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He studies my face. “Okay. Let me know if you need help with anything, and put a bandage around it. Even if it annoys you.”

“I will. Thank you.”

After a few minutes, we reach my door, and I fumble with my keys, my hands shaking slightly. Sebastian leans against the wall, poring over me with those intense eyes. “I had a great time tonight, princess.”

Princess. The nickname simultaneously thrills and terrifies me. It’s a reminder of the power he holds over me, the way he can make my heart race with a single word.

“Me, too.” I manage to finally unlock the door. “Thank you for dinner. You didn’t have to do that.”

“I wanted to.” He reaches out, tucking an imaginary stray lock of hair behind my ear. His touch lingers, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin of my neck. “I want to do a lot of things for you.”

My breath catches. The implication behind his words is clear, but I’m not sure I’m ready for what he’s offering. Not yet.

“I should probably go inside,” I say. “Early class tomorrow.”

Sebastian nods, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face before he masks it with a smile. “Of course. Sweet dreams, princess.”

His lips brush against mine in a tender kiss. It’s gentle, almost reverent. My eyes flutter shut as I savor the soft caress ofhis mouth on mine, but it’s over far too soon, his thumb tracing my bottom lip.

“Good night, princess.”

“Good night,” I whisper back.

His eyes search mine for a moment before he kisses me again, deeper this time but still achingly gentle. My hands come up of their own accord, fingers threading through his hair to draw him closer, wanting more. He gives in for a few heated seconds before withdrawing again, our heavy breaths mingling in the scant space between us.

“I should let you get some sleep,” he says.

“Yeah, probably.” I don’t move, not wanting this moment to end.

With visible effort, he steps back, letting his hand pass down my arm before falling away, and I immediately miss his warmth.

I open the door and glance back at him. He’s leaning against the wall, hands in his pockets, eyes on me.

God, he’s handsome. And he’s here, with me. It’s like a dream.

I give him a small wave before closing the door and sagging against it. My lips still tingle from his kiss, and every inch of my skin buzzes from his touch.

But I’m terrified of being used and tossed aside like I was with Mike, as well.

Sebastian is different, though. The way he looks at me, the way he touches me… it feels real. Like he cares about me beyond just getting in my pants.

I sigh, pushing off the door and heading to my room with a girly grin.

“Lil.” Jason’s sharp tone cuts through my daze. My grin falters as I meet his glare, eyes narrowing into slits as he sits on the couch, cuddling with Juliana in our living room. “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for hours.”

My phone. Guilt washes over me. I fumble for it, desperately trying to come up with an explanation that won’t reveal my time spent with Sebastian. I forgot that Jason wanted to come by. Jason already hates Sebastian, and if he knew I had spent the evening with him, he’d blow up. Why couldn’t I remember to check my phone?

I unlock my phone and scroll through the notifications.Missed calls and messages. Fan-fucking-tastic. I was so caught up with Sebastian that I didn’t notice my phone blowing up.

“I’m sorry, I was at the library and completely forgot the time. I’m sorry.”

Jason’s jaw clenches. He opens his mouth to argue, but—

“No worries, Jason is just overreacting.” Ju lets out a laugh. “He was about to send out a search party for you.”

“I already called Levi,” Jason says.

No, no, no. I grab my phone again, scrolling through the messages until I find his name. This can’t be happening.

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