23. Lilian
Chapter 2 3
Lilian
I drop my purse on the floor and kick off my heels, wincing. My feet are full of blisters. Shouldn’t have walked home from the date in high heels.
The date—if it could be called that—was a disaster. 1 star in Mary’s words.
It’s a desperate attempt to forget him, but even my best efforts are futile. Why did I think that would work? All I could think about was Sebastian. Comparing them. No other guy measures up to him.
“Figures.” I pick up my purse, flick on the lights, and head to the fridge. A note in Gemma’s loopy handwriting is stuck to the front.
Don’t forget to eat! xoxo Gem.
Before she left, she placed some sticky notes around the apartment so I’m not feeling alone because Mary finally moved in with Connor last week, and Gemma left two days ago for her honeymoon with Elijah.
Her stuff is still here, but it’s only a matter of time. Probably sometime after their return. This means they both will be living in the same building, except me .
Sebastian’s words linger in the back of my mind. It could be real, you know. If you wanted it to be.
As if. Although he lives there, too. So…
No. I can do this. It’s okay. I’ve always been introverted and more comfortable with my own company. But lately, I actually grew to enjoy having people around me all the time or our late-night movie and ice cream sessions. I’m gonna miss it.
Everyone is moving on with their lives, and I can’t even get through one date without thinking about Sebastian.
Pathetic.
Maybe it’s time I go back to Uncle Marc’s. I still haven’t made up with him.
I grab my phone and check my messages. Mary sent a photo of herself surrounded by boxes, showing off her bicep.
Mary: Unpacking the last boxes. How are my girls doing?
Gemma replies with a stunning sunset pic, the sky a vibrant orange melting into deep purple.
Gemma: It’s beautiful where I am * heart-eye emoji*
Lil: Just got home from my date.
Mary: How’d it go?
I hesitate, my thumbs hovering over the screen. The truth is, the guy was nice, a real gentleman, but…
Lil: He was nice.
Mary: Nice?
With the question mark, nice sounds like it was super boring, which it was.
Lil: We had a good time.
Gemma: So, it was boring?
My fingers hover over the keyboard while I head into the bathroom .
Lil: He was a perfect gentleman. Opened doors, pulled out my chair, and showed interest.
What else did he do?
Lil: And he paid.
Mary: And? Should we give him an award for doing the bare minimum?
Twisting the faucet, I let the water run, steam rising as it fills the tub.
Lil: He was trying. It’s not like I’m an expert at this whole dating thing, either.
I set my phone on the counter and start undressing.
Mary: Trying is one thing, but there has to be a spark, right?
Gemma: Exactly! Was there one?
I pause, my dress halfway unzipped. Did I feel anything? No, because I was too occupied thinking about stupid Sebastian.
Lil: I don’t know. It was one date.
Gemma: You don’t have to defend him.
Mary: One date is enough to know if there’s potential. And if there’s no spark, there’s no spark.
I sigh, tossing my dress aside and reaching for a bath bomb. It fizzes as it hits the water, bursting into swirls of pink and gold.
Lil: Maybe I’m not ready for dating yet.
I sink into the tub, the warm water embracing me.
Mary: Is this about Bash?
I nearly drop my phone into the water. It always comes back to him, doesn’t it?
Lil: No, and maybe yes.
Gemma: It’s okay if it is. These things take time.
I angle my head back, staring at the ceiling. Time. Sometimes, I feel like I’m destined to be alone, forever pining for a man I can’t have .
Lil: Maybe. Or maybe I’m meant to be the crazy cat lady.
Mary: * laughing-emoji* You hate cats.
Gemma: * hug-emoji *
Mary: Why don’t I come over and we’ll have a movie night?
Gemma: I’d love to join. Put me on a call.
Lil: You guys are crazy. But thanks.
Lil: I’m taking a hot bath and will head to bed. It’s been a long day.
Mary: Okay, but let’s do it soon.
Lil: We could, when Gem’s back?
Gemma: I’m in.
Lil: Love you both ?
Gemma: Love you, too ?
Mary: Sending kisses, love you guys, and good night ?
I set my phone aside, sinking deeper into the bath. The warmth seeps into my bones, washing away the disappointment of the evening.
But deep down, I know the truth. No matter how many dates I go on, no matter how hard I try to move on… It’s always going to be…
“Sebastian.” The name tastes bitter on my lips, and a hollow ache fills my chest.
Will I ever be able to escape him? Do I even want to?
The water begins to cool, and I shiver, my fingertips shriveled. Reluctantly, I pull the plug, watching the water swirling down the drain, taking with it my hope.
If he would trust me, everything—
A loud crash shatters the silence around me, and my head shoots toward the door. Did Mary decide to come anyway?
“Mary?”
No response. Strange. Maybe she didn’t hear me.
I step out of the tub, grab a towel, and wrap it around my body. The cool air raises goosebumps on my damp skin, and I pad toward the door, leaving wet footprints in my wake.
