Page 29 of Closer

“I’m sorry,” I say instead, the words woefully inadequate.

She laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “You’re sorry? That’s all you have to say?”

“What do you want me to say, Lil? That I fucked up? That letting you go was the biggest mistake of my life? Because I’ll say it. I’ll say all of it if that’s what you need to hear.”

Her bottom lip trembles, and she bites down on it hard. “I don’t need anything from you.”

“I wouldn’t have left if you had been upfront.” One look at her, and I’m that lovesick fool all over again, ready to throw away everything for another taste of her lips. “Are you here to finish what you started? Spying on me? Will you use my sister this time?”

“I—” Her brows knit together. “What are you talking about?”

I sneer, the memories flooding back like a tidal wave. “Don’t play dumb, princess. It doesn’t suit you. You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“Sebastian, I—”

The bathroom door swings open again, and Serena’s voice cuts through the tension. “We need to go. Now.”

I rub my forehead. Damn it, I need more time with her. What am I thinking? Yes, right. I’m not using my brain. I can’t do this now. Not here, not like this.

I withdraw, placing some much-needed distance. “This conversation isn’t over.” I point a finger at Lil, my gaze boring into hers.

“I think it is.” She lifts her chin, defiance flashing in her eyes.

I stride to the door, pausing. “Next time, I won’t stop, princess.” I leave the bathroom, brushing past the scowling women in line, Serena close behind.

Each step is like a piece of my soul being ripped out.

“What the hell was that?” Serena grabs my arm, spinning me around to face her.

“Nothing. Let’s get back to the party.”

“It didn’t look like nothing.”

“She is my ex.” I throw my hands in the air. “Happy?”

“Hmm.” She taps her chin. “Well. I always knew you were a playboy through and through. And now I know who made you like that.”

“I’m not a playboy.” I roll my shoulders, trying to ease the tension. “And now drop it. We have more important things to worry about.”

She purses her lips. “Fine. But don’t think for a second that I’m letting this go, honey.”

I plaster on a fake smile as we re-enter the ballroom. “Wouldn’t dream of it, sweetheart.”

“Oh, I just remembered I have to check on something. See ya.” She twists on her heel and marches off.

I need a fucking drink anyway.

I make my way to the bar, signaling for a whiskey.

The barkeeper slides it over, and I take it with a nod, swirling the amber liquid and watching it catch the light. Lil’s eyes flash through my mind—wide and innocent, yet filled with a fire that could burn me alive.

I take a sip, letting the whiskey burn a path down my throat. It’s smooth, but not as smooth as her skin. I can still taste her, feel her warmth under my fingertips. And that fucking chocolate scent.

Staying away from her is going to be a hell of a lot harder than I thought.

I down the rest of the drink in one gulp, slamming the glass back on the bar. “Another.”

The barkeeper raises an eyebrow but pours nonetheless without comment, and I hold it up into the light.

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