Page 55 of Paper Coffins

“Just like that?”

“Just like that,” Sebastian confirms, turning to face me. “His heart just stopped and there was nothing anyone could do to save him.”

“Bastard.” It seems unfair that he got to go so easily. “Kind of wanted to know it hurt.”

“Sorry, Talia,” Sebastian starts apologetically. “Out like a light. Game over. Done for. Gone.”

I quieten.

“So, pretty lady, do you fancy some fresh air?” Sebastian asks, tossing my curtains open and moving us on from the mauling chat. “You’re allowed out on the balcony, but only if you promise not to toss yourself off it.”

“What about if I toss you off it?”

He jerks his head at me, his lips tug upwards, and he dramatically gasps.

“Are you propositioning me, Miss Abernathy? Why, of course I’ll let you toss me off on the balcony.”

I roll my eyes. “You are literally the worst. You really think I want to be anywhere near your limp dick?”

“Hey! You went near Beckett’s.”

“Oh, believe me, Sebastian, Beckett’s anything but flaccid.”

He gives a quite roll of the eyes to match mine but grins at me. This is almost normal. This feels like a bittersweet slice of nostalgia I had longed for but didn’t dare tell the universe I wanted.

“We got you some clothes. Nothing special. It’s just to get you started so you’re not showing everyone your vagina.”

I cross my legs a little and pull the duvet higher, making him laugh at my reaction.

“I’ll be out on the balcony.”

He heads to the large French doors before taking his leave.

His order was there. Silent and unspoken, but there.

* * *

Five minutes later, I’m dressed down in jeans and a black top. Nothing unsavoury, but also nothing special. Notably, it’s all black, which further confirms the month of mourning is going to be extended graciously to me.

Sebastian is looking at his phone, not even bothering to cast me a glance, so I move across the space, breathing in the fresh air.

London has always excited my senses. The air is different here than anywhere else in England. Filled with vibrancy and noise and utter chaos.

Just how my entire life has been.

I sit down on the same chair I always used to and stare ahead. Pinching the bridge of my nose, I close my eyes and hope the fresh air will help ease the ache in my head.

I hear the seat to my right groan with the weight of a person, and I open my eyes to spy Sebastian settling in.

“Have you still got a headache?”

I shrug.

He sighs. “We can make this so much easier if you comply.”

“My father always said never to negotiate with the enemy.”

“Your father also said he loved you, and look how that turned out.”

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