to accompany you." He changed the topic. "How are you feeling today?" He placed the back of his hand over her forehead as he looked at her closely. The intensity of his blue eyes made her blush, and Sebastian chuckled. "Not too bad?"

  She pushed his hand away in annoyance. "Stop that."

  "Stop what?" he asked, teasing her, his face so close to her he made her feel a little weak in the knees.

  "Stop looking at me like that," she muttered. She sighed in vexation and turned her attention to the elevator door instead. It dinged in that instant and opened. Sebastian moved to the side, allowing her to exit the lift first.

  They came into a posh clinic, and after Sakura informed the receptionist she was here for her appointment, she and Sebastian took their seats in the waiting area. Sebastian was holding Sakura's hand and kept teasing her, leaving no doubt for everyone there they were a couple.

  "Miss Sakura Tanaka?" a male voice said.

  Sakura stood and came to face a pleasant man a little older than Sebastian.

  "Sebastian," the doctor said. "It's been a while."

  "Dave, how's Claire?" Sebastian asked.

  "She's good," Dave said, "and busy with the kids." Then he laughed.

  "You're keeping her busy." Sebastian chuckled.

  Dave returned his gaze to Sakura and smiled knowingly. "Sakura, please follow me," he said.

  Sakura nodded.

  "Ah, Sebastian, do you want to come as well?" Dave asked.

  Sakura blinked and quickly said, "No. No. That's fine. I don't need him. That is... I mean, he doesn't need to come in."

  Dave looked a little confused. "It's totally fine if Sebastian wants to come in. I see women all the time with their boyfriends, especially if it's to do with contraception and birth control and trying to get pregnant or whatnot."

  Sakura glanced at Sebastian, who didn't even try to hide his amusement.

  "Sakura darling, do you want me to come in with you?" he teased.

  Sakura glared at him, her face red. "No, I'm fine, Sebastian. Please stay here." She turned to the doctor and said quickly, "Let's go."

  Dave nodded and led her into his office. Once inside, he indicated for her to take a seat, which she did.

  "What can I do for you, then?" Dave began.

  Some fifteen minutes later, Sakura emerged from the office, and Sebastian stood impatiently as she came toward him.

  "How was it?" he asked, a little concerned.

  "I just needed to get some medication from the drugstore," she said. "Iron deficiency. I thought as much. Always so tired."

  "It's very common," Dave said behind her. "Young ladies tend to get iron deficiency, what with not eating well and all."

  Sebastian glanced at Sakura. "You're still not eating right," he said. "We'll have to take better care of you, sweetheart." He caressed her cheek, his eyes soft on her.

  Dave noticed the sentimental action and pretended a cough to get his friend's attention. When Sebastian reluctantly turned to him, Dave said, "More red meat more often. And of course, more sleep." He turned to Sakura. "You're not sleeping very well, are you?"

  Sakura shook her head. She'd never been able to sleep well since she'd been little. Now and again, the nightmares would come. Though she had to admit she hadn't had one for a while now, since she'd met the brothers again at the hotel, in fact.

  "Well," Dave said to Sebastian. "You take good care of your girlfriend." Then he added quietly so only Sebastian could hear him. "She's a keeper."

  Sebastian laughed. "I know that."

  After the friends said good-bye, Sebastian took Sakura to the drugstore for her prescribed medication.

  "Where are you taking me?" Sakura asked some moments later, seeing that the car wasn't heading through the familiar streets toward the apartment.

  "Lunch," Sebastian said, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm taking you to lunch."

  "You're taking advantage of the situation, aren't you?" she asked, a glint in her eyes.

  "Why, yes." He admitted. "Sakura, sweetheart, you do want to have lunch with me, don't you?"

  She refused to tell him of course she did. She didn't want his ego to grow any bigger. The darn man.

  Sebastian, however, could guess from the look on her face and laughed. "Where would you like to go?"

  "I don't know. You choose," she replied,

  "All right," he said. "How about Italian? We have a great Italian restaurant at Princeton Hotel."

  "Sure, why not? That way we can stop by and say hi to Daddy James and Mom Brenda. Maybe if they aren't busy, they can join us. And Nicolas and Conrad, too."

  Some five minutes later, they parked the car and got out. He rushed over to her side before Sakura could open the door. She laughed and said, "Sebastian, I'm not an in
valid, you know."

  "Yes, I know that," he said. "But I did say I'd take good care of you."

  She pulled a face. "What? Are you going to cook me amazing food full of nutrients, especially iron, every day?"

