The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian never explained that people had mistaken them for a couple and were intentionally keeping their distance.

After a brief pause, he simply said, "They went ahead to get something to eat."

Citrine wasn't one to dwell on things. Hearing his answer, she let it go.

"Do you want to go diving this afternoon?" she asked, unusually taking the initiative.

Sebastian was caught off guard by her invitation, pleasantly surprised.

He answered without hesitation, "Sure."

After lunch, they dropped by a shop to pick up two sets of diving gear, then hopped onto a boat and headed out to sea.

Suddenly, something occurred to Citrine. She glanced back at Sebastian. "By the way, I forgot to ask-have you been diving before?"

Sebastian had, but only once, a long time ago.

Not wanting to dampen Citrine's enthusiasm, he smiled and said, "Yeah, I've dived before."

Relieved, Citrine asked, "How about the deep water? Is that okay with you?" Sebastian nodded.

As they neared the deep-water area, Citrine caught sight of another boat in the distance—and instantly recognized two faces she would have preferred not to

see.

luck," she muttered under

her, heard her comment. He followed her gaze,

boat, Hastings and Quentin had noticed them

couldn't hide his

and look at that -showed up anyway. Women always say one thing

small,

lasted all of three seconds-until they noticed the man standing next

bastard-along with her," Quentin snapped, practically throwing

Hastings's eyes faded as well.

on Citrine's boat, they'd reached the deep-water

suited up, checking their equipment one last time. When they were ready, Citrine flashed Sebastian

a splash, they dove

bubbled up inside her. As she sank beneath the surface, all her worries melted away, replaced by a sense

letting her

other boat, Hastings and Quentin watched

sight of Citrine diving with another man hit him harder than he cared to

own gear and

out, "What are you

not missing a beat as he buckled his