Page 81 of Close

“I don’t need your help.” She jerks away from his touch, stumbling in the process.

I move to catch her, but Sebastian is faster. He scoops Blake up into his arms, cradling her against his chest. Something twists in my gut at the sight.

“I’ve got her.” He does not quite meet my eyes. “You should go find Gemma and Mary. Enjoy the rest of the party, and I’ll find you later, okay?”

I force down the knot in my throat, trying to ignore the sickening feeling as Sebastian cradles Blake against his chest. “I think I’m going to head home. I’m pretty tired.”

Sebastian’s brow furrows. “You sure?”

“Yeah. Just need some sleep.”

He studies me for a moment. I can’t quite read his expression, but there’s a flicker of something there—concern, maybe? Or is it pity?

I lean in, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. “Goodnight.”

I turn to leave, but he catches my hand. “Lil.”

For a second, I thought he might pull me back or ask me to stay. But then he just gives my fingers a gentle squeeze before releasing me.

“Sleep well, princess.”

I nod and walk away, feeling his eyes burning into my back. It takes every ounce of willpower not to turn around, not to run back into his arms and beg him to choose me.

But that’s my insecurities talking, isn’t it? The little voice in my head that always whispers I’m not good enough, that everyone I care about will eventually leave me. Sebastian has given me no reason to doubt him. He’s been nothing but sweet and attentive, even when I push him away.

I square my shoulders. Sebastian and I have something special, something real. I need to trust in that.

And I hope Gemma will be okay with that, too, one day.

It doesn’t take long to spot her and Mary in the crowd, giggling and dancing together.

“Hey, guys,” I say. “I think I’m going to call it a night.”

Gemma pouts. “Aw, really? Stay!”

Mary nudges her. “Let the girl sleep, Gem. She’s probably exhausted from disappearing with her secretlover.”

My cheeks grow warm with heat. “It’s not like that. I’m tired.”

“Okay, let me get my jacket, and we’ll walk home together,” Gemma says.

“You don’t have to,” I say.

Mary places her arm on my shoulder. “We’re not letting you leave alone.”

As we make our way to the door, I glance back, scanning the room for Sebastian. But he’s nowhere to be seen.

It’s fine. Everything is fine. Sebastian cares about me. I need to have a little faith.

He’s not going to abandon me.

Right?

Chapter 22

Sebastian

I lay Blake down on my bed, careful not to jostle her too much. She’s really out of it. I couldn’t find Naomi anywhere, so I guess I’ll have to babysit. Fucking great.

---