The morning is fresh and clear, the city soft and quiet in that brief window before the rush begins. We talk about nothing in particular, light, casual things, but there’s an unspoken awareness between us. The bigger conversations are waiting, just beyond the horizon of my return.
We stop at Costa for bagels and cappuccinos, pretending we’re just two ordinary people on an ordinary day.
But then I’m standing on the platform, wrapped in his arms, and nothing feels ordinary at all.
He kisses my temple, lips lingering there like he doesn’t want to let go. “It’s only a few days, Seb,” he whispers. “I’ll be here when you get back. We’ll figure everything out.Together.”
I nod, unable to speak. My chest is tight with emotion. His quiet certainty is doing something I never thought possible, breaking down walls I’ve spent a lifetime building.
Maybe he’s right. Maybe there reallyisa future for us.
Someone who sees me,allof me, and still wants to stay.
Someone I trust. Someone I could love.
Maybe, just maybe… we’ll make it.
REMI
Sebastian holds my gaze for a second, those bright green eyes shimmering with something unspoken, then he crashes his lips onto mine, completely unconcerned that we’re standing in the middle of a crowded platform.
I can’t help myself. I slide my fingers into his silky hair, still faintly scented with my shampoo, and pull him closer, deepening the kiss like I’ll never get enough of his soft, sweet mouth.
But I force myself to stop. Just barely.
“Go, Seb,” I murmur, my voice rough. “Or you’ll miss your train. And if you don’t get on now… I won’t be able to let you go.”
He gives me a faint smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his cheek, not enough to summon that maddening little dimple I love so much.
And maybe that’s for the best.
I know he’s scared of what’s waiting for him at home. But he has to follow his own path, in his own time.
So I brush my fingers over his cheek one last time and let him go.
He grabs the handle of that unmistakable suitcase and walks away, still impossibly graceful, even in jeans and a hoodie, even with that ridiculous fuchsia case trundling behind him. His loose hair frames his face like a halo, soft and luminous in the morning light.
He’s stunning. He always is.
Just before stepping onto the train, he turns and waves. His lips move:“See you soon. I’ll call tonight.”
And I know, without a shadow of doubt, I’m screwed.
Completely, helplessly addicted.
His scent, his taste, the warmth of his skin, I already crave him like a drug, and it terrifies me.
What if he goes home and realizes I’m not worth it?
What if he decides this,us, isn’t worth turning his life upside down?
We’re in dangerous waters now. And I meant every word when I told him I’d be here, no matter what.
But Anne’s words about the Arnettes still echo in my mind. Sharp. Unshakable.
This trip to Stratford might be more than just a visit.
It might be the real test of whether Sebastian can break free, or if they’ll find a way to reel him back in.
