~~

Trigger Warning: Mild description of assault.

If you wish to skip the part, look for '*'

The first night he didn't come home there was a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach but I ignored it. Told myself that something urgent must have come up suddenly. He obviously would not just disappear without saying anything, especially after the kiss we had shared and the things we had told each other.

The second night the feeling only got worse. Anger started crawling its way out. How could he just disappear for two nights in a row without a single word? Didn't I mean more to him than that? The minute he walked through that door I'd give him a piece of my mind.

By the third night, the anger had been replaced with worry. Had I crossed the line by asking him about his personal life? Had I made him uncomfortable? Had I driven him out of his own house? What if he was hurt? What if he needed help?

The fourth night I told myself that I didn't care. He was the one who'd left without a single word. What he did wasn't any of my business. He didn't care about me enough to tell me that he was leaving and I shouldn't care either.

I cried myself to sleep that night.

~~

Exactly one week had passed since Sebastian had left without a word. A part of me had started to believe that maybe he wasn't coming back. Another stupid part of me still hoped.

I sat on the living room couch, sulking. Preparing myself for the inevitable. I knew I had to leave. The thought of leaving without saying goodbye hurt but Sebastian clearly wanted nothing to do with me anymore. I couldn't just keep living in his house.

The sound of the front door unlocking suddenly made my heart rise.

Is he finally back?

My heart quickly sunk however when I saw it was Warren who'd walked in.

I gave him a shaky smile which he didn't return. But I could see that his usually hard eyes were softer than usual and there was a hint of pity in them. Maybe the big guy had a heart after all.

Surprisingly Warren had been coming over more than usual since the past few days. He didn't say much but he kept me company which I was grateful for. I had a feeling that he felt sorry for me which made me feel even more pathetic.

He sat on the chair opposite the couch, he didn't say anything as usual, he just sat there, legs crossed, eyes on his phone.

"I'm leaving." I suddenly blurted. I needed to tell someone.

His eyes snapped to me. He didn't say anything for a moment but then he just shrugged his broad shoulders, his attention going back to his phone.

Ouch.

I sighed, got up from the couch and headed towards the kitchen.

"I'll make you some dinner before I go big guy don't worry. I've also stocked the freezer with the food I made here in my free time, just pop the boxes in the microwave they'll probably last about four days, five if you're not too hungry."

"He is a fool," Warren grunted out the words.

My head whipped in his direction.

"What?" I asked in confusion.

The big man sighed. "He is just being a fool, you should not punish yourself because of him. The temperature outside has dropped below freezing, you will die of cold if not starvation on the streets. You need shelter."

I almost smiled. "Are you going soft on me Warren? Don't tell me you've suddenly started to care about my well-being?"

He rolled his eyes. "Do not flatter yourself, signora." He muttered, his accent thick.

He sighed again and got up from the chair abruptly, my eyes followed him warily as he made his way to the door.

I frowned.

Wow, he's not even going to say goodbye.

He paused, hand on the doorknob. His head tilted back to look at me.

"You coming or not?"

~~

Bevi come gli dei (Drink like the Gods)

"Seriously? You've brought me to a bar?" I gave Warren a pointed look from the passenger seat and he gave me a sly grin.

It was the same bar Sebastian had taken me to not long ago.

Warren flung the driver's side door open and strode towards the entrance not even bothering to wait for me. I rolled my eyes and got out of the car.

The minute I stepped outside my teeth started chattering. Warren hadn't been kidding when he said it was cold. I rubbed my hands over my arms, hoping the friction would warm me up a little.

I quickly made my way inside the bar to protect myself from the chilly air.

Everything seemed different from the last time I came here, maybe it was because the last time I'd come here it had been packed with people and right now it was practically empty.

My eyes scanned the place for Warren but came up empty. He had disappeared somewhere.

Just great.

"Well, well." A familiar voice suddenly spoke up.

I froze.

My eyes took in his cocky smile and creepy eyes.

Ian

The asshole I'd run into the last time I came here.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "You live here or something?"

He chuckled. "Something like that, I own this place." He took a step towards me and my hands clenched into fists.

Did he own this bar?

"I was just leaving," I told him evenly I started to move towards the exit.

I'd wait for Warren in the car. No way was I spending another minute with this douchebag.

He blocked my exit with his arm making my whole body stiffen.

"Move." I hissed out the word.

"Oh come on. Don't you want to have a little fun now that you're here?" His eyes raked over me in a way that made my skin crawl.

"Not really." I grit out. "Now get out of my way."

He studied me for a moment but retracted his hand and stepped away.

I almost sighed in relief.

I turned my back to him and started walking away.

*

I'd almost reached the exit when he grabbed me from behind. I shrieked and suddenly his hand clamped over my mouth harshly. I could feel myself being dragged into a dark hallway. Panic consumed me as I started to struggle wildly.

