Habits

~1846 October 20th, France~

Sebastian's eyes were glued to his pocket watch, his face contorted in frustration as he nibbled on his lower lip. Feeling distracted and disengaged, he was beginning to regret his decision to attend the auction.

He had been dragged here, more or less, and now he was trapped in a room full of eager bidders, feeling quite suffocated.

The grand hall was regal with elegant décor, its refinement mirrored by the poised demeanor of the high-society attendees.

Seated, they fixed their attention to the exquisite items showcased in crystal glass cases. The treasures on display included rare gemstones, ornate necklaces, and priceless vases, each boasting a price tag capable of purchasing a small country.

Although content with his modest means, he had attended the auction with the intention of acquiring something truly valuable. Yet, for the past month, his thoughts had been preoccupied by a single, captivating presence.

Aurora.

Her porcelain skin, her face a masterpiece of elegance, her celestial blue eyes held him spellbound. The delicate pink petals of her lips, the golden tresses of her hair left him breathless.

His desire for her was a passion that bordered on madness.

"Behold, the Emerald Zion necklace! The auction begins with a remarkable opening bid of Five million francs!" the host declared with a wide grin.

Right away, the bidders started putting their cards up.

"20 million!"

"60 million!"

"120 million!"

"Sebastian?" Christophe, who had been eyeing the Duke like a hawk, tried to rouse him from his thoughts.

But Sebastian was too far gone, his silver eyes still sparkling with thoughts as he drifted deeper.

"Heh..." Christophe sighed, realizing he would have to wait for Sebastian to snap out of it, and took a deep breath to patience.

"300 million! Anyone up for 350 million?" The host asked, his tone electric with excitement.

Silence fell.

Whilst Christophe's patience was wearing thin.

The room was filled with tension as all eyes, except for the Duke of Rouvray's, darted back and forth, deliberating whether to continue bidding, their minds weighing the risks and benefits.

Additionally, they were also wary of the Duke's intentions, trying to anticipate his next action, unaware that he was completely disengaged and not paying attention to the auction proceedings whatsoever.

Christophe took a deep breath and tried again, his lips parting to form a quiet "Se..."

"400 million!"

As if summoned, Aurora arrived on the scene.

Her voice was like a spark that ignited a flutter in Sebastian's chest, and suddenly, the air was infused with the intoxicating scent of jasmine and lavender, their heavy aroma mingling with the sweet, metallic tang of blood, filling his nostrils and drawing him in like a moth to flame.

A thrill of excitement mixed with astonishment coursed through his veins, settling in his chest. It was her scent, the one that always left him breathless! He couldn't believe he was actually catching the scent of her presence!

His rejection had rendered him so numb that he couldn't even detect the faintest trace of her scent back at the train station, nor feel the subtlest hint of her presence.

It had dulled his senses, leaving him feeling completely disconnected from her.... It was terrifying.

No doubt, it was the same... For her.

His bidding card shot up in an instant. "600 million!"

Murmurs filled the hall.

Aurora glided into the room with poise, her flowing black dress beautifully complemented her petite hourglass figure, highlighting her curves in all the right places. Her big, expressive eyes locked onto him, the shock that filled them holding his attention.

"Ma méchante." Sebastian's lips twitched with a playful, roguish smile as he followed her gaze across the room.

She then looked away, her gaze releasing its hold on his, and moved to take her seat, standing in front of it. "800 million!"

Sebastian stood up, his hand in his pocket. "4 billion."

At that precise moment, the hall was shrouded in an icy silence, the quiet so strong it felt like a physical presence.

Aurora pressed her lips into a thin line, trying to suppress her frustration, her eyes revealing only a hint of the emotions she struggled to contain.

"Sold!" The host announced.

Christophe's jaw dropped. But then he facepalmed himself.

Sebastian slouched in his chair, nonchalantly waving his card back and forth, creating a gentle breeze.

A self-satisfied smirk played on his lips, and a cunning glint danced in his eyes, lighting up his handsome, angular face as he whispered, "Perfect."

.

The moment the auction concluded, he caught up with her. She was rushing out of the building with a sense of pressing urgency, but he stepped into her path, his gaze locking onto hers with an unyielding focus.

"Why the haste, Ma méchante?" he asked, his tone a soft purr, his words dripping with a soothing gentleness, like a holy melody. He reached out a hand, his fingers beckoning her to slow down.

Aurora held onto her dress, staring at his hand in disgust. "What?"

Sebastian bit down his lower lip, dropping his arm. "Don't you find it peculiar that we are together like this?"

Aurora lips quirked. "I am conscious of your constant surveillance over the past month. It is disgusting."

"Well, I do have my habits." Sebastian whispered.

"It is amazing how versatile you are. A Duke, an Alpha, a Stalker." Aurora gave him a narrowed look.

Sebastian laughed deeply. "Stalker?" And he licked his lips.

Aurora tsked, tearing her gaze away from him. "Can't you understand I am trying to distance myself from you? Stay away from me. If you keep speaking to me, I am going to vomit." And she took a step forward to walk past him.

Sebastian's smile vanished. He seized her arm, pulled her towards him, and wrapped his arm possessively around her waist.

Aurora's body jerked. It was as if a surge of electricity was pulsating through every fiber and vessel in her body.

When she lifted her gaze to meet his, his face mere inches from hers, she froze, her breath caught in her throat, and her fingers reflexively grasped the fabric of his shirt.

"What do you think you are doing?" Her voice deepened, her breath harsh.

Sebastian leaned in even closer, eventually diverting his lips to her ear. "It has been ten years, Ma méchante, do you not miss me?"