Page 84 of Closer

“What did the police say?” Gemma asks.

“The apartment is ransacked, but they didn’t take much. Guess they didn’t have enough time.”

“Please keep us posted.” Mary’s voice comes through now, quiet but firm. “Where are you now? She can stay with Connor and me for the time being.”

I shake my head, even though they can’t see me. “Lil’s staying with me.”

“Sebastian, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Mary says. “She’s been through a lot tonight and—”

“Mary,” Gemma interjects. “Let me talk to my brother alone for asec, okay?”

There’s a pause, then a sigh. “Alright. But Bash, we’re trusting you with our girl. Be careful with her.”

“I will.”

The line clicks as Mary hangs up, leaving me alone with Gemma.

“Are you sure about this?” Her tone is gentle but probing. “Do you really think it’s a good idea for Lil to stay with you?”

I run a hand through my hair, pacing the living room. “Gem, you didn’t see her. She was terrified, shaking like a leaf. I can’t leave her alone after that.”

“I get it, but… your place? With your history? It might be too much for her to handle.”

“She needs someone to keep her safe. Someone she trusts. And right now, that’s me. My place is secure, I have plenty of room, and I can keep an eye on her. Make sure she’s okay. Mary and Connor are a couple. She would feel like a third wheel, disturbing them.”

Gemma’s quiet, then, “Is that the only reason?”

“You really gonna make me say it?”

“I think you need to. Out loud. To yourself, if no one else.”

I stop pacing, staring out the window at the city lights. “I want her back. I never stopped wanting her. I’ve been trying to find a way since… practically since she moved here. And after tonight, seeing her so scared, I want to make things right between us. But it’s not about that. It’s about being there for her when she needs me.”

“And if she doesn’t want you? If she pushes you away?”

“Then I’ll respect that. But I have to try. I can’t lose her again. Not like this.”

Gemma sighs. “Okay, listen to me. This is your last chance. If you fuck this up, if you hurt her again… I won’t support you anymore. Not even as your sister.”

The weight of her words settles heavy in my chest. “I won’t. I swear. I’m not gonna fuck it up this time.”

“I hope not. For both your sakes.” Her voice softens. “Get some rest, okay? And tell Lil we love her and we’re here if she needs anything.”

“I will. Night, sis.”

“Night, big brother.”

The call ends, and I’m left in the silence of my apartment, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

Gemma’s right. This is my last chance. If I screw this up, if I let my own selfish desires, issues, or insecurities get in the way… I’ll lose everything. Lil, my sister’s support, any hope of redemption.

I can’t let that happen. I won’t. Not anymore.

From now on, I’m going to be the man she deserves. The man who stands by her side, no matter what. The man who earns her trust, her forgiveness.

The man who loves her, even if she never loves me back.

With a deep breath, I head back to the bedroom and go straight to the bathroom, undressing and taking a quick shower before slipping into sweatpants. The last thing Lil needs is being greeted by my dick. When I get back in the room, Lil hasn’t moved from where I left her, still curled up under the blankets

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