Page 116 of Closer

Then, as quickly as it began, everything vanishes. The pressure on my throat is gone, and I’m left standing in a void with the boy. He bows his head solemnly and takes my hand in his.

“Who are you?”

“You betrayed me.”

I sit up in bed, my heart pounding and my skin slick with sweat.

That was… Since I’ve been staying with Sebastian, my dreams have shifted. The usual screams, monsters, and blood have morphed into something different…

And that boy.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, feeling the cold hardwood floor beneath my feet, my head in my hands.

Who was that boy? And why did he seem so familiar?

Could he be Levi? No, I would recognize Levi as a teenager.

Uncle Marc told me that Levi had found me first.

You betrayed me.

Why can’t I remember?

“Lil?” Sebastian’s voice sounds through the door. “Are you awake?”

My head snaps up. I can’t face him. Not after yesterday.

Maybe my dream mirrored what happened yesterday? Is it my guilt manifesting itself in new, cryptic ways?

Sebastian Barron has always been the one who’s gotten under my skin, who’s made me feel things I never thought possible. And now, I’m closer than ever. Even in my dreams.

What if he’s angry? He probably saw the papers when I left, right? There’s no way he didn’t see. He’s probably furious. I bet he thinks I’m spilling what I read to my uncle or something.

I’m not ready for his accusations, not after it felt so right to be with him. I want it to last a little longer, even if it means clinging to an illusion.

I don’t move, listening intently. The faint sound of footsteps retreating reaches my ears, and the tension in my body eases.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, breaking the silence, and I scramble to muffle it so Sebastian won’t come back.

Mary: Want to grab dinner at that new restaurant tonight? I could use a girls’ night out.

Gemma: Can’t. I’m out with Elijah.

Mary: He’s monopolizing too much of your time.

Gemma: He was pouting yesterday that it’s the exact opposite.

Mary: *angry-emoji*Fine. What about you, Lil?

Lil: Count me in.

I could use some time away from here to clear my head and gain some perspective on this whole Sebastian situation.

The evening arrives, and I head out with Mary to the restaurant, a modern bistro with sleek lines and ambient lighting. We’re seated in a cozy booth, the leather seats buttery soft. Soft jazz music plays in the background, mingling with the low hum of conversation from the other guests.

“Oh, I already love this place.” She eyes the large flower wall beside us. “I hope the food is good.”

“Hope so, too.”

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