Page 76 of Perfect Night

“Sebastian. That’s not protecting me. It’s taking away my choices. The money thing is one issue, but I get it. If I was in your position, I’d probably do the same. But this... this is too much. I can’t have my choices taken away from me.”

“I love you, Charlie. I’m always going to want to keep you safe.”

Charlie groaned in frustration. Why couldn’t this brilliant, sexy man get it? There had to be a flaw. Nobody was perfect. But Charlie wasn’t sure if this was something he could accept. He needed space to think. He stood up.

“I’m gonna go for a walk.”

“Where?”

“No idea. I just need to think.”

“Let me come with you.”

“That kinda defeats the purpose.”

“Okay, well can you add me to your Find My Friends, so I know where you are?”

Charlie looked at him in shock. Sebastian had a desperate look on his face. He was deadly serious, and Charlie wasn’t sure what to do. He needed to get away, but he had a feeling Sebastian would follow him if he didn’t let him.

“Fine, but don’t come looking for me. I’ll make my own way back. Deal?”

Sebastian nodded, and they set up the connection. Charlie couldn’t believe this was happening. His instinct was to call Jason, or his mum, or one of the others. Could he really walk away from the best thing that had ever happened to him? Or could he stay with someone and lose his independence? He knew everyone who loved him would have advice, and he could even guess what they’d all say, but this was something he needed to work out for himself.

CHAPTER 20

SEBASTIAN

He’d fucked up, big time. There was no other way to describe it. Sebastian could usually negotiate himself out of anything, but not this time. He knew he was losing Charlie, if he hadn’t already. How could Brandon mess with his head again after all this time? It had been a decade, and after one evening, he felt like he’d lost control of everything.

Sebastian had allowed Charlie to get hurt by letting the worst person from his past come between them. As soon as he saw Brandon was at the party, he should have left. Fuck the moral high ground. The guy was toxic, and Charlie shouldn’t have been anywhere near him. That was the crux of the matter: Charlie. The guy was the love of his life. He couldn’t lose him.

Sebastian wasn’t sure if he should call someone. Bex came to mind, but she would give him a bollocking. The police had called and confirmed Brandon had dropped all charges, so Sebastian was free to leave the country. He’d go anywhere Charlie would have him, if he was willing. He knew he had to be honest with Charlie, but what if he rejected him because of it, or stayed with him out of a sense of pity? Sebastian didn’t know which was worse.

He was pacing around the apartment, checking the tracking app like an obsessive stalker. Charlie was close by, and would be there any moment. He thought about sitting down and looking relaxed when he got back, but it wouldn’t be real, and he wanted to be his true self.

The door opened. Charlie smiled at him. That had to be a good sign.

“I assume you knew I was coming,” said Charlie.

“Sorry.” Sebastian grimaced.

“It’s fine, but we need to talk.”

Words nobody liked to hear, but he nodded and reached out for Charlie’s hand. It was cold from being outside. He walked him over to the couch. Sebastian knew he just had to be honest.

“I’ve booked a flight home for tomorrow,” said Charlie.

It felt like a gut punch and he couldn’t stop the tears from coming. He couldn’t be losing the best thing that had ever happened to him.

“I just need some time in a place where I’m not on my own.”

“You’re not on your own here.”

“I am. You’re the only person I really know here, and we’ve only known each other a few weeks. I just need to be with people who get me.”

“Okay,” he said, struggling to hold it together.

“Sebastian, I really wanted this to work, but we’re just too different. You need someone to care for and nurture. I need someone –”

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