Page 81 of Closer

After what feels like an eternity, footsteps approach again.

“Lil?”

“Sebastian?” Hearing his voice releases the panic trapped in my chest.

“Yes, it’s me. Please open up.”

I peel myself off the floor and turn the lock with trembling fingers. The door swings open, and there he is, tall, solid, and real.

He sweeps me into his arms, cradling me. “Are you hurt? Did they touch you?”

I sob against his chest. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this kind of security, and I’m almost afraid to let it go… him go.

“Shh, it’s alright,” he murmurs into my damp hair. “Breathe, princess. I’m here now.”

His arms tighten around me, the lingering adrenaline and fear draining away, leaving behind bone-deep exhaustion and relief. I’m not alone. Sebastian came for me. He’s here, holding me, keeping me safe.

When my tears finally subside, he cups my face in both hands, searching my eyes. “Do you feel a bit better?”

My legs are unsteady, and I’m a trembling mess, not able to say a word, but yes, I’m fine. I nod.

“I won’t leave your side, okay?”

I nod again.

He keeps an arm around me, and we make our way out of the bathroom. I freeze in the doorway, my eyes widening at the destruction. Drawers were emptied out, clothes, cables, and everything strewneverywhere. Down the hallway, I hear police radios crackling and people walking around investigating the scene.

Sebastian presses a kiss to my temple. “We’ll fix it up, don’t worry. I’ll help you get everything back in order.”

In the living room, two police officers are inspecting a broken window.

One is leaning in to examine the shattered glass, his nose nearly touching the jagged edges. “Looks like they used a rock. Not exactly masterminds, are they?”

The other snorts, pulling his partner back by the collar. “Easy there, Sherlock. We don’t need you slicing up that pretty face of yours.”

Both turn at our approach faces creasing with concern. The one nearly sliced by the window is tall and lanky, with a shock of red hair and a face full of freckles. He looks like he’s barely out of the academy, all eager eyes and nervous energy. The other is older, probably in his late forties, with a salt-and-pepper buzz cut and a no-nonsense expression. His uniform stretches tight across his broad shoulders and barrel chest.

“Ms. Edmunds?” The younger of the two steps forward with a grin. “I’m Officer Torres, and this old timer here is Officer Chen.”

Chen rolls his eyes. “Less of the ‘old timer,’ rookie. I’ve got socks older than you.” His voice is gruff but not unkind. “Ms. Edmunds, are you alright?”

I nod shakily. “I guess so, yeah.”

Chen gestures to the couch. “Have a seat, and we’ll get your statement.”

I perch on the edge of the couch, Sebastian settling beside me with his arm still wrapped protectively around me.

Officer Chen flips open his notepad. “Can you walk us through what happened tonight?”

I take a shaky breath, my fingers twisting together in my lap. “I came home from a date—”

Sebastian’s arm tightens almost imperceptibly. I lean into him slightly, drawing strength from his solid frame.

“It was…” I clear my throat, trying to refocus. “…around 10:30. Um, I came home, took a bath, and then I heard a crash…”

“A crash?” Officer Torres asks.

“I thought it was my roommate Mary and called out for her, but I only heard voices. Men’s voices. I knew someone was in the apartment. So, I locked the bathroom door.”

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