Page 121 of Closer

“So, you’re not angry?”

“Why would I?”

“I—Because of the documents I went through.”

“That actually helped me out a lot. So, thanks for that. It’s also a reason I made this.”

“So…” He is not upset. He did this for me. He kissed me. My lips tingle, remembering the force of the kiss at the restaurant a few hours earlier.

“So?” His eyes widen. “Fuck. You thought—Lil, please talk to me next time. I’m thankful you did go through them. You’re an absolute genius.”

“Then why…”

“Why what?”

“You accused me of spying, although I did nothing, and the spa…”

“I was afraid and a coward. I was afraid of getting too close to you again, of reopening old wounds. But I already told you I’m going to do whatever it takes to get you back. I was wrong.”

My tears stopped, but his thumb still brushes over my cheek.

“I trust you, princess.”

He trusts me? He—

I wrap my arms around his waist, pressing my face into his chest. His body tenses in surprise before he relaxes, squeezing me closer to him, strong yet tender and shielding me from the world.

“I’m sorry for the dinner,” I mumble against his chest. “You put so much effort into it.”

“We’ll try again tomorrow, alright?” His lips brush my temple. “For now, come to bed.”

I nod, burrowing myself further into the shelter of his arms.

He tenses. “My bed?”

“I…” I want to, but I don’t know if it’s a good idea.

“It’s okay. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Actually, can we do something else?”

Chapter 36

Sebastian

Her fingers wrap around my wrist, tugging me forward with a strength that belies her small frame. “This way.”

What is she planning?

We weave through the apartment until we reach the one place in this whole damn apartment that feels like her. The library.

She heads straight for the far corner where her sewing machine sits, covered and tucked away like a dirty secret. My steps falter, but her grip only tightens, pulling me onward.

“You sure about this, princess?” I search her face for any hint of hesitation, any flicker of doubt. After last time, I don’t want to push her into anything.

But those whiskey eyes blaze back at me with a fire that seemed lost, resolute. She nods once. “I’m sure. But I need you with me.”

Fuck, the trust in her gaze… it’s humbling. Terrifying. She’s willing to let me in and share this piece of herself with me. I thought I lost on that front.

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