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When we pull up in front of my dorm, Sebastian turns to me, his eyes soft. “I’ll wait here so you can grab your stuff.”

“Okay. I’ll be right back.” I lean in, brushing my lips against his.

But as I’m about to kiss him, a movement catches my eye, and I jerk back.

Uncle Marc?

Chapter 38

Lilian

Sebastian follows my gaze. “Isn’t that—”

“My uncle.”

Marc’s face is unreadable, his arms crossed over his chest. I swallow hard, my hand tightening around Sebastian’s.

“Do you want me to come with you?” His thumb rubs soothing circles on the back of my hand.

I’m tempted to say yes, but I know I need to face this alone. “No, it’s okay. I’ll handle it. You should go.”

Sebastian studies me for a moment before nodding. “Call me if you need anything, alright? I mean it.”

“I will.” I press a quick kiss to his cheek before slipping out of the car. My legs are jelly, and it’s not because of what we just did in the car.

“Lilian.” His voice is neutral, giving nothing away.

“Uncle Marc. I didn’t expect you.”

His gaze flicks to Sebastian’s retreating car before settling back on me. “I think we need to have a talk, don’t you?”

My stomach twists, but I force myself to meet his stare. “About what?”

“About you and Sebastian Barron. I had hoped you would come to your senses.”

This is not a conversation I’m ready to have. Not now, maybe not ever. I wrap my arms around myself, burying my nails into the soft fabric of Sebastian’s jacket. “There’s nothing to talk about.”

“There’s a whole lot to talk about.” Marc’s voice hardens, his displeasure evident.

“It’s not what you think.”

“Then what exactly is it?”

I open my mouth, but no words come out. What can I say? That Sebastian is different? That he loves me? That I love him? Somehow, I don’t think any of that will make a difference to my uncle. Why can’t he see how happy Sebastian makes me?

He sighs, rubbing a hand over his face. “Let’s go inside.”

I would rather run after Sebastian and beg him to take me anywhere but here. But I don’t want to hide anymore. So I follow my uncle into the dorm with sagging shoulders.

Inside, he paces in front of me, his face etched with disappointment. “I don’t understand. After everything I’ve told you about the Barrons, how could you still be with him?”

I fidget on the couch, my fingers twisting in my lap. “It’s not that simple.”

“Isn’t it? They’re our enemies, Lilian. They can’t be trusted.”

“Sebastian isn’t like that. He’s different.”

He scoffs. “Oh, I’m sure he’s very different when he’s trying to get into your pants.”

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