Chapter 27
Sebastian
I lie there, gazing at Lily as she sleeps soundly beside me.
I’ve developed a kink of watching her sleep as well. I realise I’ve spent a fair share of time doing that since she got to London.
On the plane. When she fell asleep watching a movie. When she was sick. And now, after we’ve spent the night exploring each other’s bodies.
It feels like a lot more than sex.
I feel like I’ve looked into her soul tonight, her raw fears and vulnerabilities as she told me about her douchebag partners and how they made her feel.
Just thinking about it makes me furious.
I bring her closer to me, letting her presence calm me.
I wasn’t joking when I told her she’s perfect.
I’ve always looked at her as this vibrant person no one can mess with or hurt.
Tonight, I got to see layers of her.
Of course she gets hurt. She’s just better at hiding it.
I’m happy that she didn’t hide from me. It took courage for her to open up, and I plan to treasure what she told me.
I was scared I went too far, calling her a brat in the heat of the moment.
Our banter is always playful, flirty.
Bringing it into the bedroom and elevating it could backfire on me.
She likes to mess with me, push me. I’d want nothing more than to set her straight sometimes.
When she told me she liked it, I knew we were perfect for each other.
I didn’t doubt it, but you can never know.
Some people prefer vanilla sex, and that’s fine. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they want.
Knowing that Lily is like me, though? That’s fucking fantastic.
We’ve already put those toys of hers to good use.
I handcuffed her to the bed earlier, her legs spread wide as I fucked her from behind and used the vibrator on her.
She told me she had used the vibrator thinking about me these last weeks.
The vulnerability was there as she said it, but I reassured her that I was right there with her, getting myself off to the thought of her every morning in the shower.
I breathe in her scent, feeling my body relax in her presence.
I’ve wanted this woman for so long, I almost can’t believe that I have her in my arms.
Knowing her brother also knows has lifted the heavy weight I’ve been carrying ever since she came to London.
Before she came here, I was able to contain my attraction to her, as I didn’t see her as often as I’d like.
When she boarded that plane, everything was intensified.
It’s been like heaven and hell all at once.
Having her close, lifting my spirits, and exploring the city with her.
Not being able to pull her as close as I’d really like, though, that has been tough.
I snuggle closer to her, enjoying the feeling of finally having her right where I’ve wanted for so long.
～
I’m walking hand in hand with Lily, enjoying the afternoon after we’ve spent most of the day in bed.
Sex or not, she still wants to explore the sights London has to offer and forces us to get some fresh air after spending hours wrapped up in each other.
I’m telling her about a dreadful photoshoot we did the day she got sick.
It involved too much nakedness and fruits in places they really have no business being, and we’re both laughing hysterically.
“I thought we were done sexualising people for commercial use like that,” Lily says before making me promise to bring her a copy when the photos drop.
When we turn a corner, I stop us in our tracks, holding Lily’s hand firmly in my own.
Ashley is looking right at us.
I instinctively step in front of Lily, still holding her hand and making sure she’s alright.
“Sebastian! I’ve been looking for you.”
Ashley says it like she’s a relative speaking to a family member, when in reality, she’s someone I spent a maximum of ten minutes with, in a crowded, noisy club.
“You can stop looking for me and leave me alone,” I say, my tone stern.
I’m done with this.
I’ve tried everything.
Letting her down gently.
Ignoring her.
It’s time for her to let this go, because this is way out of line.
“Don’t say that. I saw the articles and had to see her for myself. Can’t believe you replaced me with her.”
Oh, fuck no.
She did not.
“First of all, the only reason I ever looked your way is that you resembled her, and I was going crazy about my feelings for her. Secondly, that was the biggest fucking mistake I made as you could never be her.”
I’m seething as I look down at her, and Ashley seems to understand that whatever she thought was between us was never there.
I was trying to forget about the woman who is holding me steady with her sole presence in this moment.
Lily steps forward, her chin raised as she looks at Ashley.
“You heard my man. Now, get lost before I call the police and have a restraining order imposed.”
Ashley looks between us, clearly not pleased with what she’s seeing, but the message registers loud and clear as she turns around and gets out of our way.
I’m hoping that will be the last time we ever see her.
“You okay?” I ask Lily, rubbing my hands up and down her arms. A habit I seem to have whenever my own nerves rise.
Touching her comforts me.
“Of course. Are you?”
I smile at her.
“Your man is very well,” I say, my tone teasing as we both break out in smiles.
“You’re sexy when you get possessive,” I whisper in her ear.
“And you’re sexy when you tell another woman she could never be me.”
It might not have been the wisest thing to say, as I don’t know how Ashley will react. I’m hoping she’ll realise she never stood a chance.
“It’s the truth,” I say, and the breathtaking smile Lily aims my way makes my heart skip.
Yeah, no one could ever be her.
～
With Lily’s hand in my own, we make our way out of the airport. We are heading towards the exit where we’ll catch a taxi to our hotel.
When we round the corner, we’re met with a loud “Surprise!” from Luke and Jessica, who are waiting for us in the arrivals hall.
Luke is wearing a cap and sunglasses, probably trying to hide his identity in the busy airport. His face is probably plastered all over the city, given the excitement over the potential world title being won this weekend.
