Page 14 of Snapdragon

The other Humans in line with us are being polite, but I can see their uncertainty as they glance up at Sebastian. They’re just being well behaved because of all the cameras around.

His hand remains firmly planted on my lower back, his thumb absentmindedly stroking me there as we wait. I sigh, comforted by the movement.

“Thank you,” I tell him. “That could have been much worse and taken a lot longer.”

He grunts in response. I sigh for a different reason this time. I thought he would be more vocal now that we were alone.

“Not much of a talker, are you?” I look up at him, blown away again by how attractive he looks in this tux. Especially now that he was standing.

He doesn’t respond, looking at me intensely. I spot the moment when his eyes drift lower, taking in my breasts first, and then my entire form. I want to say something, but I don’t know what. Sebastian looks like he wants to eat me, and I’m not so sure I would try to stop him.

We’re ushered forward by a staff member. It’s time for us to take to the carpet. Sebastian keeps his hand on me, and I try to look like it’s completely natural that we would be touching. Like he touches me like this all the time.

For one pose, I place my hand on his chest and look up at him, smiling all the time. I’m sure the press, and the label, will eat that one up.

It takes far too long, but we eventually make it into the venue properly. I haven’t been to many of these awards shows yet, so it’s not normal for me at all. I can’t help but gape at the lavish decor and place settings.

We’re led to a table towards the back, which is fine with me. Sebastian plays the gentleman well, holding out my chair for me to sit. I could almost believe he was into me with this treatment. I certainly know better though.

We’re seated in the Human section of the auditorium, and it very quickly becomes obvious as to why that might be an issue. Sebastian’s chair is far too small for him. It’s almost comical, his giant body in the chiavari chair.

“Don’t laugh.” He warns.

But that just sets me off. If there’s one thing about me, I cannot hold in a good giggle to save my life. Sebastian’s mouth quirks slightly, and I know he’s struggling to keep up with his gloomy guy demeanor.

I sober up as some other Humans nervously join us at our table. I can tell that they are unhappy with the seating arrangement, they sneer and I can’t help but curl in on myself a bit.

Sebastian scoots his chair closer to mine to give the woman next to him breathing room. She looks ready to pass out. I try to give her a gentle, reassuring smile. But the scowl she gives me hurts. I’ve done nothing to this woman. I kind of wish we had sat in the Monster section at this rate.

The man next to me has arrived, and he seems polite enough, giving me a small smile. Sebastian grunts, scooching closer to me and putting his arm around the back of my chair. My body is pressed flush against him now. The woman next to him must have really been creeping him out.

The waiters avoid Sebastian like a plague, setting his drinks down and sprinting away as fast as they can.

“Do you have everything you need?” He asks, surprising me. The announcement has gone out that they are starting the show in five minutes.

“A back up drink would be nice.”

He signals to a waiter and has a drink in front of me in seconds, along with a glass of water.

“Don’t forget to stay hydrated.”

Who is this man?! Sebastian is doting on me. I’d almost believe someone had done a body swap on him, if he hadn’t been pressed up against me the entire time. I haven’t been able to help myself either, leaning into his embrace a little.

I could almost believe this ruse myself, settling in to watch the show.

I’ve noticed that the other Humans have been giving me disapproving looks all evening, but they haven’t dared with Sebastian. It’s pretty wild considering they’re clearly annoyed with me because of him. They’re all cowards, that’s where their hatred stems from. It’s kind of powerful for me to realize that.

The rest of the show goes on without a hitch. I can see a few shots of myself and Sebastian make it on to the cameras, so I’m careful to keep my happy mask in place.

I’m yawning by the time the show finishes up. The other people at our table scatter at the first chance they get, desperate to get away from us.

“How about we sit here for a sec while the crowd disperses.” I suggest.

Sebastian nods, then his eyes shift to behind me. I notice that the man who sat next to me hasn’t left yet, and he’s staring at us.

I turn slightly, and he speaks to me.

“Are you two really together? I haven’t been able to figure it out all night, why a pretty girl like you would be interested in him.”