Page 133 of True Blue

Still, the feeling persists, and my skin feels charged.

"Ready?" Sebastian says, pulling me out of my thoughts.

It's past midnight, but when we step outside, London is still awake and doesn't seem to be going to sleep anytime soon. People mill about smoking, talking, stumbling in and out of the block of bars.

It's a cool night, but the air feels amazing on my exposed back, and I take greedy inhales, feeling it sober me up.

Sebastian gestures in the opposite direction from where I'm heading.

"Are you sure you don't want me to call you a car?"

"No, my hotel is right down the street," I say, pointing in that direction. "And it's a nice night. I'll enjoy the walk."

He still looks skeptical, glancing at the people in the street. "Do you need me to walk with you?"

"I need some air and time to think alone," I shake my head. "And I am very aware of my surroundings, and..."

I trail off, gesturing to the still-busy street of people.

Sebastian sighs, a wide smile on his face.

"You're refreshingly blunt, Indie. It was a pleasure. I hope we can keep in contact?"

I take my phone out of my purse and hand it to him, where he enters his number. I text him my name so he has it, and he waves his phone to show me he received it.

Then, before I think twice, I pull Sebastian into a hug, and he returns it. I'm pleased to feel there's no artificial heat anymore, no tension, just pure warmth and comfort and friendship.

"Thank you, Sebastian," I whisper, before pulling back.

"No," he says, shaking his head. "Thank you, Indie."

I watch him turn around, take about ten steps in the direction of his flat, and realize I need something from him.

"Sebastian," I call, and he stops in his tracks, turning to me.

His eyes are soft, and I walk closer until we're only a foot away from each other.

"Do you think people can genuinely change?" I ask him. "Do you think second chances do exist?"

Sebastian smiles, leans in, and presses a kiss to my cheek.

"For you—I think he'd be a fool not to try," he whispers in my ear. "But make him fucking earn it."

Smiling, I wave to Sebastian before turning and walking toward the hotel, weaving in and out of the crowds of people. I feel eyes on me once more, a shiver running down my bare back, but I keep my gaze forward and walk alert, heels clicking against the pavement.

I feel watched, but it doesn't necessarily feel menacing. In fact, it kind of feels... strangely comforting. Like a guardian angel, but every time I glance over my shoulder, I don't see anything.

Weird.

Shivers run up and down my bare back, and I cross the street to the hotel, walk into the lobby, and rush toward the open and waiting elevator, pressing my floor. Sighing in relief that I'll be able to take these heels off soon, I lean against the mirrored wall and close my eyes for a moment.

Just as the doors begin to slide closed, I open my eyes.

And my heart leaps.

I can't be sure. I don't know if it's my half-buzzed brain playing tricks on me, but near the far side of the lobby, half-hidden by the shadows, I catch the shape of a man.

Tall. Broad. Dark-haired. Bearded. Green eyes.