SIX MONTHS LATER:

It's crazy how easily someone gets used to happiness. The realization that Matt and I were truly together settled quicker than I could ever imagine. Matt made sure of that. It has been nearly half a year since that night in the corridor but not a day had gone by where he didn't show me how much he loved me. Both mentally and physically. He made it his mission to please me on every front possible, and he succeeded.

Yes, happiness was easy... Real-life however... Well, that shit is a whole other matter. Word spread like wildfire when people found out I was seeing someone. Not to mention the complete frenzy that broke loose as soon as people caught me wearing a ring. Yes... True to his word Matt had run to the jewelry store the very next day. He'd crept out of the house early in the morning and bought me the biggest and most beautiful engagement ring he could get his hands on. The bloody thing didn't leave any room for people to doubt what was going on, Lexi Davins was tying the knot.

I look down at my hand smiling, my heart blossoming with love as I admire the rock on my finger. It's a gorgeous golden woven ring with a large diamond in the middle, accompanied by green emeralds alongside it. Matt had inevitably shown me he did in fact have a romantic bone in his body when he told me the ring itself reminded him of my curly hair and the emeralds represented his eyes drinking me in. I broke down, crying from bliss the second he slipped it onto my finger. Once we had calmed down again the two of us enjoyed breakfast in bed before breaking the news to the others.

I did worry about the price afterward, especially considering what happened last time around... And I asked him to at least consider sharing our bank accounts now that we were going to be married. It took some time for him to agree with that, but after some tactful persuasion, I managed to change his mind. In Matt's case, blackmail comes in the form of sex. Hot, steamy, mindblowing sex! I'd recently discovered I could get him to agree to anything once we're in the bedroom. The only problem with that is it also works the other way around ...and Matt knows it. I'm not complaining about it though, it had caused some memorable nights I'd never forget. I grin to myself, playing with the ring around my finger.

'Good morning, gorgeous...'

Matt's gruff voice rings in my ears before he wraps his arms around me from behind, kissing me on the cheek.

'Goodmorning baby.'

I smile, knowing he loves it when I call him that even if it still embarrasses me sometimes. He grins cheekily, tilting my chin so he can give me a proper kiss before glancing over to the laptop in front of me.

'They really can't get enough of us, can they?'

He mutters with a sigh, seeing there's another photo of us plastered against the front page of the news. At first, he had a really hard time with all the sudden attention. I knew he knew what he was getting himself into, but envisioning it and living in it were two completely different things. The first three weeks paparazzi followed him everywhere ...and I mean everywhere! Trying to dig up some dirt about him. For any person that would've been a lot to handle, but because of what happened with the shooting it was even worse for him. People sneaking around didn't exactly contribute to getting over his trauma. There had been many occasions he'd actually jumped at the clicking of the cameras. I'm glad he's been honest about it though... We had spent hours on end talking about it and I promised him I would be there with him every step of the way. We were in this mess together. Besides, it could never be worse than all the shit we'd been through already. Since I was still on my hiatus I had more than enough time to ease him into my world and Delphine didn't mind it either. Now that we were the talk of the town there wasn't any rush for me to record a new album anytime soon.

'It'll all fade off eventually. Are you okay though?'

'I'm fine darling... My mom wasn't too pleased about her roses getting squished the other day when one of those morons hid in front of her house... But other than that things are getting easier.'

Matt mumbles with a laugh as he grabs a cup of coffee from the counter. I close down my laptop, remembering Dolores's reaction as I turn my attention towards Matt and giggle.

'Maybe we just should've let your mom handle it yesterday. He most definitely would've stopped stalking us after she scared him to death and hunted him down with her slipper.'

He snorts entertained by the thought as he sips on his coffee, his attentive gaze is still on me as he murmurs.

'You left the bed early...'

'Yeah, I couldn't sleep and didn't wanna wake you up.'

I smile, trying to play off his question as I get up from the barstool and walk up to him, placing my arms around his neck. These past few days I've been feeling sick to the point I even went to see a doctor without telling Matt about it. It's not because I don't want him to know or anything, I just don't wanna worry him since we have a lot of things to do we can't reschedule. He wraps his arms around my back, his fingers teasing me as they play around the edge of my shirt that rises just over my ass while he whispers.

'I see you're wearing my stuff again?'

I can't help but smile at him as he tugs at the black fabric, placing a kiss along the line of his jaw since I'm unable to reach his mouth from this angle. Lately, I'd been trading my signature band shirts to wear Matt's shirts in the morning. Besides the fact I loved wearing something with his scent, it also ensured he would stroll through the house with only his sweats on. A win-win if you ask me. I grin to myself as I let my fingers dance over his skin and murmur.

'I haven't heard you complain...'

'I'm not going to either, you look sexy as hell wearing my shirts...'

He mumbles against my lips before kissing me again. His hands delving underneath the fabric, cupping my ass making me groan softly before he picks me up and sets me down on the counter.

'Matt, we can't...'

I breathe, breaking away from the kiss trying to pry his hands loose. Nomes or Rebekah could walk in on us any second! I try to warn him but he refuses to let go, his mouth still busy distracting me as he kisses my neck and rasps.