Jessica is holding a neon pink banner that reads “Pick-up for the lovebirds” and it sends us both into laughter.
Having the conversation with Luke before this weekend turned out to be the best decision. If not, I wouldn’t be able to cradle Lily’s hand in my own, just like now.
Lily told me that Jessica was her wing-woman back in Australia, trying to get my attention.
Lily had all of my attention long before that, and seeing her that evening nearly sent me over the edge, but Luke interrupted us when I was sure I was going to cross that line for the first time.
Seeing Jessica’s excitement about us warms my heart, and the smile Luke is sending my way reassures me that he’s okay with this.
He’s told me so himself, but those worries don’t disappear overnight.
When we reach them, hugs are exchanged, and Jessica is still beaming at us like she’s won the lottery.
“Happiness suits you, man,” Luke says as he gives me a hug.
The girls are already giggling at something, probably eager to get rid of us to have their girl time.
“Thanks, Luke,” I say, feeling the emotion thick in my throat.
I’ve been Luke’s own relationship guru whenever he’s had challenges with Jessica, and knowing I got his support now means a lot.
We make our way out of the airport, the girls going ahead in their own bubble.
I bet Lily is happy to be back in the States for a few days and for the opportunity to catch up with Jessica.
She has her FaceTime calls, but I know for myself that it’s not the same as the real deal.
“Ready to be crowned the new champion?” I ask Luke, knowing the most important weekend of his career is ahead.
“Yeah, and now that everyone is showing up, this title has to be mine,” he says.
His whole family is here for the weekend, but Luke seems content and relaxed.
What will be, will be.
～
“You athletes and your egos, my girls are struggling,” Lily says as she finishes telling Luke and Jessica about her friends and their challenges with their athletes in the assignment they’re doing.
“Not everyone,” I comment, giving her a knowing look, and looking over to Luke.
Two of the men in her life are athletes after all.
“Especially you two,” Jessica cuts in, causing the girls to snicker.
I’m eager to squeeze Lily’s waist, but I’m still getting used to being affectionate with her with Luke around.
He’s been nothing but supportive, but I don’t think he would appreciate me groping his sister in front of him.
I can tell Lily would like me to touch her more affectionately though as she obliviously doesn’t care about having her brother around.
Teasing her and keeping her on edge may be a little satisfying, knowing the tension will make it that much sweeter when we’re alone later today.
We finish our lunch, and Luke is off with Jessica to the pre-race spectacle and their media duties.
When they leave, Lily seems eager for some alone time, just like me.
She brings her arms around my neck and gives me a quick kiss.
“I didn’t know you were this scared of my dear brother, Sebastian. Where is the man who gave me a very public orgasm under a table?” she says with a teasing glint in her eyes.
I pinch her ass before leaning down to her ear.
“Such a fucking brat, aren’t you? Someone has to behave,” I say, pulling her closer to me.
My words ignite the fire in her eyes, knowing she likes it when I push back.
I lean down and bring my lips to hers, giving her a proper kiss this time.
Just as I’ve grabbed a hold of her ass and Lily’s pressing her body closely to mine, I hear someone clear their throat.
We break apart, our arms still around each other.
“Will probably never get used to this part of your relationship. Christ, we’ve gone for one minute and you’re already going at it,” Luke says, picking up his wallet, which he obviously forgot.
Now, Lily is the one blushing.
“Sorry, man. We’ll try to tone it down around you,” I say, scratching my neck.
I don’t know if I’ll be able to keep that promise, but I’ll try for my best friend.
“It’s fine, just new,” he says before he’s on his way again.
Lily rests her head against my chest, groaning out loud.
“Gosh, how embarrassing that was.”
I chuckle at her.
I mean, sure, it’s embarrassing having him catch us like that, but the bigger part of me is so relieved of having Luke know about my feelings for her, that the awkwardness is all worth it.
I’d rather have that than having to hide any longer.
For Lily, though, it may be more awkward, considering I’m her brother’s best friend. I know Luke’s teased her growing up about having a crush on me.
“At least we were wearing clothes,” I say, making Lily push at my chest and roll her eyes.
“Yeah, I think the public sex should be kept at bay considering all the media and photographers,” she says.
She’s right, but the temptation is definitely there, knowing how much she liked it the last time.
“Yeah, we’ll save that for London,” I say, feeling a weight in my stomach.
When we travel back to the UK, Lily doesn’t have much time left before she’s going back to the US, this time for good.
This is all so new, and even though I don’t want to stress too much about this, I know that, at least for me, I’m not looking forward to her going back.
I also don’t want to stand in her way or hold her back from anything she wants to do.
What am I supposed to say to her?
I want you to continue your life in London with me, making me breakfast and going to the stadium with me. Having dinner with Harriet. Cheer for me, wearing your jerseys, and go back home together afterward.
I know that life would bore Lily. She likes adventures, travelling, and exploring new things, and I’m afraid that a life with me in London wouldn’t be enough for her.
I couldn’t live with myself if that were the case, and she gave up her dreams for me.
So for now, that weight is pushed as far down as possible, whilst I tell myself to enjoy the time we still have.