SEBASTIAN’S POV
The days had blurred into one stretch of unbroken contentment, with Sasha and I filling every hour, every moment, with things we both loved.
We wandered through art galleries, strolled along city streets at dusk, lingered in cafes, and spent hours lost in conversation.
She’d tease me about my serious expressions, and I’d laugh at the way she wrinkled her nose at anything she didn’t like on a menu.
At night, those moments of laughter and intimacy transformed into something deeper, something that felt almost sacred. Being with Sasha like this made everything else seem irrelevant.
But reality was relentless, and my business trip loomed, a reminder that my other life couldn’t be ignored. I hated leaving her; the thought of her being here alone while I was gone gnawed at me.
As we lay in bed on the last night before my flight, her head rested against my chest, her fingers tracing light patterns along my skin, I decided to address it.
I pulled her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her fingertips. “Sasha,” I began, and she looked up, her eyes curious, soft with a warmth that could have melted steel.
“Mm?” she murmured, her voice drowsy.
I held her gaze, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear.
“Promise me you’ll call if you need anything, anytime. I don’t care if I’m in the middle of a meeting or halfway across the world. You just have to call, and I’ll pick up. Always.”
She laughed softly, her hand resting on my chest. “I’ll be fine, Sebastian. I’m not helpless, you know.”
“I know you’re not,” I replied, my thumb stroking over the back of her hand. “But I want to make sure you’re okay. If you miss me… if you just want to talk, promise me you’ll call.”
There was a softness in her eyes as she smiled, a quiet understanding of my concern.
“I promise,” she said, lifting herself to press a gentle kiss to my lips. “But I’ll be fine. I’ll miss you, but I won’t be alone.”
The next morning, I called Roland to the apartment. We went over a few last-minute details, finalising everything for my trip, but my attention kept drifting back to Sasha. She was in the kitchen, making coffee, and I could see her from the corner of my eye.
When we wrapped up, I turned to him. “Roland,” I said, my voice quieter than usual. “Look after her for me, alright? I want you to report back on anything that happens while I’m away. Even the smallest thing.”
Roland gave a knowing nod, his expression serious. “You have my word, Sebastian. I’ll look after her as if she were my own family.”
I sighed, relieved. Roland had been my right-hand man for years, a friend and confidante in a world where trust was rare. He was the only one I could trust to watch over Sasha in my absence.
I took a step closer, clapping him on the shoulder. “Thank you, Roland. For everything you’ve done for me. For being there when I needed you the most.”
Roland’s expression softened, and he gave me a rare smile. “You don’t have to thank me, Sebastian. You’ve been a good friend to me, too. I’ve got your back.”
We both stood there in silence for a moment, a sense of understanding passing between us that didn’t need words.
I didn’t often think about the friendships I’d formed over the years, but this one felt different. Roland was more than a friend; he was like family. And I knew he’d protect Sasha with his life if it came to that.
Finally, he gave a short nod and headed for the door, pausing to turn back. “Take care of yourself, Sebastian. I’ll make sure everything here is handled. Focus on what you need to do.”
I nodded, grateful, and watched as he left.
A short while later, it was time to leave. I pulled Sasha into an embrace at the door, her arms wrapped tightly around my neck.
“I’ll call you when I land,” I promised, my voice low. She nodded, her eyes shadowed with something that looked like worry.
“Safe travels,” she whispered, brushing her lips against mine in a soft, lingering kiss. As I pulled back, her hand lingered on my cheek, her touch as familiar as my own breath.
With one last glance, I turned and walked to the car where Roland waited, ready to drive me to the airport.
I glanced back at Sasha standing by the door, her figure small but steady, watching me. The sight of her like that-strong, beautiful, her gaze filled with a quiet confidence-made me smile.
As Roland closed the door behind me, he glanced over, sensing the weight of my thoughts. “You alright?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
I took a breath, nodding slowly. “I’ll be fine,” I replied, even though the ache of leaving her was already settling in. But I knew she’d be safe. With Roland by her side, I could focus on what lay ahead.
As we drove away, I looked back one last time, watching as Sasha disappeared from view.