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Picking it up, I teased, “You know, you could just walk your sexy little ass over here if you wanted to talk”

He was quiet for a moment, as if he didn't knohat to say

“I can't be there with you, Violet Especially with you looking like that,” he said “It's dangerous”

“What do youin his direction

“Because I wouldn't be able to control ht – ”

I knew exactly what headults, Sebastian We did nothing wrong”

“Violet,” he said softly “I can't be with you that wayI just can't”

“Why not?” I asked “Is this about Jessica?”

Sebastian sighed, and for the first ti, he looked away from me

“Well? Is it?” I pressed “Because ever since she knocked on the door, you've been acting like a completely different person, so I assume – ”

“Yes and no, Violet,” he said, stopping me “Yes, it does have to do with her sootthat I just can't do this to you What about your family? Your mother? What would she think if she found out your dad's best friend was sleeping with you Christ, I'h to be your father, Violet”

“And I don't care About any of it,” I said “My rooman I can make my own decisions I can be hoever I want and I don't let anybody tell me I can't”

“I'm not sure it's that easy, Violet,” he said “If I were anyone else, maybe so, but – ”

“But what? Sounds like maybe it's you who can't deal with the fallout, Sebastian,” I said,to boil “Maybe you're the one who can't handle the world knowing you're sleeping with your best friend's daughter because you're ashaht? Does that about sum it all up?”

He didn't answer for a ue with you”