I quickly let go of my grip on Levi’s shirt, side stepping him as I manage a small smile.
“Sebastian,” I breathe out, my gut instantly uncoiling because I know this man has arrived at the most dreadful moment.
“Christ.” I hear Levi mutter irritably. “You couldn’t have messaged me before breaking in?”
I ignore Levi’s half-hearted rebuke and walk toward him. “We have half-and-half cream.”
The moment I’m close enough, Seb gives me his charming smile. “Been too long, Cece.”
I’m only able to lift up my lips a fraction from thealready struggling smile. But his quiet gesture of open arms makes me think that it’ll be alright soon. Everything will be.
The man is a legend. A revered—even feared—man who won’t sit back through this.
“Six years,” I murmur, as I stiffly settle into his hug.
I have no idea what he’s been up to this whole time. But it only took one single call to have him on my side. Help me—support me.
I hear a growl from behind me. I suppose it’s the first time Levi has seen me with another man like this. Although, Seb and I never crossedthatline.
Besides, he’s married now. Or so I’ve heard.
My cheek feels Sebastian’s chest rumbling on a chuckle. “Relax, Mr. Astor. I’m just greeting an old friend here.”
“If you’re done, you can get your hands off her.”
As tall and fit as Levi is, I have absolute confidence that Seb can take him in a fight—in less than a second. There were always rumors around campus that he was a secret FBI agent. And his Harvard endeavor was merely a secret mission.
But with everything that happened in the last few years, I think those rumors had some credibility to them. I would never actually ask him, though.
I shift my weight from one foot to the other as Seb releases me, not before patting my shoulder in a way that feels reassuring. Familiar. Like he knows I need something solid to tether to right now.
“God, you’re tense,” he murmurs, stepping around me toward the kitchen again like he owns the damn place. “Seriously? No creamer?”
I blink dazedly. “No. Half-and-half.”
“I’ll make it work.” He winks, then throws a smug grin at Levi, who looks like he’s two seconds from punching a wall. Maybe Seb.
“You really couldn’t message before coming?” Levi huffs again, not as irritated this time. Just… weary.
Sebastian turns, cradling a mug I know is Levi’s favorite, and shrugs. “Didn’t want to give your staff or building cameras a head start. You’ve got gaps in your surveillance system, by the way.”
I watch Levi’s jaw tick. “Thanks for the tip.”
I want to roll my eyes but I’m too tired. Too numb to bother diffusing the weird pissing contest. They toss a few more barbed pleasantries, and I hear the tension in Levi’s sigh when Seb finally gets to the point.
“Alright. Take a seat, lovebirds. Let’s talk business.”
Lovebirds.
The moment I sit on the sectional, I tug my knees close, planting my palms on them—something about the pressure helps me feel here. Levi takes the edge of the armrest beside me.
Seb remains standing for a beat. Sipping. Observing.
Then, he sets the mug down and drops into the accent chair like he’s easing into a leather throne. “I assume Cece filled you in?” Levi starts.
Seb’s eyes flick to him. “Not really.But, I’m aware. Fully. The clause leak, the photos, the timing, the statements. Your parents have been… busy.”
Levi blinks. “How—”
