Kneeling for a Second Chance (Sebastian and Valeria) novel Chapter 129

Valeria started crying.

Sebastian's chest tightened. He couldn't quite name the feeling, only that it felt like he couldn't breathe either.

All he could do was repeat, again and again. "It's okay. Don't be afraid."

And finally, he added, "I'm here."

The moment she heard that, Valeria collapsed into his arms.

She wanted to calm down so badly. Her daughter still needed her.

But right now, it was like her body wouldn't listen. She couldn't stop trembling. She couldn't stop crying.

The scent on him was like a sedative, injected straight into her heart. He was someone she used to love deeply. He was Selena's father.

Valeria opened her mouth to speak, but the world around her began to spin. She had to cling to the fabric of his shirt just to stay upright.

Maybe she didn't need to.

Because his arms were already wrapped tightly around her waist.

Valeria was in his embrace.

Sebastian noticed how thin and light she was. He could feel her heart pounding. He could also feel how fast his own heart was racing.

"Valeria, look at me." His fingers slid into her hair, gently cupping the back of her head, guiding her to lift her face and meet his eyes. "Don't be afraid. I'm right here."

His voice was low and steady, his thumb brushing her cheek, fingertips tracing the warmth of her skin.

Valeria looked at his face. Though her vision was blurred with tears, he hadn't changed at all. He still looked exactly the same.

During sophomore year, on that outdoor camping trip, she had been too scared to sleep the entire night after seeing a snake.

Sebastian woke up with a scowl, his voice edged with the petulance of someone too used to getting his way. "What are you scared of? I'm here."

…

Sebastian was the one who handled the hospital registration and payments. Valeria sat beside the hospital bed.

Lucy had been knocked down during the accident yesterday and was currently in the surgical ward.

Valeria had already visited her twice last night.

Sebastian stared at her face. This woman changed her attitude like she was changing clothes.

Just last night, she had clung to him, crying so hard that it left a knot in his chest. Now, she was acting like they barely knew each other again.

Sebastian's face darkened as he spat out a few words. "We're not close. I'm busy."

Valeria coaxed, "Come on, just help me out. Ten minutes. I'll be right back."

He forced himself to hold back in front of Selena.

He grabbed Valeria's wrist and dragged her out of the room. Even once they were outside, he didn't let go. In fact, he gripped her even tighter.

"What's Shane's number?"