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I shrug. “She’s upset. She doesn’t mean it.”

Sebastian’s expression suggests he knows that’s not true. “I’m not leaving without you.”

“Are you going to sleep on a fifty-year-old sofa? You wouldn't fit half of yourself on there.”

“No, you’re coming with me. I’m taking you home.”

“No, you’re not.” We glare at each other, and suddenly, I break. Everything is just too much. “Please, don’t make tonight harder. I have to stay. You don’t know what she’s like.”

He doesn't budge.

“Why?” I finally ask, my voice cracking. “This doesn’t have anything to do with our professional relationship or the agreement. This is my messy, broken life.”

I hate that Sebastian is seeing this side of me, the side that still gets hurt by Mom’s words.

“Isabella.”

He pulls me into his arms. I don't struggle. I tuck my head under his chin, his warm hand splayed across the small of my back, grounding me. His smoky scent wraps around me, as I take deep, shuddering breaths.

“I’ve got you,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you.”

I freeze, pulling away just enough to look up at him. “I⁠—”

The screen door crashing open precedes the sound of a key in the lock.

“Izzy? Did you see what’s out there? It’s a fucking Audi, like the rich fleet kind. Who do you think—” Paloma stops dead as she rounds the corner.

Sebastian and I tore ourselves apart the moment we heard the key in the lock, but we’re still very close to each other. Paloma’s eyes widen. “Who the fuck is this?”

It’s not like Mom’s hostility. It’s pure sisterly curiosity.

“Mom’s in the bedroom. I’m going to walk my ride out, and I’ll be right back.”

I push Sebastian out the door before she can say another word.

“I’m going to stay here,” I tell him again once we’re on the porch. “Thank you for coming. I really appreciate it.”

“You’re coming with me,” he insists. “Your place or mine; it doesn’t matter.”

“Sebastian, I really should⁠—”

“How old is your sister?”

“Twenty-two.”

“Then she’s old enough to help. You need a break. If you won’t take care of yourself, I’ll make sure you do.”

My heart stutters. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me.”

“I’m not taking care of you,” he says gruffly, taking my elbow. “I’m ensuring my company’s greatest asset is in the right shape to save it.”

“Fine. Let me tell Paloma.”

I run inside where Paloma is waiting with a smirk. “Working late, huh? Is that what you’re calling it?”

“Paloma!” My cheeks are on fire. “Just take care of Mom. Call me if you need anything.”

I escape before she can try to get anything more out of me.