The back of my head slammed against his chin making him grunt in pain but he didn't loosen his hold.

He pushed me against the wall my cheek collided with the stone surface making my eyes tear up from the pain. His body pressed against my back restraining me.

"Stop pretending like you don't want me. Why would you come here again if you didn't?" He chuckled, I could feel his breath against my neck. "Stop fighting it, just give in."

His hand was still covering my mouth as soon as his hold loosened a fraction I bit down on his finger hard. I could taste the coppery taste of blood in my mouth.

He grunted in pain but instead of stepping away, he pressed into me harder. His hand moved to my thighs.

I screamed again.

Tears of helplessness pricked my eyes.

No. No. No.

This cannot be happening to me.

And then suddenly he was gone.

His weight disappeared.

I stood against the wall shuddering helplessly.

There was a grunt.

*

"I will kill you."

My eyes widened when I heard his voice.

I turned around slowly.

Sebastian?

He had Ian pressed against the opposite wall, and one of his hands clutched Ian's throat.

"Calm down man. I wasn't doing anything she didn't want." Ian chuckled coldly.

My back stiffened at his vile words.

Ian's face suddenly paled as he started gasping for air as Sebastian's hold around his throat tightened.

I stepped towards the two men.

"Let go of him," I told Sebastian calmly.

Sebastian's head whipped in my direction, his eyes dark and wild.

"Angelica-" He started to say but I cut him off.

"I said, let him go, Sebastian." My voice rose.

Sebastian's eyes widened in shock. "I thought-" He took a shuddering breath. "I didn't realize I was interrupting. Apologies." I could see his throat bob as he swallowed.

He released Ian and stepped away.

I took a step closer to Ian as he gasped for breath, his lips spread into a knowing smirk when he saw me.

That's when I lost it.

I punched him in the face, I could feel his nose crunch beneath my fist. He screamed out in pain, holding his now bleeding nose.

"How dare you! How dare you put your filthy hands on me you scum!" I hissed.

I brought my knee up and hit him in the groin. "Next time if you even think of touching a woman against her will, remember this. You piece of shit!"

I aimed a slap to his face but this time he managed to stop me. His hand wrapped around my wrist and he squeezed painfully.

The next second Sebastian's hand was around his throat again.

"Release her. Or I will snap your neck right here." Sebastian gritted out.

The bastard squeezed my wrist tighter. I resisted the urge to wince.

Sebastian slammed him against the wall. I could see a vein protruding from his neck. His whole body shaking with rage.

This was the first time I had seen him like this.

Ian's face was starting to lose color. He let go of my wrist and started clawing at Sebastian's hand but Sebastian's hold didn't loosen.

"I will rip you apart," Sebastian said in an eerily calm voice. "I warned you that I would the first time you tried to touch her."

The coldness in his voice made a chill run up my spine.

"Sebastian."

It was Warren's voice that had spoken.

Sebastian didn't move.

"Do you really want to do this in front of her?" Warren tried again.

Sebastian's head turned in my direction. His eyes softened a fraction when they landed on me.

He turned back to Ian who was only half conscious by now.

"If you ever even think of touching a woman without her consent again. I will kill you. And it will not be a quick death." He jeered as he shoved Ian against the wall harshly before finally releasing him.

"Get him out of my sight before I change my mind." Sebastian gritted out.

Warren nodded before he turned to me, his eyes apologetic "I'm sorry I didn't think. I shouldn't have left you by yourself." He practically dragged Ian down the hall, the two of them quickly disappearing from view.

He turned to me now. His hands gently clasped my shoulders as he leaned his head down to look at me. I refused to meet his gaze.

His fingers grasped my chin as he tilted my head up to look at him. "I'm sorry this happened to you, bella."

My lips trembled as hot tears started trailing down my cheeks.

I hated that Ian had managed to make me cry.

That douchebag didn't deserve my tears.

Sebastian's fingers wiped my wet cheeks his eyes filling with sadness.

"You left." The words left my lips before I could stop them. It was a statement, not an accusation.

I just wanted him to explain. Give me a reason.

But he didn't.

He just nodded his head "Yes I needed some time alone, to think, to sort my emotions out."

I needed some time away from you.

He didn't say the words but I heard them.

He was completely oblivious to the pain I was feeling over his actions.

Maybe it was wrong of me to expect things from him.

Maybe I was being unreasonable.

But the fact that he had kissed me, we had opened up to each other, shared things, and then he had just disappeared without a single word.

I felt hurt and I couldn't help how I felt.

I didn't say anything.

"Let's go. I'll take you home." He said finally.

I just nodded. I didn't have it in me to argue.

I felt completely drained, emotionally and physically.

The car ride back with Sebastian was uncomfortable. I avoided looking at him by keeping my gaze trained out the window.

I felt his gentle touch on my wrist. His fingers rubbed against the bruised flesh soothingly.

An involuntary shudder coursed through my body at his touch.

