11. Sebastian

Chapter 11

Sebastian

I should’ve stayed. I should’ve pushed harder, demanded she talk to me. But I didn’t. I just kissed her forehead like some chump and walked away. What a fucking joke.

Connor and Brandon burst into the room, their laughter ricocheting off the walls, followed by Blake, Naomi, and a gaggle of girls trailing behind them like butterflies. I force my lips into a tight smile, trying to shake off the frustration that coils around my chest like a python.

It’s been days since I made her cum, and the memory of her writhing beneath me sends a shudder rippling through my body. The way she came apart on my fingers, crying out my name… it was better than any high I’ve ever chased.

Now she’s MIA, and it’s driving me fucking crazy.

I know she’s not like all the other girls I’ve hooked up with. There’s something different about her—something broken and beautiful all at once. Something I can’t fix with a few orgasms and pretty words. A fragility that makes me want to shield her from the world’s cruelty.

But damn it, I want to try. I want to be the one she turns to when the darkness comes. I want to be her safe place, her escape. I want to make her forget everything.

Did I push too far, too fast? I thought she wanted it—no, needed it—as much as I did. Was I wrong? I couldn’t resist. How she looked up at me, her lips slightly parted and her eyes begging.

And this fucking headache is killing me.

She’s not even at her normal spot in the library. And when I do catch a glimpse of her, she’s with Jason. Always Jason.

Mister fucking perfect, always by her side.

And every time, I want to march over and kiss her senseless. Remind her who made her cum so hard she nearly passed out. Stake my claim so Jason and everyone else knows she’s mine.

But that won’t win me any favors with her. If anything, it’ll only push her further away.

The possibility knots my stomach. I’m not used to being rejected or ignored. Especially not by someone like Lil. Someone I actually… care about. As much as it pains me to admit it.

With most girls, I wouldn’t give a damn if they ghosted me after something like this. But Lil… she slithered under my skin, and I can’t shake her. I crave more—more of her smiles, her touch, the sounds she makes when she unravels.

I need to be smart. Strategic. Find a way to make her seek me out again. Crave my touch the way I crave hers .

I only have to figure out how. Because I’ll be damned if I let her slip away. She may have wounded my ego by going silent, but I don’t give up. Not on my princess.

Not when I can still taste her on my lips.

My fingers hover over the screen, contemplating whether to send another message or not. You’re making this so hard for me, princess.

“So, what’s up with you?” Brandon claps me on the shoulder as he plops down on the couch next to me. “Hiding away like that.”

“Wasn’t hiding.” My fingers tap against my phone, willing it to vibrate with a message from Lil.

“We brought company. How about you enjoy yourself?” Brandon asks.

“No, thanks.”

All I can think about is Lil’s silence, her absence, and the way her eyes locked onto mine as I made her shatter that night. One second, she wants me, and the next, it’s like we’re complete strangers. Even after what I did for her.

“Bran, I’m hungry,” Connor calls out from the kitchen.

“Geez, like a little kid.” Brandon huffs and walks into the kitchen.

“Bash.” Blake flashes me a grin as she sits where Brandon just was. “What’s got you looking so depressed?”

“Nothing.” My focus remains anchored to the screen of my phone, hoping for a sign, a single word .

“Bash.” Blake sidles closer, her red hair brushing against my arm. “How about I distract you a little?”

“No, thanks.”

“Come on.” She sits on my lap with practiced ease. “Let’s take a photo together. You know, for old times’ sake.”

“Will you get lost if I do?”

“Yes.”

The muscles in my face strain as I try not to look like I want to throw her off my lap. Her perfume overwhelms me, and a headache starts to build.

It’s not the one I crave. It’s not Lil’s.

“Perfect.” Blake admires the photo before her attention turns back to me. “We could go upstairs like we always do. I’m sure I can help you forget whatever’s been troubling you.”

“Back off.” I shove her away as my patience wears thin.

Blake stumbles. “What is your problem?”

“I don’t have a problem. Just leave me alone.”