  She was just joking, of course, but Sebastian looked like he was serious about it.

  "I think I will," he said, "Once you've moved in with us. Hmm, I'll have to start learning from Beth."

  She laughed. "Bearing in mind she considered you the best house husband, I'm sure Beth would be only too happy to have you under her command."

  Sebastian pulled her in his arms and said, "Yes, she would, wouldn't she?"

  Sakura blinked and looked up at him. "Why are you hugging me in the parking lot? People are looking."

  Sebastian cocked his head to one side, mirth in his bright-blue eyes. "Oh? I don't see anything wrong with a couple hugging and kissing in the parking lot. It's normal for a guy to show his feelings to his girlfriend, I'm sure."

  Sakura snorted at his statement. "Kissing? We're not--"

  She didn't get to finish. Sebastian planted his lips on hers and kissed her hard, his tongue licking and caressing her flesh. The action made Sakura a little lightheaded.

  When he pulled back, he was grinning. "There," he said. "I've wanted to do that to you since you landed on me this morning."

  Sakura blushed and moved to get out of his arms. Sebastian wouldn't let her and tightened his grip. He was about to kiss her again when she said, "Sebastian, I'm hungry."

  He laughed. "Of course you are, and I'm not about to make you miss your very important meal."

  He moved back and, with his hand on her wrist, led her away from the car toward the elevator.

  Some moments later, they were just heading toward the lobby of the hotel when Sakura said, "Wait, I need to go to the bathroom."

  "Sure." He nodded. "I'll wait here."

  "Thanks," she said and rushed off in the direction of the female restroom sign.

  Once inside, Sakura quickly did her business, hoping Sebastian hadn't been waiting too long. After washing her hands, she headed back out the door, her feet hurrying across the corridor. She was opening another door that would lead her back into the foyer when she bumped into someone. She was about to apologize when she looked up. The moment her eyes met the elegant woman with perfectly styled blond hair, perfectly made-up face, and a powerful business suit, Sakura froze in place and her eyes rounded in terror.

  The other woman stared at Sakura, a cold, shocked look plastered on her face--a face that was very similar to Tara's. Only this one was older and had more wrinkles. Quickly, she regained her senses and shoved Sakura to the side, throwing the girl off balance. Then she rushed away, her steps quick and the noise of her heels clip-clopping on the marble floor echoing in Sakura's head.

  Sakura felt as though she couldn't breathe. Her chest felt tight as she stood there, frozen in her spot, her mind reeling with shock, confusion, and terror.

  A voice called out her name, but she didn't hear it. Warm hands cupped her face as her mind continued to be drawn into the pool of darkness.

  "Sakura! Look at me. Sweetheart. Please look at me. Sakura."

  Sakura blinked, and slowly, the haze of darkness lifted from her mind as Sebastian's voice became clearer in her ears.

  "Sakura, sweetheart. What's wrong?" Sebastian asked in concern.

  Sakura threw herself into his arms and snuggled her face against his massive warm chest. She said, her voice shaking, "I'm not feeling very well. Please take me home."

  Sebastian wrapped his arm around her, his eyes dark with worry. He knew something wasn't right. She was acting very strange all of a sudden. What made her change her demeanor so suddenly? Worried, he nodded and led her to the door. He noted she was tense and her body was shaking like a leaf in a storm.

  On their way back home, he didn't ask her any questions because she didn't look like she could manage that. His hands, however, held on to her tight, a gesture to remind her he was here beside her.

  "Thanks for taking me to see the doctor," she said quietly at the apartment. Then before he could say anything further, she shut the door, leaving Sebastian frowning darkly with concern.

  In her bedroom, Sakura locked the door as if she were afraid someone would break in and then threw herself on her bed. She lay there, her body shaking uncontrollably, as she stared into space. In her mind's eye, she was that child once again, living in Queen Mary Orphanage, being tortured and bullied by none other than Mrs. Byrd, the head mistress.

  Sakura fisted her hands tight. No. No. Surely, she must have been hallucinating. Mrs. Byrd had died in the fire that night eighteen years ago. She couldn't have been alive. The woman she'd bumped into, the woman who looked so much like Tara, couldn't be Mrs. Byrd. Her mind, however, was adamant that who she'd just seen was Mrs. Byrd. After all, how could she forget the woman who had tortured her day in and day out? The woman who made her suffer when she was a little girl? Even though eighteen years had passed...

  "No," Sakura whispered. "I won't believe it. You died that night. I know you died."

