The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Sebastian stared at Citrine, her words echoing in his mind long after she'd

finished speaking. It felt as though something inside him was about to burst, his heart pounding so fast he could hardly breathe.

He couldn't tear his eyes away from her. "You're right," he finally said, voice low but certain.

He admired her deeply-for her vision, her compassion. He knew, too, that he would never be able to match her, not really.

In that instant, Sebastian understood why so many people were drawn to Citrine, why they fell so easily under her spell. She was worth it, plain and simple.

By the time Citrine and Sebastian reemerged from below deck, each in a dry change of clothes, they found Quentin surfacing near the boat, dragging Hastings with him.

Quentin's face was drawn and serious. He barely spared them a glance before shouting, "Give me a hand! Hurry!"

With his eyes squeezed shut and several fresh cuts on his arms, Quentin looked more battered than either of them had ever seen. Citrine took one look at the situation and was at the railing in an instant, Sebastian right behind her.

me his arm!" she

position,

his limp body

there," Quentin said quickly, voice tight with worry.

focus fully to Hastings. "Lay

Sebastian complied without hesitation.

trying to rouse him. When

fifteen-until Hastings suddenly choked and coughed up seawater, his eyes flying

as he came to, Citrine quietly stepped

first person he saw was Citrine, and he

sit up, still breathing hard. "Citrine, I knew you wouldn't just leave me," he said,

Citrine's voice was icy, her expression stony as she

with growing exasperation, finally spoke up. "Buddy, I'm the one who

het

he said flatly. "She just gave you