He didn't know how long he sat there, feeling... nothing. No, not nothing. He felt anger and sadness for what happened to his Lobito, for what could have happened. That night he'd felt sick to his stomach, the helplessness overwhelming. It was the worst feeling in the world, knowing Hudson was hurt and Seb could do nothing about it. Well, he'd done something now.
Hudson kneeled in front of him and put his hand on Seb's cheek. "Darling, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry," Seb whispered. The doorbell rang, and he flinched. At least it would be quick.
Hudson stood, and Seb followed him to the front door. Two THIRDS agents stood on the other side, one looking remorseful, the other angry.
Hudson greeted them politely. "Good evening, Stevens. Rodriguez. Is everything all right?"
Agent Rodriguez cursed under his breath as his partner spoke. "We're going to need Agent Hobbs to come with us."
Hudson stared at them before moving his gaze to Seb. "What's going on?"
"Sebastian Hobbs, you're under arrest," Rodriguez said, looking from Seb to Hudson and back. His resolve crumbled. "Man, please tell me you didn't do this. Tell me you didn't throw everything away over that asshole."
Seb swallowed hard. He kissed Hudson's cheek before meeting Rodriguez's gaze. "Not for him."
Hudson shook his head. "What is he being charged with?"
"Assault and battery," Stevens replied, motioning for Seb to turn around.
Hudson gasped, and Seb forced his gaze away. He couldn't stand to look Hudson in the eyes, couldn't face the pain he'd put there. Instead he turned and placed his wrists together so they could be restrained. Hudson stepped in front of him and cupped Seb's face, his eyes searching Seb's.
"Tell me you didn't. Please, darling."
"I'm sorry. I love you, Lobito. Always."
The agents read Seb his rights as they led him out of the house to the idling SUV parked in the middle of the street. The lights were off, sparing him the bright blue-and-red flares that would have drawn out his neighbors. Someone was looking out for him, trying to keep things from turning into a circus. Seb was grateful. Hudson didn't need that kind of attention on him. Hudson closed the door behind him and ran after them.
"Dr. Colbourn--" Stevens began when Hudson took hold of Stevens's sleeve.
"Please."
With a sigh, Stevens nodded, and Hudson climbed into the back of the Suburban before the two agents helped Seb in. It wasn't usual for a Therian suspect to be picked up in anything other than a BearCat with the rest of the team in attendance. It was all incredibly low-key.
"Sparks?" Seb asked, and Stevens nodded from the front seat. He should have known.
Hudson fastened his seat belt, then slipped his hand around Seb's bicep. He looked out the window, not saying a word as they drove down to HQ. Hudson wouldn't remain quiet for long. He was likely taking it all in. Seb closed his eyes and let his head hang. He'd had it all and lost it just as quickly. Again.
Chapter 9
"I CAN'T believe this."
Hudson paced the cell floor furiously as Seb stood staring down at his shaking hands. Seb had just thrown his career away, his life. A tear rolled down Seb's cheek, and he wiped it away absently. Oh God, this was it. They were going to crucify him, bury him so deep no one would ever find him again. Their family, Julia, Thomas, Ethan.... Fuck. Fuck.
"Damn it, Sebastian!" Hudson shoved Seb before moving away, his hands in his hair. "How could you?" The only reason they'd even allowed him near Seb's cell, much less inside, was because of who he was. And because Seb was a THIRDS Team Leader, they'd taken him to the private cellblock, the one reserved for high-profile cases or cases requiring discretion, such as this one.
"I don't regret it," Seb replied quietly as he sank down onto the steel bench bolted to the floor.
"Why?" Hudson dropped to his knees in front of him. He cupped Seb's face. "I just got you back. Why would you do this to us? I'm tired of losing you."
"The way he hurt you? They could have killed you. I lost it." Seb shook his head. "When I saw those filthy texts--"
Hudson straightened. "What texts?"
"Your phone woke me up, and I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have pried, but when I saw those disgusting words, things he said... I couldn't stop myself. I read the texts. Then I found his address in your contacts, and--"
"How?" Hudson removed his mobile phone from his pocket. He scrolled through his texts and shook his head. "There are no texts here, Sebastian." Hudson showed Seb.