Page 27 of Closer

I scan the room again, trying to spot Lil in the crowd. Nothing. It’s like she vanished into thin air.

Brandon clears his throat. “Well, that was quite a show.”

“Not now, Bran.” I glare at him.

“Hey, I’m just saying. If you’re trying to make her jealous, I think it worked.”

A loud crash echoes through the ballroom. I turn toward the sound, my eyes landing on the one in question, who is helping a waiter clean up the mess and sinking her teeth into her lip.

Regret washes over me, bitter and swift. I want to take her in my arms and whisper apologies against her skin. I never meant to kiss Serena.

She’s drenched.

Aren’t Gem and Mary with her?

Fuck it. I push through the crowd on instinct.

Her eyes widen as she spots me, and she battles to get to her feet, her knees buckling slightly. She winds her way through the throng of people, not caring about the waiters calling after her.

Not a chance, princess.

I almost lost her, then I catch a glimpse of emerald fabric fleeing into the women’s bathroom. I’m about to follow her when a hand grabs my arm.

“Bash, what are you doing?” Serena hisses.

I shake her off. “I need to talk to her.”

“In the women’s bathroom? Are you insane?”

“Probably.” I run a hand through my hair. “Look, just cover for me, okay?”

“And what am I supposed to tell people when they ask where you went?”

“I don’t know. Make something up. You’re good at that.”

Her eyes narrow. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you? You’re about to throw away everything we’ve worked for. For what? Some girl who broke your heart?”

“She’s not just some girl.”

She studies me before removing her hand. “You owe me.”

I open the bathroom door, not giving a damn about the startled gasps and indignant protests from the women inside. They scatter like frightened birds, but I barely spare them a glance. My eyes are locked on Lil, hunched over the sink, back to me.

“Lil.” Her name falls from my lips, a plea and a prayer all at once, and I take one tentative step after another closer to her.

She doesn’t move.

I come to stand behind her, our bodies nearly touching. The faint, familiar smell of chocolate is enveloping me, and I need to control the desire to bury my face in her hair.

“You should be more careful.” I hadn’t meant to upset her. Had only wanted… What? To prove I didn’t care?

She attempts to step away, but I grab her arms.

“Please.” I slowly turn her toward me. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

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