Page 129 of Closer

“Fuck off.” But there’s no heat behind my words.

He chuckles, heading for the door. “I’ll keep digging. You focus on your girl.”

Lil: No worries, I understand. Good luck! We’ll save you leftovers.

Sebastian: We?

Lil: Gemma and Mary are here.

I can picture them now, laughing and chatting over a glass of wine while I’m stuck here, drowning in paperwork and this ridiculous chase. It’s getting me nowhere but far away from Lil.

Sebastian: Good. I’ll see you later.

I stride out of my office, nodding to Emily as I pass, and jab the button for the top floor in the elevator. The doors slide closed, and I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the polished metal. I do look like hell. Dark circles under my eyes, hair mussed.

This is temporary. I can handle whatever my father throws at me. And I won’t let him destroy what Lil and I have, not this time.

The elevator dings, and I step out, ready to face whatever shitstorm awaits me.

After several meetings, I slump into my chair, head in my hands. Time to call my mother and then leave. The line rings, and I roll my neck. Can’t wait to get back home to my princess.

“Sebastian, darling, how are you?” My mother’s voice is warm and affectionate, as always.

“I’m doing well.”

“You sound exhausted. Are you taking care of yourself?”

“Mother, I assure you, everything is fine.”

“Speaking of which, are you free this weekend? “

“I guess I am now.”

“Good, I’m hosting a brunch at the Astoria Club this weekend, and it’s been ages since I’ve seen you.” She hesitates. “Why don’t you bring Lil with you?”

It’s time we take the next step. “We’ll be there.”

Emily’s voice crackles through the intercom. “Mr. Barron, Ms. Edmunds is here to see you.”

“Mother, I’ve got to go. We’ll see you this weekend.”

“Alright, darling. Don’t work too hard.”

I hang up and press the button on the intercom. “Send her in.”

The door opens, and there she is, my princess, looking like a goddamn vision. Those mesmerizing eyes lock with mine, and it’s like the rest of the world fades away.

“Hey, you.” I round the desk to meet her halfway.

She holds up a bag, the scent of something delicious wafting from it. “I thought you might be hungry.”

This woman has a way of making everything feel right, even in the midst of the chaos in my life.

Chapter 39

Lilian

He takes the bag from my hand. “You didn’t have to do this.”

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