Page 144 of Closer

“Details.” Levi hums. “You should drive, or we’ll be stuck in traffic.”

Chapter 43

Sebastian

My head jerks up at the familiar sound of the door opening. Is it her?

I get up, every step feeling heavier. And then I see her.

Her hand is braced against the wall while she steps out of her high heels.

I stand frozen, eyes locked on her. Trying to read her expression, her body language, and anything that might give me a clue about what she’s thinking. Is she pissed? Upset? Fuck, I can’t tell.

All I want is her in my arms. But I can’t fucking move. It’s like my feet are glued to the floor, and all I can do is watch her, desperate for some sign that we’re gonna be okay.

Her head snaps up, and she jumps back with a startled gasp. “Jesus, Sebastian!” Her hand flies to her chest, pressing against her heart. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“Sorry, princess. Didn’t mean to—”

Her eyes zero in on my mouth, shifting down to my knuckles. “What happened?” She hurries over, cradling my hand gently in hers. “Are you okay?” She examines the cuts and swelling.

I smile, ignoring the sting in my lip. “You’re back.”

“Of course.” She huffs. “Get on the couch. I’ll get the first aid kit.”

I draw her closer, relishing the feel of her soft curves pressed against me. It brings me a sense of comfort. My need for her closeness outweighs the pain of my injuries, and I tighten my hold on her, unwilling to let go.

“What’s wrong?” She squirms in my arms.

I press a gentle kiss on top of her head. “Nothing.”

“Sebastian.” She gives my chest a half-hearted shove. “You’re hurt. Please.”

“I’m fine.” Mostly true.

“Your lip is split open, and your knuckles look like ground beef. It should be cleaned and bandaged before it gets infected.”

Reluctantly, I let her go, and she disappears down the hallway.

I get back into the living room and slump onto the couch. Maybe her brothers don’t hate me after all.

The memory of my first meeting with Levi surfaces in my mind. It wasn’t pleasant, and his initial impression of me wasn’t favorable. He’d even bet on me messing up, and he was right. I did screw up back in college, believing lies I shouldn’t have.

The sound of soft footsteps reaches my ears, and I look up. She sits down before me on the couch table, placing the first aid kit beside her.

Carefully, she takes my hand in hers. “Tell me what happened.”

I shrug, trying to play it off. “Had a little chat with Jason, that’s all.”

Her brows shoot up. “A chat? Is that what we’re calling this?”

“He had it coming. The way he grabbed you…” Anger simmers in my blood at the memory.

She applies some cream. “Jason’s not worth it.”

“I won’t apologize.”

“I don’t expect you to. He deserved it, but still, he’s also not worth it.” She grabs the bandage and wraps my hands with it. “I’m sorry.”

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