Pressing my ear against the wood, I strain to listen. Silence. I crack the door open, peeking out into the dark hallway.
I want to call out Mary’s name again, but my voice is paralyzed, trapped within my tightening throat as a man’s voice cuts through the air. “Check the bedroom.”
That’s not Mary.
Another man answers, his tone clipped and efficient. “On it.”
My fingers tremble, and I close the door as silently as I can manage, fumbling with the lock until it clicks into place. The metallic sound feels deafening.
Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is similar to shouting, ‘I’m in here.’
This can’t be happening.
I back away from the door, my hands shaking as I reach for my phone on the counter. My fingers fumble with the screen, slick with bathwater and sweat.
“Come on.” I try to unlock it.
The footsteps grow louder and closer. Living room close?
I manage to type in my passcode, my thumb hovering over the emergency call button. But what if they hear me? What if they find me?
I set my phone down, my breaths coming in shallow gasps. Think, Lil, think. I scan the bathroom, looking for anything I can use as a weapon.
My gaze lands on the heavy marble soap dish. It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing. I grab it, clutching it tightly in my trembling hand .
The sound of heavy boots stops right outside the door. I back up against the wall. The doorknob rattles, and I hold my breath, every muscle in my body tense and ready to fight.
“It’s locked,” one of the men grunts.
I bite my lip to stifle a sob.
“Keep an eye on it,” another says.
My heart hammers against my ribs. I’m trapped. Defenseless. And I have no idea what these men want or what they’ll do if they get to me.
The edges of my vision start to blur, the bathroom fading away. I blink rapidly, trying to cling to consciousness, but the darkness creeps in. Soon, everything goes black, and a pool of blood surrounds me.
Hide.
Shadows flit at the edge of my sight, and the indistinct whirring of a sewing machine appears.
With all my strength, I force the nightmares back. Sebastian. I picture his eyes. The sunset behind the forest.
Vivid. Alive. Safe.
Slowly, the darkness recedes. The bathroom comes back into view. I’m still pressed against the wall, still clutching the marble soap dish in my trembling hand.
The men’s voices filter through the door. “Any sign of her?”
“No.”
I zero in on my phone again. They know I’m in here, so what can possibly go wrong?
My fingers fumble for my phone, trembling so bad I can barely unlock the screen. A warning flashes across, indicating that the battery is low. Fantastic.
I click on the first name I see—Mary’s—and tap the call button.
It rings. Once, twice, …
I end the call and try to type out a message, but my hands are shaking too much. The words come out garbled, not even auto-correct can decipher my desperate pleas for help. Frustrated tears blur my vision, and I exit the chat.
Calling. I need to call.
I open my contacts and press the phone icon next to Gemma’s name, holding the device to my ear. She knows the address. If I can get through to her, if I can whisper what’s happening...
The line rings once, twice. Please, pick up.
The men’s voices grow louder outside the door, their words muffled. I shrink back, pressing the phone tighter to my ear.
“Hey, Lil!” Her bubbly voice fills the speaker.
“Someone’s… someone’s broke in.”
“Lil? What’s happening?”
“I’m hiding in the bathroom.” I can barely choke out the words. “Please call the police.” The connection is full of static. “Gem? Are you still there? I’m scared, please tell me you heard me. There are men in our apart—”
The call dies, and with it, the battery of my phone.
No.
I clamp my hand over my mouth to hold in the sobs.
Help will come. It has to.
Hide. Hide. Hide.
Go away. Take what you want and leave. Please.
The man tries the knob again, harder this time. My pulse is deafening, and I will myself not to sob aloud.
Suddenly, sirens wail in the distance. They’re here. Thank God, they’re here .
The intruders curse, their footsteps retreating in a rush. A door slams. Then silence.
I stay huddled on the floor, shaking even after the last footsteps fade away. Listening.
After what feels like an eternity, footsteps approach again.
“Lil?”
“Sebastian?” Hearing his voice releases the panic trapped in my chest.
“Yes, it’s me. Please open up.”
I peel myself off the floor and turn the lock with trembling fingers. The door swings open, and there he is, tall, solid, and real.
He sweeps me into his arms, cradling me. “Are you hurt? Did they touch you?”
I sob against his chest. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this kind of security, and I’m almost afraid to let it go… him go.
“Shh, it’s alright,” he murmurs into my damp hair. “Breathe, princess. I’m here now.”
His arms tighten around me, the lingering adrenaline and fear draining away, leaving behind bone-deep exhaustion and relief. I’m not alone. Sebastian came for me. He’s here, holding me, keeping me safe.
When my tears finally subside, he cups my face in both hands, searching my eyes. “Do you feel a bit better?”
My legs are unsteady, and I’m a trembling mess, not able to say a word, but yes, I’m fine. I nod.
“I won’t leave your side, okay?”
I nod again.
