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His fingers tighten around my neck, holding me in place as his mouth moves over mine, demanding and unapologetic.

I just met him.

But my body doesn’t seem to care. It comes alive under his touch, responding to him with a fervor unknown to me. I’ve never been kissed like this before, with such raw, unbridled passion. It’s overwhelming and consuming, and all I’m able to do is melt into him.

He nips at my lower lip, and I whimper, the sound muffled against his mouth. His other hand twists into my hair, tugging gently as he deepens the kiss, his tongue sweeping against mine. I’m drowning in sensation.

He kisses me until I’m breathless and reeling, unable to form a coherent thought beyond how perfect this is.

The green of his eyes shines as they roam over my face. “That’s what happens when you keep apologizing, princess.”

I lick my swollen lips, still tasting him there. “I’ll have to stop saying sorry.”

“I don’t know. I kind of like it when you do.”

What just happened? I blink, trying to clear the haze of desire from my mind. Did I really make out with a complete stranger?

Sebastian’s thumb brushes over my lower lip. “So, are you going to tell me what got you so upset earlier?”

I can’t tell him. It’s pathetic crying over someone who isn’t even at fault.

“It’s nothing,” I say. “Just stupid boy drama.”

“Stupid boy drama that has you hiding out in another guy’s room and throwing punches?”

I wince. “I really am sorry about that.”

“I think we’ve established that you’re very sorry.” His lips quirk up in a smirk. “But I’m more interested in what caused it.”

The music from the party pulses through the walls, matching the throbbing ache in my chest. I close my eyes, trying to block it out, but the image of Mike with his hands all over that girl is seared into my brain, and the pounding on the door echoes in the back of my mind.

Why does it hurt so much? It’s not like we were together. Yeah, we’ve been on a few dates and kissed, but seeing him with her, seeing the way he looked at her…

I’m so stupid. Of course, he doesn’t like me. Why would he? I’m just the shy, awkward girl who can’t even make it through a party without having a meltdown.

A gentle touch on my chin startles me, and I open my eyes.

Sebastian furrows his brow. “Where did you just go?”

Would he look at me the same way Mike looked at that girl? I shake my head. The last thing I want is to cry in front of him.

His warm hand reaches up and gently brushes away the stray tear on my cheek, his eyes following the movement of his thumb.

His touch is tender and filled with genuine care as if he’s trying to erase all traces of sadness from my face. “Whoever he is, he’s an idiot.”

A surprised laugh escapes me. “You don’t even know him.”

“I don’t need to. If he’s got you this upset, he’s clearly not worth your time.”

I look down at my hands. “It’s not his fault. I’m not good at this stuff.”

“At what? Talking to guys?”

“No. Well, yes, but I mean, parties and drinking and…” I wave my hand around. “All of this. It’s not really my scene.”

“So why’d you come tonight?”

“My roommate dragged me.”

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