I love you
BRIANNA’S POV
Holding back a sob, I lifted my head from Sebastian’s chest. I didn’t know how long I buried my face there, but it was for a while. I was feeling better now, knowing it was just a dream and the stab in my stomach wasn’t real.
“Thank you…sorry,” I said embarrassed, wiping my tears with the back of my hand. “I didn’t mean to waste your time or for you to see me in this state.”
“It’s okay,” he gently lifted my chin and helped me wipe away the remaining tears. “Everyone goes through tough moments. Just remember, what you saw isn’t real and can’t haunt your thoughts unless you let it. I’m glad I could help. I’m here whenever you need someone to lean on.”
I nodded, looking down. Now aware of our closeness, nervousness washed over me. A tingling sensation twirled in my stomach, and a strange feeling ran through my skin with him so close.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” He held both sides of my face and leaned forward.
Avoiding eye contact was hard; he was so close. When I finally looked up, our gaze locked. My heart jolted, my pulse pounded, and I subtly gulped. Instinctively, my eyes dropped to his lips, and for a moment, I considered forgetting everything and just kissing him till his lips were bruised. But then, the memory of last night hit me. Catherine was shot, and I didn’t know if she survived. I pulled away instantly and stood up.
“Here is your jacket,” I took it and handed it to him as he sighed and rose to his feet.
He took it and walked to the open bars, then turned to face me. Something was bothering him; I could tell by his downcast look and tired appearance as if he hadn’t slept all night. He kept sighing, trying not to let me notice.
“What about Catherine? Did she survive the shot?” It felt awkward asking, but I couldn’t stop myself.
He looked at me, fear and worry glistening in his eyes. For a moment, there was a tense silence between us, before he took a deep breath and spoke.Exclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.
“Catherine didn’t make it… she’s gone,” he confirmed, causing me to gasp and whimper. “The bullet went deep, damaged her liver, and she lost a lot of blood before the ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital.”
He approached me cautiously, taking my hands gently, keeping me in suspense. Then he spoke.
“You saw what happened, right? I didn’t do it. I didn’t kill her,” he exhaled heavily as if it was all too much for him to bear. “I can’t kill anyone, especially not Catherine. I was only just trying to get the gun from her when she accidentally pulled the trigger. You believe me, right?”
I felt for him, seeing him like that, tears welling up as I looked at him. But I held them back; now wasn’t the best time. He was only saving me and look what it cost him. At this moment, he needed my full support and trust, and that’s what I’d give him.
“Yes,” I said without a second thought. “I saw it. I believe you… And thanks for saving me. Without you, I might not be here…today.”
Bringing my fingers to his lips, he stamped a kiss on both of them, leaving my heart racing more.
“Thank you for believing in me. I needed to hear it from you.”
I nodded awkwardly as he walked back to the open bars.
“I promised to let you go today, and I always keep my word. I’ve arranged a private vehicle to take you to a safe place. You don’t have to worry about Hermes or other Alpha Kings finding you there. You can lay low and start a new life.”
I couldn’t believe it. With everything going on, I forgot he promised me that. And when did he find time to arrange a vehicle and a safe place, given all that happened?
I stared at him, unsure of what to say. My brain couldn’t process properly at that moment. I had wanted to leave this place so badly, but was it the right choice? Catherine’s death had hit him hard, evident in every part of him. I wanted to be there for him, just as he had been for me. I didn’t want to leave him alone, not yet, not now and probably…not ever.
The driver’s waiting outside. You have to be quick. The police and reporters will show up soon. Get on your way before they arrive. Don’t stress about packing anything; everything you need will be there.”
He opened the cell wider, gesturing for me to start moving.
Reluctantly, I left the cell. While walking to the exit, I kept glancing back at him. He kept urging me forward with gestures. When I reached the doorway, I couldn’t take another step. I just couldn’t anymore.
“You know what? Fuck it!” I muttered, bracing myself for what I was about to do next.
Turning back, I rushed to him and gave him an unexpected, tight hug that nearly threw him off balance. I held him close, pressing my face into the depth of his shoulder.
“I can’t… I can’t leave you, Sebastian. I’m sorry for making things tough for you before. It took me a while to realize, but now I know that I love you. And I want to be nowhere else but here with you and for you…forever.”