Page 55 of When We Ignite

I barely made it to the bathroom in time, kneeling on the cold tile and pressing my forehead to the cool porcelain of the toilet seat. The footsteps returned, and I heard the door creak.

“Please don’t come in,” I muttered, my voice pitiful.

Sebastian chuckled, the sound low and maddeningly amused. “Why are you looking at me like that? I’ve been with you the whole time. I didn’t get Ethan drunk.”

My stomach churned harder. Could this get any worse?

“How did you know he was drunk?” Oliver’s voice cut through the moment, and I groaned. Scratch that—it couldabsolutelyget worse. Much worse.

“I ran into him, just like I’ve run into you now,” Sebastian replied smoothly, completely unbothered. “Do you think we should call Charlie for help, or will that just get him into more trouble?”

“More trouble than him looking foryouwhile drunk? I don’t think so,” Oliver snapped.

“I don’t need help. You can leave now,” I slurred, wishing desperately that I could sound more convincing.

Sebastian’s voice was light and teasing. “You just worry about your aim, darling. We’ll handle the rest.”

Mortifying. Absolutely mortifying.

“Darling?Ash, what the fuck?” Oliver’s incredulous voice followed.

“I’m just trying to be reassuring in a time of need,” Sebastian replied, his voice filled with mock innocence.

“For fuck’s sake,” Oliver growled. “Just go to bed. I’ll take care of it.”

Sebastian’s tone turned serious. “I’ll help, Oli. It’s not like I’m going to take advantage of him in this state.”

Even in my misery, I noted how firm and sure his voice sounded. It made me feel…safe, somehow.

“Can you just close the fucking door so I can throw up in peace?” I begged, desperate for them to leave.

Sebastian snickered but finally complied.

I wanted to crawl into the toilet and disappear. My stomach twisted violently, and I braced myself, mortified beyond words.

After regaining some control and brushing my teeth, I stepped back into the room. Oliver sat on the bed, arms crossed, while Sebastian leaned against the doorframe.

“Feeling better?” Sebastian asked.

I shook my head and walked over to the bed, curling up in a ball. He followed, setting a glass of water on the nightstand.

“Sorry,” I mumbled.

“It’s all right. Just drink this before you fall asleep, okay?”

I nodded. “You’re leaving?”

“Yeah. Oli’s staying with you for a bit to make sure you’re all right,” he added softly.

I nodded again and reached for his hand. He hesitated before finally letting me hold it. From the bed, I heard Oliver sigh.

“Thanks. And...sorry again,” I murmured.

Sebastian gave my hand a light squeeze before stepping away. As the door closed behind him, I shut my eyes.

A moment later, Oliver moved closer, tugging off my shoes and covering me with a blanket. “Hey, are you feeling better, or do you need the bin closer?” he asked, his voice softer now that Sebastian was gone.

“I’m better,” I muttered, though the spinning hadn’t quite stopped.