He keeps an arm around me, and we make our way out of the bathroom. I freeze in the doorway, my eyes widening at the destruction. Drawers were emptied out, clothes, cables, and everything strewn everywhere. Down the hallway, I hear police radios crackling and people walking around investigating the scene.
Sebastian presses a kiss to my temple. “We’ll fix it up, don’t worry. I’ll help you get everything back in order.”
In the living room, two police officers are inspecting a broken window.
One is leaning in to examine the shattered glass, his nose nearly touching the jagged edges. “Looks like they used a rock. Not exactly masterminds, are they?”
The other snorts, pulling his partner back by the collar. “Easy there, Sherlock. We don’t need you slicing up that pretty face of yours.”
Both turn at our approach faces creasing with concern. The one nearly sliced by the window is tall and lanky, with a shock of red hair and a face full of freckles. He looks like he’s barely out of the academy, all eager eyes and nervous energy. The other is older, probably in his late forties, with a salt-and-pepper buzz cut and a no-nonsense expression. His uniform stretches tight across his broad shoulders and barrel chest.
“Ms. Edmunds?” The younger of the two steps forward with a grin. “I’m Officer Torres, and this old timer here is Officer Chen.”
Chen rolls his eyes. “Less of the ‘old timer,’ rookie. I’ve got socks older than you.” His voice is gruff but not unkind. “Ms. Edmunds, are you alright?”
I nod shakily. “I guess so, yeah.”
Chen gestures to the couch. “Have a seat, and we’ll get your statement.”
I perch on the edge of the couch, Sebastian settling beside me with his arm still wrapped protectively around me.
Officer Chen flips open his notepad. “Can you walk us through what happened tonight? ”
I take a shaky breath, my fingers twisting together in my lap. “I came home from a date—”
Sebastian’s arm tightens almost imperceptibly. I lean into him slightly, drawing strength from his solid frame.
“It was…” I clear my throat, trying to refocus. “…around 10:30. Um, I came home, took a bath, and then I heard a crash…”
“A crash?” Officer Torres asks.
“I thought it was my roommate Mary and called out for her, but I only heard voices. Men’s voices. I knew someone was in the apartment. So, I locked the bathroom door.”
Chen jots down notes in a small flip pad, his pen scratching against the paper.
Torres peers over his shoulder, squinting. “Is that… are you writing in hieroglyphics?”
“It’s called cursive, you uncultured sw—kid,” Chen says.
Torres snorts. “Cursive? More like—” Chen’s sharp look cuts him off, and he snaps his mouth shut, his face turning as red as his hair.
A small smile tugs at my lips. They’ve probably known each other for a long time.
Chen turns back to me, his expression softening. “I apologize for my partner, Ms. Edmunds. Did they try to enter?”
“One of them stopped outside and tried to get in, but after he noticed it was locked, he didn’t try it again.” I shudder at the memory, and Sebastian pulls me closer.
“What did you do next?”
“Then I called my friend Gemma, but the connection was bad, and my phone died mid-call,” I say.
“And then?” Chen asks .
“After a while, I heard sirens in the distance. The intruders must have heard them too because suddenly there was a lot of commotion and then silence.”
Officer Torres looks around. “It seems like a standard break-in, Ms. Edmunds. They were likely looking for valuables. Since they didn’t attempt to enter the bathroom, it doesn’t appear to be a targeted attack. We’ll investigate further, but it’s probably an isolated incident.”
Relief floods through me, but it’s tinged with unease. The idea of strangers violating our space, pawing through my things… it makes my skin crawl.
Chen turns to Sebastian. “And how did you come to be here, Mr. Barron?”
Sebastian’s thumb rubs soothing circles on my hip. “I was in the area when my sister called. She’d gotten Lil’s call and phoned the police, then me. By the time I arrived, the intruders were gone.”
“Ms. Edmunds, did you see or hear anything else? Any other details?”
I shake my head.
“Great, if there’s nothing else.” Torres takes off his gloves. “We should probably head out. Chen’s got an early bird special to catch.”
“One of these days, Torres, one of these days…” Chen says.
“You’ll what? Finally retire?” Torres asks.
“Not a chance, kid. Someone’s got to keep you in line.” Chen bows his head to us. “You have to excuse my partner. We’ll be in touch if we have any further questions. In the meantime, try to get some rest. And don’t hesitate to call if you remember anything else, Ms. Edmunds.”
“Yes,” I say. “Thank you, officers.”
“Do you have somewhere safe to stay tonight? With family or friends, perhaps?” Torres asks.
“Yes, my place,” Sebastian says .
“I couldn’t possibly—”
“It wasn’t a question, princess.” His voice is clear.
No room for argument. And honestly? I don’t want to be alone tonight. I want to feel secure, protected.
I need Sebastian.
“Okay,” I whisper. “Thank you.”
His hand rubs soothing circles on my back.
After the officers finish up, they leave, and Sebastian closes the door behind them.
He walks back to me, stopping a few feet away. “Come on. Let’s go.”