“Suit yourself.” She stalks off to join Naomi and the others. I can tell she’s whispering about me, but I couldn’t care less.

I look at the text messages I’ve sent Lil, each one left unanswered.

Sebastian: Remember that I said I want you to come on my face? How about tonight?

Sebastian: Don’t ignore me, princess. You know what happens if you do.

I hoped those words might elicit a reaction, anything, but I was mistaken .

What is she afraid of? Why won’t she let me in?

My phone buzzes in my hand, but instead of Lil’s name appearing on the screen, it’s a group chat notification.

Brandon: Dude, stop with the long face. There are plenty of girls here to take your mind off whatever’s bothering you.

Sebastian: I’m good.

Connor: Liar. Spill. Is it that girl again?

Brandon: Now that I think about it. He didn’t drag me to the cafeteria again.

Sebastian: I’d be more inclined if you stopped bringing Blake around.

She’s not who I want.

Connor: Bran only tolerates Blake because he got the hots for Naomi.

Brandon: Shut up, both of you.

Brandon: And don’t act so high and mighty, Bash. You were fucking Blake just fine a few weeks ago.

Connor: Touchy subject, but he’s right.

Sebastian: You shouldn’t talk, Con. Who did you stalk yesterday?

Connor: I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Brandon: Wait, what did I miss?

Connor: Nothing. I’m hungry.

Sebastian: Our dear bro Con scared Lil some days ago. Was sitting like a stalker in the library. But he wasn’t after Lil. Otherwise, we would have a problem .

Brandon: Uuh. Con Con, who caught your eye? The petite one from Biz Dev? Or the one with the snake tattoo?

Sebastian: Yeah, Con Con. Who did you follow?

Connor: Still hungry.

Brandon: Oh, come on.

Brandon: Bash, I need more info.

Sebastian: I don’t have more.

Connor: I wasn’t there for your girl. I didn’t even know she was there.

If he didn’t even see Lil… Who the fuck followed her?

Brandon: You know. You two are just perfect. One who has falling girls at his feet but not the one he wants, and the other is a fucking stalker. Communication is key, guys.

Connor: I’m hungry. Communicated enough?

Brandon: Sorry, need to correct. Is a fucking stalker who acts like a baby.

Bash: I’m with Connor. I’m hungry as well.

Blake scoffs, crossing her arms over her chest. “You guys just gonna stare into your phones or talk with us?”

Connor: Ditch the girls?

Brandon: Fuck no! I got Naomi here. That’s like one in a million.

Bash: I’ll get you another chance.

Brandon: I hate you two.

“Come on. We have class anyway.” Blake turns on her heel, grabbing Naomi’s arm.

Connor: That was easy .

Naomi hesitates, glancing between Brandon and Blake with a frown. “Bye, guys.” The other girls follow after them in a flurry of indignant whispers.

I stand up and walk over to the kitchen, hoping to put on the best I’m sorry look I can.

“Don’t give me that look. I hate you.” Brandon points with a spoon at me.

“Sorry, I’ll get you another chance. Promised.”

“Need her schedule? Phone access?” Connor already types away on his phone.

“God, how did my cousin get so creepy,” Brandon says.

Connor shrugs and sits on the kitchen counter.

“At least spill what’s going on,” Brandon says. “You’ve been moping around that girl here all week.”

I drag my hands down my face and stare up at the ceiling. “I don’t know, alright? She’s been avoiding me all week and won’t answer any of my texts.”

“Texts. I could punch you right now. How about you talk with her?” Brandon says.

“How? Break into her dorm?”

Brandon and Connor both look at me.

“No,” Brandon rummages through the fridge.

“Yes, too early,” Connor says.

Glancing down at my phone. My heart leaps at the sight of those three little dots pulsing on the screen. After days of silence, she’s finally reaching out.

She’s typing .

Come on, princess. Don’t leave me hanging.

The dots disappear. No message appears.

Fuck that. I tried the nice way, but she obviously didn’t want that.

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