Page 91 of Closer

I snatch it. “Thanks.”

The screen lights up, revealing missed calls and messages from Gem, Mary, Work, Levi, Landon, and Anne. My stomach twists. They must be worried sick.

“Gem and Mary know you’re okay. I talked with them yesterday. And I also called the library.”

I chew on my bottom lip. “I should still call Levi. He’ll want to hear from me.”

Sebastian’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly. “Sure. I’ll be in my office if you need me.”

“Wait.” The word is out before I can stop it.

“Yeah?”

My eyes flick between his. Do you really want me here? “Thank you. For everything.”

“When you’re done, we should head over to your place so you can pack a bag. Clothes, toiletries, whatever else you need.”

“Right.” My stomach knots at the thought of going back there.

“No rush. We have all day.”

“Don’t you have work? I mean, I can do it alone.” I don’t want to, but I also don’t want to intrude.

“I took a day off.”

“Oh.”

He walks away, and I gape at his retreating back, a confusing swirl of emotions churning in my body. Gratitude, definitely. But there’s something else too. Something I fear more than the break-in.

I quickly dial the library, keeping my voice steady, explaining what happened. Once that’s taken care of, I call Levi back.

It rings once, twice, three times. Voicemail. Shit.

“Hey, it’s me. I wanted to let you know I’m okay. I’m staying with... a friend for now. Call me back when you can. Love you.”

I hang up, tossing the phone on the bed with a sigh. A friend. Is that what Sebastian is now? It feels like a lie, but I don’t know what else to call him.

My roommate? My ex? The man I love?

Chapter 27

Lilian

Our apartment is as I left it.

Utterly destroyed.

Drawers pulled open, things scattered everywhere, and broken glass glinting on the floor. Even though I know it’s just stuff, it feels like a violation.

I stand in the doorway, unable to move.

Sebastian’s hand settles on the small of my back. “I’m here with you. Nothing to be afraid of.”

“I know. It’s just…” I gesture helplessly at the mess. “…seeing it like this is hard.”

“I get it. It’s a lot to take in.” His voice is gentle, soothing. “We don’t have to stay long. Grab what you need for now, okay? Clothes, toiletries, whatever else. I’ll buy you the rest.”

I take a shaky breath. “Okay. Yeah.”

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