Page 151 of Closer

I leave Connor’s place and get to our apartment. Inside, the typical scent of cupcakes greets me. I step into the kitchen, expecting to find her there baking. But the room’s empty, the counters spotless. No sign of my princess.

“Lil?”

No response.

Frowning, I head to the library. Maybe she’s curled up with one of her books. But as I scan the shelves, there’s no trace of her.

I practically sprint to my room and push open the door.

There she is, nestled under the covers ofourbed.

Our bed. I love how normal it sounds now.

I pause in the doorframe, drinking her in. She’s clad in a sexy nightgown that leaves too little to the imagination. My eyes trace the curve of her body, taking in the gentle rise and fall of her chest as she breathes peacefully. She’s fucking beautiful.

What do I do, princess? I wish you could tell me what you want.

I cross the room quietly, not wanting to wake her, and sink onto the edge of the mattress, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her cheek. Please don’t hate me for it.

She shifts, murmuring something unintelligible before her eyes flutter open. “Sebastian.”

“Hey, princess.” A small grin tugs at my lips despite the heaviness in my chest. “Sorry for waking you.”

She stretches languidly, her body arching. “It’s okay.”

“Go back to sleep.”

She reaches out, her fingers tangling in the hair at the nape of my neck, and pulls me down until her lips brush over mine. “Welcome home.”

I caress her lips with a soft kiss. “It’s good to be home, princess.”

“What time is it?” She sits up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

The nightgown slips off one shoulder, baring more of her skin to the chill air. I tug it back into place. She looks so adorable, all sleep-tousled and drowsy.

“It’s 10.”

“Really? I just wanted to take a little nap.”

“You need your rest.” I kiss the top of her head, breathing in the scent of her shampoo. “Sorry for being late.”

“How was your day?”

My shoulders sag. “It was draining, honestly.”

“You want to talk about it?” Her brows knit together.

“Not tonight, princess.”

“Then come to bed.” She tugs at my hand, her fingers warm and insistent.

I hesitate, the need to wash away the grime of the day warring with the desire to sink into her embrace. “I will, after a quick shower.”

A lazy smile plays at the corners of her mouth, and she lies back down, her hair fanning out across the pillow.

I dip my head, placing another kiss on her forehead, lingering there longer than necessary. Fuck, I can’t lose this. I can’t lose her. Not again.

“Hurry.” Her words are muffled by the pillow.

---