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 called,

moved into position, bracing himself

and passed his limp body to them before

said quickly, voice tight with worry. "Hastings passed out against the rocks-he

focus fully to

Sebastian complied without hesitation.

Citrine called out, her voice sharp, trying to rouse him.

seconds passed, then fifteen-until Hastings suddenly choked and coughed up seawater, his eyes

Citrine quietly

Hastings blinked up at the faces around him. The first person he saw was Citrine, and he immediately

up, still breathing hard. "Citrine, I knew you wouldn't

how ridiculous you sound right now?" Citrine's voice was icy, her expression stony as she looked down

up. "Buddy, I'm the one

het

"She