"Does it hurt?" His voice was strained when he spoke.

"No," I said softly as I freed my wrist from his grasp still not looking at him.

He didn't say anything after that. When I snuck a quick glance in his direction I noticed that his lips were drawn into a frown.

When we finally reached the house I quickly unbuckled my seatbelt and reached for the door handle desperate for escape.

His hand on my arm halted me.

I looked at him over my shoulder.

"Are you upset with me?" The innocence in his voice made me feel guilty. He really had no clue.

When I didn't answer he tried again. "Did I do something?"

I sighed. "No Sebastian, everything is fine." I gave him a small smile before quickly getting out of the car and walking towards the front door.

I almost screamed in frustration when I found the door locked. Warren probably locked it before we left.

I felt him behind me, I could feel the heat radiating off his body on my back. Goosebumps covered my arms and they had nothing to do with the cold.

Sebastian didn't say a word as he unlocked the door, I could feel his warm breath on my neck.

I made my way inside and he silently followed me.

I turned to him and found him looking at me.

I cleared my throat and tried to give him a bright smile. "You hungry? Do you want me to make you something to eat?"

His posture stiffened. "Angelica-" his voice hoarse and he took a step towards me.

I immediately took a step back without really meaning to.

He froze.

I turned around and walked away from him. I didn't stop till I had reached my room and closed the door.

Exactly five minutes later there was a gentle knock.

"Angelica, can we talk?" I heard him murmur.

I didn't answer.

"Please." He tried again.

I just closed my eyes and buried my face in the pillow before finally giving in to all the overwhelming emotions I was feeling.

I cried till I was too exhausted to stay awake.

~~

It was two AM when I woke. I'd been asleep for almost three hours. My throat felt dry.

I needed something to drink.

My whole body felt heavy as I got out of bed and walked to the door. I nearly screamed when I opened it.

Sebastian stood outside leaning against the wall opposite to my door. His arms were crossed over his chest and his head rested against the wall, his eyes were closed.

He'd been standing out here for the past three hours?

There was no way. . .

Slowly his eyes opened. They slowly came into focus. He straightened as soon as he saw me.

He looked exhausted.

"I talked to Warren." He spoke quietly. "He told me that he brought you to me because you were upset, that you told him that you were leaving in this cold weather."

Warren had known that Sebastian was at the bar?

I couldn't help the sudden sting I felt.

Sebastian had told Warren where he was but he obviously hadn't thought I was important enough to tell me.

"I was just going to the kitchen to get something to drink," I told him softly.

His eyes never left my face.

Just as I was about to walk past him. His fingers wrapped around my elbow, halting me.

"You're angry because I left?" His voice was gentle.

I turned and studied him. The poor man seemed completely lost, he really had no clue and it made me feel bad for making him worry so much because I knew he hadn't known that his actions would hurt me.

"Why did you leave?" I asked.

He sighed. "After what happened between us I felt confused. I needed some time to get myself in control. I have never shared intimate details about my life with anyone. I kissed you, it was selfish and I shouldn't have done that, but I did. I broke every single one of my rules by kissing you. I tend to lose control around you and it drives me insane. I thought that if I kept my distance for a while then maybe I could get things under control but to tell you the truth I couldn't stop thinking about you the whole time I was gone. What is happening to me, Angelica? What are you doing to me?"

I let his words sink in.

I took a step towards him and looked him in the eyes.

"I'm not mad that you left because you wanted space. I know this is all new to you. I understand that sometimes we need some time alone to figure things out. I would never get angry at you for needing space. But what upset me was the fact that you didn't talk to me. You just disappeared without a word. I felt abandoned and frankly, kind of insulted. If you had just talked to me, told me 'Hey Angelica I feel kind of overwhelmed right now and I need to leave for a while to sort my feelings out.' I would have understood. But instead, you just ran away without a word, not even a note. I didn't know where you were or even if you were alive for that matter. I was so worried." I took a deep breath. "I care about you Sebastian, you know I care about you. You don't do that to someone who cares about you."

He swallowed. For a moment he didn't say anything.

"I'm sorry." He finally whispered.

"I'm really sorry. I realize that I hurt you. But I want you to know that this is all new to me."

He paused his hands clenching and unclenching.

His eyes were sad when he looked at me. "I never had someone who cared about me before you, except my brother but even he was taken from me a long time ago. But you . . . things with you are different. You asked me if I was hungry even when you were clearly hurt by my actions, that's the kind of person you are. You terrify me. I have no idea what I'm supposed to do around you. Please know that I would never hurt you intentionally. I just don't know-" He stopped abruptly.

"I feel like you're driving me insane." He finally whispered.

Maybe we were both driving each other insane.

And that's the thing about insanity, it makes you do things you know you shouldn't, crazy stupid things, things you know will destroy you in the end.

Like running into a blazing fire.

Like jumping off a bridge.

Like falling in love.