20

Petal’s POV

My stomach throbbed from where Sebastian’s shoulder had dug into me, a dull ache that refused to subside. He finally let me down, and I stumbled slightly, trying to regain my balance. The room was large and elegant, but my mind wasn’t on the decor—it was on him.

I glanced at him cautiously. He stood there, his broad back to me, his wet clothes clinging to his body, his gaze locked on the doors across the room. He looked deep in thought, almost as though he was wrestling with himself. For a brief moment, I considered this my chance. Maybe he wouldn’t notice if I slipped out quietly.

My heart pounded as I turned toward the door. One step. Two steps. My fingers reached for the handle, trembling with urgency. But before I could turn it, a loud thud startled me. A large hand slammed the door shut, and the sound echoed in the room, making me flinch. My breath caught in my throat as I froze, my back still facing him.