George had been absolutely thrilled to see them back and even Lauren came out to quickly greet Sébastien and hug Ava. It was like she was finally able to relax again now that her familiar surroundings had been returned to her and the first thing she did after waking up the next day was to take a walk around the estate.

The air was starting to warm up again and it was a huge improvement from the harsh cold of the big city. The trees here were evergreen and never lost their color and she briefly stopped just to enjoy the sight. She checked her phone to look at the time, and sighed when she realized she should get back to start working.

Sébastien had given her a day off, but in her opinion, he was doing that too often and she was determined to work anyway. When she arrived inside she went into the supply closet first to grab some supplies before setting off to do her rounds.

After a few hours she was ready to get back down again and ask Lauren if she needed any help with preparing dinner but when she reached a certain room she stopped. Soft music played in the room she remembered as the one where she'd found him play before and she had to strain her ears to properly listen to the melodies.

The door between them muffled the sounds and she debated on whether or not to knock. On one hand, she knew he wouldn't mind if she asked him if she could listen but on the other, she didn't want to interrupt him.

Her doubting lasted until the end of the song and when the music stopped she quickly took that chance to knock before he could start the next one.

"Yes?" came his low voice from the other side of the door and Ava quietly opened the door a bit. She didn't want to open it all the way and invite herself in, she didn't want to make it look like she was already assuming he'd agree.

When eyes her eyes connected with his she suddenly felt shy under his gaze. She knew she was staring but it was unfair how beautiful he was, especially now that he sat in front of a window and the soft evening light of winter fell on his face.

"Can I, um. Maybe listen in here?" she asked timidly. Her voice hadn't sounded as strong as she liked but at least she didn't stutter.

"Sure," he replied with a smile. "Come on," he encouraged as he shuffled to the side of the seat. It was large enough to seat both of them but there were plenty of other chairs to sit in. Still, she instantly moved to sit next to him while returning his smile. "Thanks. You're really good, by the way."

"Thank you," he replied with a cheeky smile. She had to quickly look away because it was hard to look at him from this close and she glanced at the instrument in front of them. The black and white keys shone brightly in the sun and she wished she knew how to play it.

Wordlessly, he moved his hands to start playing again, enchanting her in the process. She tried to follow his fingers but they moved so fast. Somehow they always landed on the right keys and the longer she watched the more she was convinced it was impossible for her to ever learn.

Before she realized it the music was over and he'd stopped moving his fingers. She opened her eyes again to look up at him only to already find him looking at her. There was something about the way he looked at her that made her unable to look away.

"You're amazing," she whispered. He would not only have to remember every piece but also play them perfectly. Everything he did amazed her and he might be the only person she'd ever met who was great at everything he did, all while being an amazing person.

He opened his mouth to reply, but closed it. He seemed unable to find the words he wanted to say yet he didn't break eye contact. After briefly swallowing he looked as if he finally found the words to say as he opened his mouth again.

"So are you, Ave. I just wish you could see that too."

The words took the wind right out of her lungs and her eyes widened. He thought she was amazing? How could she ever reply to that? It wasn't even true, she knew. But in that moment she didn't care.

All that mattered was that he thought she was amazing.

From up close his brown eyes held a golden hue around them and the longer she looked at them the harder it was to breathe. The intensity in them held her captive and she barely noticed that he moved closer until their noses were almost touching.

Her heart sped up in anticipation and her eyes closed on their own. His breath fanned her lips, sending a tingling sensation over them. When their lips finally connected, everything felt right.

His rough yet soft lips softly brushed over her own lips and she moved toward him to close the distance and press her lips against his.

His hand went up to gently cup her face while his lips started to move, making her move in sync with him. The tingles from before had exploded in a whirlwind of electricity that jolted through her body. She felt more alive than she'd ever felt before and it was because of him.

No one had ever made her feel this way before.

She only regained her ability to think when they had to pull apart to breathe, and the realization of what they'd done hit her.

They kissed.

Actually kissed.

And she enjoyed it. A lot.

Sébastien still held her face with his hand while the other one held the seat to steady them. She looked at him to gage his reaction but she couldn't tell what he was feeling. The way he looked at her was too foreign to her and it made it hard to read.

"Ava," he whispered before running his tongue over his lips, capturing her attention. "Be mine."

The small action had almost distracted her from his words and it took her a second to realized what he asked of her. But when she did her eyes went wide while she looked back up to his eyes.

Her head moved on its own as she didn't trust her voice right now. She nodded her head yes and a blinding smile broke out on his face before he kissed her a second time.

It was still slow and gentle, but also more urgent as he tried to show her how he felt.

Ava couldn't believe this was happening. How did this happen? And why her?

Every time she tried to think she didn't get too far, her mind was consumed with the sensation of his lips moving against hers and his warm hand on her cheek. She slowly unfroze her arms and moved them up to cup his jaw.

The beginnings of a beard prickled against her thumbs and his well-defined jaw moved under her hands as he kissed her. Everything felt right about the kiss and the butterflies in her stomach went wild. There were so many things she felt at the same time it was hard to keep track of everything, but she still made sure to pour her heart into that kiss.

She didn't know if this was something that would last, or if this was something that would ruin her forever. But even if there was a small change he was the one to make her happy she'd take it.

She was done running from everything. This is what she wanted, and she finally got it.

And she'll be damned if she wouldn't enjoy every second of it.

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Chapter 36 is now up on my Patreon!

Hope you enjoy this chapter, it had been coming for a while now haha.

Also, I forgot to thank you guys for 100k reads! I was on vacation when it happened but wow! That's great!!

See you guys next week!

xx May