Chapter 143: Always Watching (1/2)

He scrutinized my expression and grimaced. ”I can see the determination. I won't force you to stop or anything. But I hope you can confide in me if you are having a hard time.”

”I have Sebastian and Dr. Knight for that.”

Harshit smiled sadly. ”Dr. Knight is a professional and not your friend. Sebastian is your significant other and you may not be able to tell either of them certain things. But you can talk to me.”

Ah, yes. My friend.

”I also have Nash,” I told him.

He chuckled. ”But he is your supervisor and colleague. If he thinks your judgment will impede the investigation, he will kick you out. You have secrets from everyone in the world, Evie.” I rolled my eyes.

”And that matters because I have no stakes when it comes to you?” I blinked. ”I take your classes and you offered to write me recommendation letters. That means that I have something to gain from this relationship and you are on the losing end.”

Harshit mulled over the words carefully. ”There is no pure relationship in the world. But I am the person who you have the least to lose when you are talking about something.” He shrugged.

”I was wondering how Sebastian is such a smooth talker. It seems that people in the field of criminology have a way with words.” I glared at him.

- - - - -

I knocked on the apartment door bright and early. A bleary-eyed Sebastian opened it and his eyes widened when he realized it was me.

”You're early!” he cheered and pulled me into a hug.

”Are you upset?” I chuckled.

”Of course, not. How, though?”

I shrugged.

”The pilot was in a rush to get home, I think. He landed the flight earlier than expected. Everything went smooth so I am home early.” I got on my tiptoes and pressed a kiss on his chin. ”Did you sleep well?” I asked softly as my fingers made their way into his hair and massaged his scalp.

He hummed and leaned in to nuzzle my neck. ”Ah, Evie is home,” he emphasized. I snickered as his breath tickled the juncture between my shoulder and neck.

I pulled away and the kiss started out softly.

”I haven't brushed my teeth yet,” he groaned against my cheek when we pulled away for a second.

”I haven't either,” I assured lightly. He arched his brow and leaned in once again.

We heard a cough behind us and grumbling followed. I snickered as we pulled away and Sebastian gave the elderly woman who lived across from me a bland look.

”You two need to learn some decency,” she complained. ”I'll call the company manager and get them to kick you out for public indecency.” She continued to grumble, her arms still full of groceries like last time.

I bowed my head to hide my smile and made my way to her side.

”I'll take those,” I offered and pulled the bags off her hand. She looked at me with distaste, but I knew she appreciated the gesture.

”Youngsters these days are living together without getting married. Having all the fun but not taking any responsibility for your actions.” Her voice was low and disgruntled.

”You don't need to worry about us living in sin. I already proposed and she accepted,” Sebastian said from behind us. I turned my head to glare at him. He was grinning at me.

I wondered how long he had been waiting to tell everyone he met about his success.

”Good. Finally did the right thing,” she said before huffing. ”Also, why does everyone give me your mail? I have more mail for you.” She squeezed through the door and came out a minute later as we waited in silence.

”Sorry. We told everyone who frequents that this is our door, but they keep bothering you,” I offered.

”No one works well these days. Go inside. I won't give you your mail anymore,” she warned and shoved the envelope into my hand.

I turned it over and saw no return address. Just my name in cursive.

”Ma'am, do you remember who gave this to you?” I asked cautiously. She turned with a bewildered expression.

”There are loads of people who come and go on this floor. How am I supposed to know? This had your name on it so I gave it to you,” she said. It was like she was scolding me.

”Please think carefully. Do you remember when it came?” I asked.

”What is it?” Sebastian moved forward and placed his hand on my shoulder. I turned to him and showed him the lettering. His eyes widened before he ran back into the room for something.

”Why? Is this a bad thing?” she asked in confusion.

I shook my head. ”You don't need to worry about it. It's just someone I am trying to find who has been sending me presents recently,” I kept the explanation short.