Page 169 of Closer

“What’s that?”

“I love you. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make this right.”

“Are there any other secrets?”

Fuck, I don’t want to do this. I don’t want to dredge up more painful shit from our past, especially with her still recovering.

Her eyes bore into mine, unwavering. “Sebastian, are there any other secrets?”

“Yeah. There is.”

She waits, her expression guarded. She’s not going to budge, is she?

“Can we do this another time?” I ask.

“No.”

I sigh. “Back in college, your uncle and my dad… they worked together to break us up.”

“Why?”

“Because they’re both fucking control freaks who couldn’t stand the thought of us being together. They thought they knew what was best for us.”

Disbelief colors her features. “I don’t understand. How did they…?”

“My father brought me documents… That’s why I thought you told your uncle about the deal. And how I found out about your engagement toJason.” The words taste like acid on my tongue. “And why Ju wrote you that she saw me with Blake. She got paid by Jason.”

“It was all a setup?”

“They played us. They manipulated us into thinking the worst of each other.”

She’s quiet for a long moment, processing. I observe the emotions play out on her face—shock, anger, betrayal.

“Is there anything else you want to tell me? Another secret?” she asks.

“I may have let Anne design the library with your tastes in mind. Guilty as charged, princess.”

She blinks at me for a second before a laugh bubbles out of her, and damn if it isn’t the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

“You’re an idiot.” Her eyes soften, meeting mine. And then her arms wrap around my neck, her lips finding mine in a kiss that steals my breath.

I’m careful, mindful of her injuries, but she seems to have no such reservations. She ravages my mouth, and I groan, my hands fisting in the sheets on either side of her.

We break apart, both of us panting.

Her eyes are dark, her pupils blown wide. “I need time.”

Fuck. I knew it was too good to be true.

“I need time to sort everything out with my family.” Her hands leave my skin. “I’m sorry.”

“Will you come back?”

Suddenly, the door opens, and Levi steps in. “You should go.” His eyes narrow at me. “Before Landon finds you here.”

I want to tell him to fuck off, but the last thing Lil needs right now is more drama.

I stand, my hand lingering on hers before I retreat. “I’ll be waiting. However long it takes.”

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