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“Of what?”

“That if I let myself remember, it’ll destroy me.”

“You’re stronger than you know.” His fingertips rub along my spine, sending tingles through my body.

“Can we talk about something else, please?”

“Okay. What is on your bucket list?” His voice is a low rumble against my ear. “Something wild, adventurous, forbidden…”

My bucket list? I’ve spent so long just surviving, getting through each day. “I…” My voice cracks. “I don’t know.”

“C’mon, princess. There must be something.”

I huff out a breath. “Fine. Skinny dipping?”

His eyebrows shoot up. “Oh really?”

“Mhmm.” I hold his stare, chin jutting out. “You asked.”

“I did.” Sebastian’s hands drop to my hips, thumbs rubbing circles that make my pulse jump. “Skinny dipping. I could arrange that.”

“You don’t have to—”

“Oh, but I want to.” He leans in closer, lips brushing my ear as he murmurs, “I want to see you. All of you.”

The images his words conjure send heat rushing through my veins. Sebastian, me, naked in the moonlight. Nothing between us but water and skin and—

“Car theater,” I blurt out.

He chuckles, the sound low and rich against my skin. “Car theater? Trying to change the subject on me, princess?”

I shrug, trying to play it cool despite the heat rising in my cheeks. “Maybe. Is it working?”

“Not even close.” His fingers graze the curve of my breasts. “But I’ll bite. What about the car theater?”

I lean into his touch, craving more even as my nerves jangle. “I’ve just always wanted to go. Sneak in the back of a pick-up truck, watch an old movie under the stars…”

“Sounds romantic.” Sebastian’s lips find my neck.

I tilt my head to give him better access, my pulse hammering. “Mmm.”

“I like it.” He kisses the top of my head. “Get some rest now.”

“Will you be here when I wake up?”

“I’ll always be there, princess.”

I nestle into his embrace, breathing in his scent. For the first time in years, I hope that maybe, just maybe, I don’t have to face my demons alone anymore.

I blink awake, my mind fuzzy with the remnants of sleep and a warm heaviness pressing down on me. His arms are wrapped around me, with one hand splayed possessively over my ass. Our legs are intertwined, one of mine draped over his waist and his muscular thigh wedged between mine.

Did I spend the night wrapped around Sebastian Barron like a koala?

He looks more peaceful and unguarded than I’ve ever seen him. His long lashes flutter slightly against his cheekbones in his slumber, and his lips are parted ever so slightly, soft breaths escaping them. He looks younger like this, the usual teasing smirk nowhere to be found.

My fingers float over his stubbled jaw, and I marvel at the thrill of being able to admire him so openly like this. He doesn’t stir at my touch, lost in deep sleep. The morning sun filtersin through the blinds, catching in his messy hair and making it shine golden.

He’s beautiful. And not just on the outside.

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