Page 34 of Dance With Me
As Seb set out the plates and cutlery, he told Dom what the police had said about making sure now that he was protected at all times whether it be at the studio or the apartment. That they believed things were starting to escalate. Dom agreed.
“I’ll stay with you from now on if Natalia isn’t here. I’m not having you alone in this apartment, even if you have the dog. Get used to it, Seb.” As much as Seb wanted to argue, he had to agree. Things were getting out of hand. “I can come with you to the studio too. Won’t do me any harm, seeing how I’ll be working there soon enough.”
They sat down to eat, but Seb had no appetite. The thought of eating made him nauseous, and he played with the food on his plate, feeding bits of it to Rocco.
“You have to eat, Seb. Come on, mate. Please eat something.”
Seb sighed, looking at Dom. “What did I ever do to deserve this, Dom? Why me?” Seb felt close to tears, again, and he dropped his head; the only bright things in his life at the moment were his friends and Joe.
“I don’t know, but wewillget through this together. You have me and Natalia to look after you.” Dom echoed his sentiment, and before he knew what he was saying, the words fell from his lips.
“I know. I spoke to Joe last night too. I think I have a date with him tomorrow!”
Chapter Nineteen
Joe
It wasn’t a date, was it?
No, they would be going out as friends, taking the dog for a walk, nothing more. So why did it feel like one? They’d made plans; plans they were going to talk about today at this next lesson. Joe couldn’t wait.
He managed to settle into his work, but the anticipation for his upcoming lesson was making his skin buzz and a tingle spread through his limbs.
At around noon, Joe left the office, trying to avoid Hazel if he could. After his chat with her on Monday, he was feeling a little self-conscious now about Seb.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she shouted from the other end of the office.
Just when he’d thought he’d got away with it. He turned and raised his middle finger. She gasped at the action, a grin spreading across her face as he entered the lift. He smiled back shyly and looked away, shaking his head, and his smile broke into a laugh.
He couldn’t remember what they’d agreed about lunch, so he grabbed a couple of sandwiches, some fruit and made his way to Nava Dance.
He arrived and peered cautiously through the door. He could hear voices inside the studio and let out a sigh of relief when he realised it was just Seb and Dom.
“Well, well. If it isn’t Mr—”
The rest of the sentence was cut off as Seb clamped his hand over Dom’s mouth.
“Don’t mind him; he’s just leaving. Aren’t you, Dom?” Seb said and glared at him.
Dom nodded, unable to speak.
“You dirty bastard.” Seb suddenly pulled his hand away from Dom’s face. “You licked me!” He wiped his hands down Dom’s shirt.
Dom grinned. “Don’t worry, Joe. It’s not an ‘I licked it, so it’s mine’ situation. He can still be yours too.” He winked at them both, then swept through the doors with a flourish. Joe had never seen this playful side of Seb and had to admit he liked it. But Dom’s comment? He didn’t know what to make of that.
“Ignore him. He’s just being dramatic as usual.” Seb turned away and sat at the table. “After last night, he’s staying with me as much as he can, both here and at home.”
“What happened last night? Was it after we left you? Why didn’t I think to stay with you?!” Joe could have kicked himself. “I’m so sorry, Seb. I let you down. Clare was desperate to get home.” Joe was distraught and annoyed with himself that he’d forgotten his promise to himself to keep Seb safe.
“It’s fine, honestly. I’m not even sure what it was. Some guy, pretty sure it was a guy, was watching me as I drove away last night, hood up, and I couldn’t see his face.” Seb paused to take a breath. “He mimicked shooting a gun at me.”
Joe was kneeling in front of him before he knew what was happening. The thought that he’d left Seb exposed and vulnerable after promising him he’d take care of him—it made him feel sick.
“Are you OK? Are you sure?” Joe touched his arms and looked him over as if he’d been physically harmed. He pulled him into his arms and hugged him. Seb slowly put his arms around him and hugged him back.
“God, Seb. That’s awful. I’m so, so sorry.” He held him closer. The scent of Seb’s hair and skin invaded his senses. He smelt so good. He closed his eyes, revelling in the feeling of the hard, lithe body against his.
He pulled back, looking into Seb’s eyes. They glistened with tears.
