Elizabeth I lift myself up on the table in the small cabin. A nice gift from Sebastian, but I cannot enjoy it. My head feels heavy, and my chest aches in ways I can’t describe. I pull myself together slowly, my bare feet touching the cold wooden floor as I stand. My legs wobble from the intense f**k that I had begged for. I steady myself with a deep breath. I wanted Sebastian to make me feel something—anything other than this hollow, suffocating emptiness. I wanted him to bring me back to life. “Take me for a drink,” I say, turning around to face him. My voice is flat, almost cold. Sebastian sits up from the table, his brows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean, Elizabeth?” he asks, his tone careful, almost hesitant. “Take me drinking,” I repeat, crossing my arms over my chest.

