“Oh, fuck. Sorry, man.” He stumbles back, eyes wide. My fingernails bite into my palms as I walk away. I need a breather from all these people.
And a new shirt.
Chapter 12
Sebastian
Ishovethroughthecrowd of people, taking two stairs at a time until I’m in front of my room. With a twist of the handle, I push it open and step inside. I grip the hem of my wet shirt and pull it over my head before tossing it to the floor.
There’s only so much time before the game begins, and I know the guys will make me come down—but fuck, I really don't want to be around anyone right now.
I left campus this morning with anger coursing through my veins, consumed by a mix of resentment and an overpowering need to escape after watching Mary all fucking day. I couldn't stop. I followed her everywhere, just needing to be closer to her in any way I could without her knowing.
I might fucking hate her, but I can't stay away. It was easier at first. With so many different emotions running through me—the main one being hate—it was easier to ignore her. To pretend as if I didn't give a fuck. But the longer I went without talking to her, touching her, seeing her... it was proving to be way harder.
I’ve been nothing but a cold-hearted asshole to her, and it should make me feel better—but it doesn’t.
The door clicks shut behind me, and I lean against it, closing my eyes and releasing a deep breath.
A sound comes from the other side of the room, and my eyes shoot open—only to land on the last person who should be here, moving slowly around.
I don't turn the light on as I watch her, wanting to see what the hell she’s doing.
Mary knows I'm here, but she still hasn't acknowledged me. Her eyes are trained on the photo I have on my dresser.
One of us.
There were a few times I tried to throw it away, to rip it up and never have to look at it again… but I couldn't.
“What are you doing in my room, Mary?” I push off the door and close the space between us. She lets out a laugh that holds no warmth, as if I’ve made some kind of joke.
Dragging her eyes up to mine, I can see everything she tries to hide from everyone else.
The need to be loved.
The need for my forgiveness.
For my acceptance.
It’s the last thing she’ll ever get from me.
Mary takes a step closer to me. My feet are cemented to the floor, not daring to move as my heartbeat speeds up the closer she gets.
Goosebumps break out over my entire body when her hand presses against my bare chest. Even after all this time, her hands on me still feel normal. Like this is where her hands are meant to be.
Her eyes drop toward the floor in an attempt to work through whatever chaos is going on in her head. My tall frame towersover her as I grip her chin between my fingers, bringing her blue eyes to mine.
When she still doesn’t answer me, my grip tightens slightly.
“Why the fuck are you in my room, Rebel?” The use of my nickname for her doesn’t go unnoticed as her breath hitches.
The whole world seems to move in slow motion as we stare at each other. Pain curls through my chest as I wait for her to answer.
“Needed some space. This was the first place I thought of going.” She pulls her chin free, taking a step back. “Guess even after all this time, I still find some kind of comfort in you.” Her words come out so quietly, I almost don’t hear them.
“You should find comfort in someone who gives a fuck about you, Mary. I’m not that person.” Despite hearing the words come out of my mouth, I know it’s a lie.
“I know.” She nods her head, a small smile on her lips. She looks anywhere but my eyes. “Have a good night, Seb.” She pulls the door open, pausing for just a moment before she leaves.
