Page 31 of Closer

“Knowing Gemma?” She’s never been one to back down from a challenge. “Absolutely. For better or worse, she’s doing this.”

Mary sighs, shoulders slumping. “I hope it all goes well.”

“Me, too.”

I’m about to check my phone when I spot Sebastian emerging from the second elevator.

“Uh, I feel a bit sick,” I say. “I’ll go outside.”

“Fine. But don’t disappear.”

I rush outside, my heart hammering against my ribcage. The cool night air hits my face, but it does nothing to calm my nerves. Why is he here?

I slump against the building, closing my eyes. Of all people, why him?

“Running away again, princess?”

My eyes snap open.

Sebastian stands before me, hands in his pockets, and that infuriatingly sexy smirk on his lips.

“I’m not running.” I straighten, crossing my arms. “I needed some air.”

“Sure you did.” He steps closer, his cologne invading my senses. “Are you drunk?”

“No, I—” I falter, not wanting to lie. “Serena.” Fantastic, my brain doesn’t work anymore.

“What about her?”

“Nothing, forget it. Guess I’m another one on your list.” What’s done is done. I need to accept that he’s moved on and so should I.

“Another one on my list?” Sebastian’s voice drops low, a dangerous edge creeping in. “Why are you here?”

“I… Well, Gem… she—” I cover my mouth before I say anything else. What if Sebastian doesn’t know about them?

“Lil.”

I speak through my hands, “Why are you here?”

“I live here.”

“Oh.” My hands fall to the side. “I have to go.” I take a sidestep, trying to get away, but my foot catches on the uneven edge of the pavement.

He catches me. “You’re drunk. I’ll take you home.”

“No.” I try to get out of his hold. “I don’t need your help.”

His voice drops. “Lil.”

“I said no!” I try to push him away, but his grip only tightens. “Let me go.”

“So you can trip again and hurt yourself?”

“I won’t.” I push against his chest, but it’s like trying to move a brick wall. “I’m not your responsibility anymore.”

His eyes flash with something I can’t quite decipher. “You’re right, you’re not. But I’m not about to let you stumble around drunk.”

“Why do you even care?”

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