Filed to story: Once Upon a One Night Mistake Book PDF Free by Simone Shirazi
Though everyone else seemed less than pleased by that, Taliana was relatively unfazed by it. Maybe it was the fact she had a nice buzz going, or maybe it was just because she was sick of Blair’s bullshit. Either way she wasn’t about to cower in fear at the sight of the Queen Bitch.
Taliana was surprised, however, when Sebastian wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into him, his lips finding her jaw with ease.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” he murmured against her skin, barely loud enough for her to hear. “You don’t need to have another assault on your rap sheet.”
Taliana couldn’t help but smile at his mock concern. “Thanks for the advice.”
A flash of white caught Taliana’s eye a moment later, and she glanced up to see Blair Bakhtiar leaning over their table, her trademark sly smile gracing her lips. Tonight, she was in a dress that looked like it had been painted on her hourglass figure, and diamonds sparkled in her ears as she tucked a strand of hair out of the way.
“Fancy seeing you all here,” she greeted, as if it were a complete surprise.
“Blair,” Michael exclaimed, grinning sharply. “How’s my favorite life-ruining bitch doing?”
“I’m well, thank you for asking,” she answered, smile growing wider. After sending him a wink, she turned in Taliana’s direction. “Hi, Talia. I hope you enjoyed my gift the other day.”
“Loved it,” Taliana replied airily, deciding not to give Blair the satisfaction of seeing how incredibly pissed she was over the whole thing. “Don’t think it had the effect you wanted, though.”
“That’s a shame,” she murmured thoughtfully, tapping a finger against the tabletop. “I still don’t think Sebastian’s family will like it very much. Maybe it’s time to give up the act.”
So her suggestion for Taliana to break up with Sebastian was still on the table. During the past couple days, Taliana had considered it, but there was something keeping her from taking it further than that. For the time being, she could put up with Blair’s threats and petty tricks.
“I think I’ll respectfully decline your offer.” Taliana slid a hand behind Sebastian’s head and twisted a lock of his hair around her finger as she smiled up at Blair. “Sorry.”
Something flashed in Blair’s eyes, but it was gone too quickly for Taliana to put a name on it. Anger, jealousy, or just an overwhelming urge to slit Taliana’s throat were all likely.
“Pity,” Blair sighed in mock disappointment. Taliana noticed she spared a glance toward the group of girls standing a few feet away before turning to Sebastian and taking on a slightly quieter, more serious tone. “Look, I know this isn’t the best place, but can I talk to you for a moment? In private?”
Sebastian shook his head. “Whatever you have to say, you can say in front of all of us.”
Blair, however, looked like she had been expecting that. “Actually, this is a sensitive matter,” she countered easily. “I’d prefer to keep it between us.”
“Too bad,” Marcus said, surprising Taliana. “He’s not going anywhere with you.”
The smile finally slid off her face, and her lips settled into a firm line. “Unlike everything else I do, this isn’t a game,” she said, posture stiffening. “Sebastian, I truly need to speak with you.”
While Taliana had assumed Sebastian would shoot Blair down, a look in his direction told her he was actually considering it.
“Five minutes,” he said brusquely, touching Taliana’s waist as a sign for her to stand. “No more.”
Relief filled Blair’s face at his answer, and she straightened up, shooting Taliana a cautious glance. It was enough to push Taliana over the edge she was so precariously teetering on.
Sebastian touched her waist again, more urgently this time, and Taliana began sliding out of the booth, grabbing her full wine glass as she went. She’d been on her feet for less than half a second when she decided what she needed to do.
Feigning a trip and a dramatic lurch forward as her heel got caught on an invisible barrier, the glass in her hand tipped forward, sending the crimson-hued liquid all over a certain girl’s white dress.
Blair gasped and staggered back as the wine hit her, leaving her slack-jawed and staring at her ruined outfit. It was a look so pleasing Taliana would have it on loop in her mind for the rest of the week, bound to cheer her up in any situation.
To make it look like an accident, Taliana let out a fake gasp and put a hand to her chest in mock sincerity. “Oh my gosh, I am? so sorry! These darn shoes are more trouble than they’re worth. Here, let me help you.” Taliana reached out with a napkin to blot at her dress-or rub the stain in even more-but Blair knocked her hand away before Taliana could get within an inch of her.
“Don’t touch me,” she snarled. Though she clearly wanted to rip Taliana’s face off, Blair restrained and let her fingers fist at her side in an attempt to hold back. “I was about to extend an olive branch,” she seethed, eyes alight with a new hatred. “But clearly neither of you are interested in that.”
Taliana lifted her chin, unable to find it in her to be afraid of the girl standing in front of her, dripping with wine. “Not in the slightest.”
This time when Taliana slid back in the booth, she planted herself in Sebastian’s lap, spite getting the best of her.
Blair shot them one last venomous glare before turning on her heel and stalking toward the door, her posse calling after her.
“Laleh, where are you going?” one of the girls called, looking unsure if they should follow. “Laleh?”
When Blair didn’t turn around or even acknowledge them, they finally got the message and dutifully trailed after her. Taliana watched in amusement as they left, not turning back to the boys until she’d disappeared.
Taliana finally glanced down at Sebastian, who was staring up at her in wide-eyed shock, and started to wonder if she’d done something wrong.
“You did? not just pour wine all over Blair Bakhtiar,” Michael said, palms flat on the table as he stared at Taliana in astonishment.
“Um, I’m pretty sure I just did,” Taliana said, her delight shifting to uncertainty.
Silence spread once more for a long moment, but when Michael pulled her off Sebastian’s lap and into his own, Taliana realized maybe what she had done was great.
“I can’t believe you did that,” he blurted ecstatically. “I think you’re my new hero.”
“I genuinely love you,” Marcus said while Jacob cackled, and Jude reached over to pat her cheek.
Sebastian was the last to snap out of his daze, an awed and appreciative smile finally lighting up his face as he pulled Taliana back into a one-armed hug.
“That was amazing,” he whispered against her ear, sending sparks through her stomach.
She couldn’t help but grin goofily as she leaned against him. “You’re welcome.”
“Let’s get out of here,” Michael said, whipping out his wallet and dropping a few hundred-dollar bills on the table. “We need to celebrate.”
Sebastian helped Taliana out of the booth, and before long she found herself sandwiched between him and Jude as they made their way out of the restaurant.
“That was the? best,” Jude gushed, clutching her hand. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”
“I didn’t know either,” Taliana laughed, leaning in to kiss his cheek before turning to Sebastian. “Quick question.”