Page 124 of Closer

Every mistake, every wrong turn, every hurt… it was all leading us here. To this moment.

To a new beginning.

Her hips roll against mine, a delicious friction that has me groaning into her mouth. I’m hard in an instant, my cock straining against my zipper, desperate to be inside her.

But I force myself to slow down, to savor this. To worship her the way she deserves.

I trail my lips down her neck, sucking at her pulse point until she’s panting, her nails digging into my shoulders. With my hands, I skim over her back, mapping every dip and curve.

She breathes my name like a prayer, like a plea. “Sebastian.”

“Is this obvious enough, princess?” I punctuate each word with a kiss, a nip, a lick. “You’re mine.”

She whimpers, arching into my touch, silently begging for more. And fuck, I want to give it to her. Want to lay her out on this table and feast on her for hours until she’s trembling and sobbing and screaming my name.

Reluctantly, I pull back, my chest heaving, my pulse pounding in my ears. Lil blinks up at me, her eyes hazy with lust, her lips kiss-swollen and tempting.

“Why’d you stop?” She pouts, actually fucking pouts, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to dive back in and devour her.

“Because if we don’t stop now, I’m going to fuck you right here on this table.” I run my thumb over her bottom lip. “And as much as I want that… I want you in my bed. Want to spread you out and take my time with you.”

Her pupils dilate, her tongue darting out to wet her lips. “Then take me there, my knight in shining armor.”

Fuck. Yes.

I stand abruptly, lifting her with me, her legs wrapping around my middle. She squeals, clinging to my neck, dissolving into giggles, and I carry her out of the library and down the hall to my room.

Where she belongs.

I’m sitting in my office, studying the candid photo of Lil and me kissing at the restaurant. It’s been splashed across every tabloid and gossip site over the last week. Normally, I wouldn’t give a fuck, but this time… this time it’s different.

A knock at the door.

Emily pokes her head in, a new pack of Ibuprofen in hand. “Thought you might need these, boss.”

I barely glance up, my eyes still glued to the photo. “Still got half a pack left.”

“Really? I could’ve sworn.” Her steps come closer. “You sure you’re okay? Usually, you’re popping those things like candy.”

I shrug, finally tearing my gaze away from the photo. “Guess I haven’t needed them as much lately.”

She eyes me up and down. “That’s new.”

“What can I say? Maybe I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“Right.” Her eyes flick to the photo, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. “Uh-huh.”

I rest my elbows on the desk, my fingers steepled under my chin. “Careful, Em. You’re treading dangerously close to a line.”

“Hey, I’m making an observation. You’ve been different since she came back into your life. Happier. Less broody.”

I arch a brow. “Broody?”

“You know, all dark and tortured and shit. Like a discount Batman.”

“Did you just call your boss a discount Batman?”

She grins, unrepentant. “See? That’s what I’m talking about. So when are you going to man up and put a ring on her finger already?”

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