The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 150

150 A Conspired Carpool

Hazel’s POV

The evening air hit my face as we stepped out of the restaurant. My stomach was pleasantly full from dinner, but my nerves were on edge knowing Sebastian waited somewhere nearby.

“That was amazing,” Vera said, stretching her arms above her head. “We should make this a monthly tradition.”

I nodded, fishing my car keys from my purse. “Definitely. Though maybe next time we skip the interrogation about my love life.”.

Vera laughed, unrepentant. “Where’s the fun in that?”

A sleek black Bentley pulled up to the curb. The door opened, and my heart skipped as Sebastian stepped out. He wore a dark suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly, without a tie and his collar unbuttoned just enough to look relaxed but still

commanding.

“Ladies,” he greeted us with a slight nod. His eyes lingered on me for a beat too long.

Cora bounced toward him. “Perfect timing! We just finished.”

I clutched my keys tighter. “I should get going. Early morning tomorrow.”

“Where’s your car?” Sebastian asked, his deep voice sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

“Blue section of the parking garage,” I replied, pointing vaguely behind me. “Second

level.”

Vera nudged me with her elbow. “You shouldn’t drive home alone this late.”

“It’s barely ten,” I countered.

“Still,” Cora chimed in, “Sebastian could drive you. Right, brother?”

Sebastian’s expression remained neutral, but his eyes held something intense. “I’d be happy to.”

“I need my car tomorrow,” I protested weakly. “I have errands to run.”

Vera and Cora exchanged a look that spelled trouble.

“That’s easily solved,” Sebastian said smoothly. He turned slightly. “James.”

A man stepped forward from beside the car. I hadn’t even noticed him there.

“Yes, sir?”

“Ms. Shaw needs her vehicle delivered to her residence. Can you handle that?”

James nodded. “Of course, sir.”

“Problem solved,” Cora declared triumphantly.

I felt cornered. “That’s really not necessary-”

“I insist,” Sebastian cut in, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Vera patted my shoulder. “See? Everything’s taken care of.”

I shot her a look that clearly said ‘traitor.’ She responded with an innocent smile.

“Fine,” I relented, handing my keys to James after briefly explaining where my car was

parked. “Thank you.”

Sebastian opened the rear door of the Bentley. “After you.”

Cora skipped ahead of me. “I’ll go first!”

She slid into the far seat by the opposite window, leaving the middle seat open. I froze, suddenly understanding their plan.

“Maybe I should sit in front,” I suggested quickly, trying to avoid the intimate seating arrangement they were orchestrating.

“Oh no,” Cora said firmly. “James will be driving, and Sebastian always sits in back.”

Vera gave me a gentle push toward the door. “In you go.”

I shot her a glare but had no choice. Awkwardly, I climbed into the car, settling into the middle seat. The leather was butter-soft against my legs where my dress had risen slightly.

Sebastian followed, his large frame making the spacious back seat suddenly feel very small. His thigh pressed against mine despite his obvious attempt to give me space.

“Comfortable?” he asked, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

“Fine,” I lied, hyper-aware of every point where our bodies connected.

Vera leaned into the open door. “I’m heading out. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!” She winked at me before closing the door.

The interior of the car fell silent. James started the engine and pulled away from the

curb.

“Did you enjoy your dinner?” Sebastian asked.

“Yes,” I replied, trying to ignore how his cologne filled the confined space. Something woodsy and expensive that made me want to lean closer. “The food was excellent.”

“And the wine?” His lips curved slightly. “Was the Château Margaux worth the

excitement?”

I nodded, remembering his comment on the phone. “How did you know we were having dinner together?”

“Cora mentioned it this morning,” he answered smoothly, though something in his expression made me wonder if there was more to it.

Cora piped up from her side of the car. “I told him I was having dinner with my two favorite people.”

Sebastian’s eyes never left my face. “Indeed.”

I shifted uncomfortably, my dress riding up slightly. As I moved to pull it down, my hand accidentally brushed against Sebastian’s thigh. I jerked away as if burned.

“Sorry,” I muttered.

His expression remained unreadable, but I noticed his jaw tighten. “No need to apologize.”

The car stopped at a red light. In the brief stillness, I became even more aware of his presence beside me-the steady rhythm of his breathing, the warmth radiating from his body.

“How is Evening Gala coming along?” he asked, breaking the charged silence.

Grateful for the safe topic, I latched onto it. “We’re finalizing designs for the spring collection. The samples should be ready next week.”

“I’d like to see them,” he said, surprising me.

“You’re interested in women’s fashion?” I asked skeptically.

His lips quirked. “I’m interested in your work.”

My cheeks warmed. Before I could respond, Cora spoke up.

“Hazel, did I tell you Sebastian bought me an apartment near the university?”

I turned to her, thankful for the distraction. “No, you didn’t mention it.”

“It’s perfect,” she continued. “Two bedrooms, amazing view. You should come see it

sometime.”

“I’d like that,” I replied politely.

“Sebastian insisted on the security system,” Cora added. “It’s like Fort Knox.”

Sebastian’s expression softened when he looked at his sister. “Your safety is

non-negotiable.”

The affection in his voice made something twist in my chest. This was a side of him rarely seen in business-the protective older brother who clearly adored his sister.

James navigated through the evening traffic with expert precision. I noticed we were taking a longer route to my apartment.

“Is there a reason we’re going this way?” I asked.

“Construction on Fifth Avenue,” James replied promptly. “This route is faster tonight.”

Sebastian shifted slightly, his shoulder now touching mine. “Do you have plans this

weekend?”

The question caught me off guard. “Just work.”

“All work and no play,” Cora teased from her side.

“Some of us have businesses to run,” I replied, then immediately regretted my tone. “I

didn’t mean-‘

“I understand dedication,” Sebastian interrupted smoothly. “But even the most successful entrepreneurs need balance.”

Coming from anyone else, it might have sounded condescending. From Sebastian, it felt like genuine concern.

“What would you suggest?” I asked, curious despite myself.

His eyes held mine. “Dinner. Tomorrow night.”

My heart stuttered. “Are you asking me out?”

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