He pulls me into his arms again, holding me close. “You weren’t naive, Seb. You were hopeful. That’s not a weakness, it’s beautiful. I don’t know exactly what they said to you, and I won’t push. But no child should ever be made to feel the way you were.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, my throat tightening.
Then something shifts in his expression, his eyes light up with sudden inspiration.
“What if we went to Sennen Cove?” he says. “To my family’s house?”
I blink. “Wait, like, now?”
“Yeah,” he grins. “It’s a long drive to Cornwall, but I haven’t been in ages, and honestly, I’ve earned a break. I’ve cleared most of my work, and anything urgent I can handle remotely. It’d just be for a few days. What do you think? Do you have any pressing commitments?”
I think for a moment. “I’ve got a solo with the Philharmonic at the end of the month, so loads of time. The only thing sooner is a recital with a dancer, but rehearsals don’t start until next week. I’d just need to let the conservatoire know I’ll be missing a couple of sessions.”
Remi beams and leans in to kiss me, then rests his forehead gently against mine.
“I’d love to take you there,” he says softly. “But it’s entirely your choice. No pressure.”
God, he’s amazing.
“Okay,” I say, finally smiling. “Let’s go to Sennen Cove.”
But almost immediately, a flutter of panic rises in my chest. “Wait, your mum and sister? Won’t they mind me showing up unannounced?”
He laughs as he slides behind the wheel. “Not at all. They’ll be thrilled to meet you. Maude’s neurodivergent, so don’t expect a big, dramatic welcome, but I’m sure she’ll like you. Trust me.”
And I do. More than I’ve ever trusted anyone.
He gestures to the passenger seat, and I climb in with a quiet sigh, sinking into the comfort of it. As the engine hums to life beneath us, a deep, almost luxurious exhaustion begins to settle over me.
“You eaten anything, baby?” he asks, his hand brushing my thigh gently.
I shake my head. “Didn’t have the stomach for breakfast. Maybe later. Unless you’re hungry…”
“I’m fine,” he says. “Grabbed a couple of doughnuts and some coffee on the way here. But if you want to sleep, go ahead.”
“I think I will,” I admit. “Didn’t sleep a wink last night.”
I glance away, not wanting to stir the memories, but his fingers find my cheek, soft and steady, grounding me with their warmth.
“Get some rest, baby,” he murmurs. “I’ve got you.”
And just like that, I let go. Let myself drift, safe in his car, as the road to Cornwall stretches out before us like a promise.
CHAPTER 23
REMI
When I see Sebastian close his eyes and slip into a deep sleep, I finally allow myself to relax.
Keeping my anger in check, this white-hot rage that surged the moment I realized what his parents had done to him, took every ounce of self-control I had.
I wanted to scream at them, to tear into them for all the pain they’d caused. But it wasn’t the right moment. All that would’ve done was make things worse for him. So I stayed focused on what truly mattered: Sebastian.
The fact that he wasn’t upset when I showed up uninvited, that he came with me willingly, didn’t question it, and even agreed to go to Sennen Cove, says everything.
The quiet certainty with which he said yes to Sennen Cove tells me just how much he trusts me.
And I will never, ever betray that trust.
