Page 54 of Closer

He nuzzles his nose into my hair, inhaling deeply. “Mm. You smell good.”

“It’s the chlorine.”

“No, it’s you. It’s always been you.”

“Goodnight.”

I feel his lips curve against my temple. “Sweet dreams, princess.”

This is dangerous, a voice whispers in the back of my mind. But I’m too tired, too comfortable to care.

Chapter 16

Sebastian

I’m standing at the door, my eyes glued to Lil, basking in the sun’s rays at the pool. The past day and a half have been pure bliss, the two of us enjoying couple’s massages, sweating it out in the sauna, indulging in good food, and soaking up the sun. I can’t remember the last time I was this content, this at peace. She has always had that effect on me, calming the constant storm in my head.

I need more time with her. After yesterday, I don’t know what will happen when this weekend ends. Will she shut me out again, retreating back into her shell? I can’t let that happen. I need to find a way to—

“Son, are you even listening to me?” My father’s irate voice snaps me back to reality. Fuck, I forgot I’m on the phone with him.

“Sorry, what were you saying?” My eyes remain on Lil.

“I said, I got off the phone with Marcus. He’s worried about the merger. What the hell is going on?”

I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to focus. “Dad, I told you I was taking the weekend off. Can’t this wait until Monday?”

“No, it can’t wait. You need to fix this, Sebastian. Now.”

This is the worst timing. I want to enjoy every second I get with her, and a work emergency is the last thing I need. Luckily, she’s oblivious to my conversation, lost in her own world.

“Fine, I’ll handle it.” I hang up before he can respond. Why can’t he let me have this one fucking weekend?

Marcus. He’s on my shitlist now.

I make my way over to Lil.

She looks up at me. “Everything okay?”

“I gotta take care of some business real quick, princess. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Her lips part, and for a split second, I think she’s going to protest, but then she puts on her signature fake smile. “Okay. Don’t be too long.”

“I won’t.” I press a kiss to her forehead. Her skin is warm from the sun, and the scent of her coconut sunscreen fills my nose.

God, I don’t want to leave her. But the sooner I deal with this shit, the sooner I can get back to her. Reluctantly, I pull away and head back to our room. The door closes behind me, and I grab my laptop, already dialing Marcus’s number.

He picks up on the second ring. “I’ve been trying to reach you.”

“Yeah, well, I’m here now. What’s so fucking important that you had to interrupt my weekend?”

“It’s the merger. There’s been a complication.”

“What kind of complication?”

“The board is getting cold feet. They’re worried about the financials.”

“The financials are solid. We went over this a dozen times.”

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