  But as Sakura tried to convince herself, she knew the woman she'd bumped into was Mrs. Byrd. She knew also that what she'd seen that night eighteen years ago was true--Mrs. Byrd had intentionally burned down the orphanage and escaped into the darkness. Mrs. Byrd was still alive and living a very happy and rich life.

  *

  Julie Clark, known previously as Margaret Byrd, banged the door shut and rested her head against the frame. Her heart was still pumping loud and fast as she took in shaky breaths. She hadn't been this scared or so pissed off since the day she'd discovered her husband with another woman. Since that night she'd victoriously escaped that disastrous orphanage on St. Joseph Island, she'd thought she had put the past behind her.

  After all, she deserved to enjoy her life to the fullest. Of course, she'd been doing just that for the past eighteen years. But the sight of that distasteful girl, Sakura, now fully grown and too beautiful for her liking, made her past return to haunt her.

  When her heart finally slowed down to its normal rhythm and her mind cleared, she gazed long and hard at the luxury that surrounded her. Her apartment was tastefully decorated with the latest fashion and design, no expense spared. She was rich, with a prosperous business of her own. She was surrounded by men who adored her. Of course, most just wanted to have sex with her girls, but she didn't mind that. Those girls were working for her, after all, and the men grew her business with their limitless money and unsatisfied lust.

  With a deep sigh, she barged into her large bedroom that overlooked Central Park. She thrust the closet open and searched for the old box she had hidden way at the back. When she pulled it out, she eyed the thing with disgust. Why didn't I throw the thing away? Why didn't I?

  She unlocked the small chest and flicked it open. There, she stared long and hard at the countless letters with beautiful, clean handwriting, signed with love with the name Haruka Tanaka. Amongst those were receipts of checks ranging between fifty grand to over a few hundred. Money Julie herself had deposited into her private account, which amounted to just over two million by the time she'd left St. Joseph Island to start a new life for herself.

  "I looked after the little bitch for seven years," she muttered under her breath. "I deserved that money."

  Angrily, she slammed the box shut and busied herself hiding it away in the back of the closet. "Tara," she said, searching for her cell phone. With hands shaking, she dialed her daughter's number and waited. After a few rings, Tara's voice came through.

  "What do you want, Mom? I told you not to ring me unless it's an emergency!"

  Julie gritted her teeth and snapped, "Tara, darling, this is an emergency." Her voice was shaking, and she knew Tara could hear that.

  "What is it? What's wrong?"

  Julie took a deep breath. "Meet me tonight at Madam Lounge."

  "What? Why can't you tell me now?"

  Julie snapped, "It
's not safe. Just meet me this evening in my office."

  "All right. I'll be there."

  The beeping sound came through instantly, indicating Tara had hung up. Julie once again felt herself shaking with fright, her eyes on the closet where the ancient box was hidden.

  *

  "Get off me!" Tara muttered in annoyance, shoving a hand away.

  Ray Woods lifted his head and raised a brow at her. "What is wrong with you?" he queried. He was quite annoyed that she'd interrupted him having his way with her.

  Tara folded her arms against her bare breasts and said coldly, "It's my mother."

  "Oh?" He sat up. "What does she want?"

  "She wants to meet tonight," Tara said, looking heavenward. "Thing is, she sounded like she'd just shit herself."

  Ray laughed. "That's funny." At Tara's glare, he said, "Your mother's a bitch, Tara. We both know that. I've worked for her, doing her dirty work, for five years now. I know that woman's mental."

  Tara snorted. "If she's mental, then why the hell are you working for her?"

  Ray shrugged. "She pays good money. And I like the job."

  Tara saw him smile and knew what he meant. He loved living dangerously and doing illegal things. That was what drew her to him the moment they'd first met a year ago after James Princeton had kicked her out of his family.

  She was so pissed that her plans in getting rid of Sakura had failed that she returned to New York and started drinking herself stupid. When she became broke and, of course, couldn't ask Alaina for any more money to keep her going, she'd turned to her own mother--who supposedly died eighteen years ago--for help.

  Of course, she'd found out when she'd turned sixteen nine years ago and received an anonymous letter that Margaret Byrd wasn't dead. At first, she'd been so pissed with her own mother for pulling off such a selfish stunt, for burning down the orphanage and running off, leaving her to fend for herself. But then again, the circumstance had also given her the opportunity to be adopted by one of the wealthiest families in America, with Alaina's help of course. She'd used her wits and tricks to get the gullible girl to become her best friend and made her do everything she'd ever wished for.

  Tara sighed and got out of bed, naked. Ray admired her slender form and said, "Where you going?"