'Yes, we can.'

'No. You can't.'

Rebekah grumbles from behind us, tapping her foot against the floor. Busted! I snicker, the sound of her voice making me freeze up in Matt's hold. He heaves a sigh, his hot breath sending goosebumps down my skin before he reluctantly pushes himself away from the counter and me. Throwing his best friend a look that says "you just ruined my entire morning", making us both laugh. I catch his arm before he's able to walk away, kissing the palm of his hand as I mumble against it.

'Sorry Matty, I'm on double dress duty today... Remember?'

He swears under his breath, obviously having forgotten all about it as he hangs his head and grumbles questioningly.

'Does that mean today was the day that the guys abduct me so they can force me into a suit?'

'Better get used to it... You're not marrying me in a pair of sweats.'

I chuckle hopping off the counter. Matt grabs me as soon as I land on my feet, hugging me from behind as he groans against my ear.

'Like you wouldn't dig that...'

'Mhm, I certainly would... But I'm also anxious to see your handsome ass in a suit.'

I grin, remembering the night of my eighteenth birthday. I thought you were attractive back then, let alone how I'll feel this time around... I sigh as Matt hugs me more closely, noticing the nostalgic glimmer in my eyes as he murmurs.

'Fine, I'll go... Just for you though.'

I twist my head, pecking his jaw and whispering a thank you in response. He smiles before kissing the top of my head, reluctant to let go of me when Rebekah claps her hands together and says.

'Now that that's settled, hurry your ass and get dressed. We were supposed to leave already!'

Rebekah tries to sound offended although I'm pretty sure nothing can bring her down today. She's almost jumping up and down with excitement as I give her a nod before untangling myself from Matt's hold. Giving him another kiss, standing on my toes humming that I love him and assuring him that everything will be okay before I quickly head upstairs to change.

***

'I can't believe I'm getting married before you!'

Rebekah squeals, twirling around in a white ballgown before turning back to me as I chuckle.

'You better believe it.'

I tilt my head, scanning her from top to bottom before quickly shaking my head as I mutter.

'No, this one doesn't suit you.'

Rebekah sighs disappointedly, but I motion her not to worry as I jump on my feet rummaging through the other dresses as I tell her.

'Sis, you are no cinderella... You're a tough-as-nails, sexy tattooed damsel who deserves a dress that suits her... A dress like ...this.'

I grin, pulling one out I'm sure she'll rock. I can almost see little hearts flutter out of her eyes as she scans it, vividly nodding her head as she hurries off the stand towards me and yelps.

'That's the one!'

She quickly snatches it from my hands, making me laugh as I motion the dress lady back over. She walks Rebekah back to the changing booth, helping her change dresses when Rebekah asks from behind the curtain.

'So... You and Matt are doing great I see... Have you decided on a date yet?'

'We kinda had...'

I mumble, fidgeting with the rims of a dress that caught my eye the second we walked through the door.

'But?'

Rebekah questions with interest, popping her head out of the changing room to look at me. Her eyes first drift over manican and the gown I'm playing with causing her to dramatically nod her head as she squeaks enthusiastically.

'That's yours! Matt would drop dead if he sees you in that!'

'Well, that would be somewhat of a bummer... Since it took us so long to finally get together in the first place and all.'

I snicker as I let go of the dress. Your husband dying on you during your wedding day would sure make for a remarkable evening. I snort, my response making Rebekah roll her eyes before the dressing lady pulls her back into the stall.

'You know what I mean! Seriously, Lex. You need to try that one!'

'Alright, alright.'

I laugh trying to dim her down. I was already planning on it anyways. I smile to myself as I let my eyes drift once more over the precious fabric when Rebekah continues.

'Back to topic, what's wrong with the date?'

I bite the inside of my cheek, not sure how to go about it. This wasn't the plan! I think for at least the hundredth time this week. We haven't even discussed this...

'Lex? What's going on?'

Rebekah speaks up in a worried tone, forcing her head back out to look at me. I can hear the dressing lady mutter something underneath her breath but Rebekah blows her off, keeping her attention on me as she asks quietly.

'You're not having second thoughts, are you?'

'Of course not!'

I sputter, waving my hands. It's nothing like that! She looks at me skeptically, still busy fending off the woman behind her who's just trying to button up her dress as she eyes me to spill the beans. I heave another sigh, averting my eyes from her as I blurt out almost inaudible.

'I'm not sure I'll be able to fit in that dress if we stick to our plan...'

I blush, glad I'm finally telling someone while I look down at my stomach with a tender smile on my face.

'Shut the front door!'

Rebekah shrieks, nearly tumbling out of the changing room as she pushes the woman away from her. I smile even harder, nodding vigorously at her as I gently place my hands over my belly and tell her.

'I'm pregnant.'

'Oh my God, Lex!'

Rebekah screams loudly, tearing herself away from the woman entirely while almost tearing down the curtain. Her boobs flying all over the place making me laugh through my tears as she scatters over to me, hugging me tightly while she yelps.

