I opened the door and Matthias walked in. He circled his arms around my waist, tugging me against his chest. Took me totally by surprise. What was I going to do? I wrapped my arms around his neck, awkwardly patting his shoulder.
The closeness was weird and it got even more weird considering this wasn’t the closest we’ve ever been. Seconds passed and Matthias’ still hadn’t let me go. I couldn’t say his cologne wasn’t taking me to another place and the feel of his strong arms wasn’t making me lose my mind. The muscles were definitely an added feature to the upgrade.
Mom cleared her throat. Killing the moment. I pulled away faster than him. I think I saw a whole lot of disappointment on his face, but pretended I didn’t see when I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Matthias, glad you’re here. We have to talk.” Mom said, then wandered into the living room.
I must have been as red as a cherry. We’d slept in the same bed a few days ago, but being in his embrace just felt so normal it was strange. So strange because we hadn’t been there in a while.
“What happened Adele?” He asked.
When I called Matthias I just told him he needed to come over right away. He didn’t ask questions he just came. I walked him to the living room.
“Andrin was here… he wanted the heirlooms.” I said, as we sat down on the lumpy couch.
“What? I thought he didn’t know about the heirlooms.”
“He didn’t… he wasn’t supposed to. He doesn’t now and he wants a share.” Mom said, crossing her leg over the over.
“That’s ridiculous.” Matthias said.
“He’s ridiculous.” I muttered.
“I know… I’m just worried about Maybelle… she’s still young and if the raiders—” Mom shut her eyes and covered her mouth. “If they managed to get her and it came down to her and the heirlooms… oh Comrade would be disappointed. I’m sure he gave his life to protect those pieces of metal.”
My brows dipped. It was probably true. A part of me knew I would give them up to save someone I loved too. Did it make a horrible person?
Matthias’ hand landed on my thigh and squeezed. I looked up, my body buzzing with heat and anticipation. I met his stern gaze. All I did was stare back.
“You’ll have to get her and go Camille. It isn’t safe for the Winchester family in Chester Springs anymore.” Matthias said.
His words caught me off guard. The raiders got Lexa now Comrade. It was just a matter of time until they came after one of us.
Mom nodded, “The challenge will be getting her away from Andrin. He won’t listen to reason. All he wants is to keep her from me.”
“I know a good lawyer that can help you out. Clearly, Andrin isn’t the best parent right now.”
Mom nodded then she stood. “I should make a few calls.” She said before disappearing through the corridor.
Mom wasn’t even completely gone when I was lifted off the couch and landed on Matthias’s laps. My heart beat slammed forward. I wrapped my arms around his neck subconsciously.
“Matthias…” I hissed.
“What we’re not teenagers anymore. We don’t have to hide.” He nuzzled his cold nose on my neck.
“Uh Matthias…” I started, but trailed when his lips caressed my collarbone.
If I was lenient I would let him lay me down and kiss the hell out of me. I pushed him back his hands circled my waist, holding me in place.
“What’s wrong Adele?” He sighed.
“Nothing… Matthias we haven’t spoken about getting back together and this… you being so close and sexual.”
He leaned back but he kept me trapped in his embrace.
“I told you I never stopped loving you… or is this about the detective. Did you fall for him Adele?” He sat up, looking me straight in the eyes.
My eyes went wide. Axel? “No, no… it isn’t like that.”
“Then what? You just don’t want to tell me that you still love me and you never stopped thinking about me?” He raised his brows.
I looked at the coffee table. He was annoying. He took hold of my chin and made me face him. He brushed my bottom lip with his thumb.
“I want you back babe. There’s no secrets between us.”
I let out an exasperated sigh. I couldn’t lie and say I hadn’t wanted to be here with Matthias getting back together over the years I’d been away. Our breakup left me in suspense like a novel with a deep cliffhanger. Now that we were here it was when my family was being picked off. My life was in danger and my brother was making things worse. Andrin was always doing something to make things worse.
“I know… I won’t be naive and expect us to pick up where we left off.”
“Why not? I kept your ring.”
I blushed and couldn’t contain the smile that spread. Ugh, I didn’t want to make this easy for him. Damn sweet lips.
“Your mom hates me and Amber Raine will kill me. You’re such an idiot I can’t believe you dated my so called best friend.” I swatted him.
He caught my hands and kissed them both. “I’m sorry. If I protected, you better I wouldn’t have lost you.”
I exhaled and lay on his chest. Matthias caressed my arm. “Let’s not talk about that.” I said. “It’s going to be hard spending the night here, but mom wants to stay.”
“Want me to spend the night?” Matthias offered.
I ran my hand over his abs. “Well…”
“I’ll take the couch, if it makes you feel better.”
“You gonna stand guard?” I raised a brow.
He chuckled, “You want to take things slow, fine. I’m willing to go through it all over again.”
***
True to his word Matthias took the couch. I gave him a blanket and a pillow and he was good. I woke up early because the thought of lying in bed irritated my skin. It was time for a rejuvenating cup of coffee. I tiptoed to the living room careful not to wake Matthias.
I popped in the living room and the couch was empty. The blanket was folded too. It was a little passed six, where was he off too. I found out when I walked into the kitchen and came face to face with a shirtless Matthias sipping on coffee from my favorite mug.
“Morning.” He smirked.
“Uh… morning to you too.” I said, there was no way my eyes wanted to leave his tanned body.
They weren’t listening to me anyway so I might as well stare.
Matthias chuckled, “Take a picture, it’ll last longer.”
I rolled my eyes so corny. I attempted to walk passed him, but he snaked my waist and pressed me to his chest. Well at least this way I could touch him.
He pressed his lips on my forehead. This taking it slow thing was going to be the death of me. A car door slammed outside, making me jump.
“Expecting someone?” Matthias asked.
I shook my head, “It could be Andrin.”
“Let me talk to him.”
I groaned, “You know he’s a hot head he won’t listen to you!”
I said, following him out the door. He really should have put on a shirt before he walked out and I should have put on pants. It wasn’t Andrin climbing out of a white truck.
“Axel? What are you doing here?”
Matthias and Axel stared each other down like two lions about to charge. I swallowed. What did Axel think? What did he want?