'Oh my God. Oh my God! I'm so happy for you! Congratulations! I can't believe it, I'm going to be an auntie!'

I giggle, the both of us weeping at the same time as she gives me another tight squish before pulling back. Her hand trembling slightly as she lays it on top of my still flat stomach and sniffs merrily.

'That explains why you looked like throwing up the other day.'

'I did throw up. Morning sickness is a real pain.'

I chuckle through my tears, placing my hand over hers making her bawl with happiness even louder. With her other hand, she quickly captures her dress as it's about to slide off her body entirely, making us both sputter even harder. The woman looks at us shaking her head laughingly before walking away so we can have some privacy. We must look like a hot mess, but I couldn't care less. I wail trying to reign in my emotions when Rebekah suddenly asks confusedly.

'H-How though? I thought you had an IUD for years now?'

'I'd asked the doctor the same thing yesterday...'

I scoff, my face turning beet red thinking back to that awkward conversation.

'Apparently, those things can fall out! Who knew, huh? It probably happened about three months ago. The doc said it's rare and it barely ever occurs, most women notice when it happens. I'm just the unfortunate one who didn't.'

'Does Matt know? How far along are you?'

Rebekah bombards me with questions, excitement evident in her voice. I shake my head, my mood quickly back to worried as I murmur.

'The doctor said almost eight weeks. And no, I didn't tell him yet... I'm kinda scared?'

I admit as I innocently lift my shoulders. I've been dying to tell somebody ever since I found out earlier this week, but I'm afraid because this wasn't exactly a planned pregnancy. I think solemnly while Rebekah looks at me like I've just hit my head.

'Bhek's, we haven't even talked about kids yet... What if he doesn't even want to be a dad?'

I cringe, hugging my stomach as I force myself not to burst into tears again. I don't wanna lose him, but I don't want to lose our child either...

'Are you mad?! He's going to be thrilled!'

Rebekah shakes me by the shoulders trying to pull me out of my daze. Unable to hold back more tears I glance up at her sniveling my nose as I croak out, hoping she'll manage to get rid of this nagging voice inside my head.

'Y-You think?'

'He's probably going to get even more possessive of you, the good kind of possessive though. There's no doubt in my mind he'll be ecstatic to hear you're bearing his child, Lex!'

She squeals pulling me in for another hug. Letting go of her dress in the process so she can get a good hold of me. Making it tumble down in the process causing both of us to burst out in another fit of laughter. We must sound like a pair of wails, crying and laughing at the same time but I'm so relieved I finally got to tell her. Keeping a secret like this from your twin is no easy task.

Once we've finally calmed down a bit I bend over, gathering Rebekah's dress and bringing it back up her body. Smiling at her through the mirror, my eyes are still glossed over as I continue where the dressing lady left off.

'I can't believe you're going to become a mommy.'

Rebekah says, her voice beaming with pride. I snicker a laugh, closing up the last two buttons before laying my head over her shoulder as I murmur.

'And I can't believe how gorgeous my sister is going to look on her wedding day. Tyler is going to drool like an idiot when he sees you walking down the aisle.'

She blushes, averting her eyes from mine so she can look at herself more closely. I smirk happily when she surprisedly sucks in her breath, tears streaming down her face once more making me joke at her emotional state.

'Are you sure you're not pregnant too?'

She snivels a laugh, shaking her head as she turns around to face me and says.

'No. Auntie will do just fine for now... And even though I'm convinced you're going to be the best mom ever, and you're going to wobble all over the place with a giant belly in a few months, you deserve to know how you'll look like in your wedding dress too. Now get your booty over there and let me help you put it on!'

She shoos me towards the dress I was fiddling with earlier, picking up the hem of her own dress and swooping it to the side to make sure I won't step on it as it's now her turn to help me. When she's halfway through the lacing the dressing lady pops her head around the corner to see how we're doing but the both of us wave her off with a smile, wanting to relish this moment alone. Just us sisters. She doesn't seem too bothered with it as she turns back around with a smile telling us to call out if we need anything.

It takes Rebekah another few minutes to fully lace the corset top, refusing to let me glance in the mirror until she's completely done. She gives a soft yelp of excitement once I'm ready, taking a step back as she tells me to turn around. Oh ... my ... God. I gawk breathlessly, mesmerized by my own reflection. Rebekah comes to stand beside me. Both of us joined at the hip wearing completely different dresses, but perfect in every sense of the way.

'You look incredible!'

We both chirp in unison before hugging one another. Each of us trying to be careful not to ruin the dresses as we blubber like two little kids overflowing with bliss.

It takes us at least another forty-five minutes before we manage to gather ourselves and get out of the dresses. Luckily Rebekah found one that fit her like a glove since she would be needing it in a few weeks already. Mine on the other hand needed to get altered, but we decided to wait until after my pregnancy before doing so. I ended up making a down payment on the dress after the woman assured me nothing would happen to it in the meantime and the store would put it aside for me. With Rebekah's dress in hand and mine safely tucked away the two of us leave the store ready to head back home, but not before I make Rebekah promise to keep her mouth shut about the baby until I find a way to tell Matt about it.

'I can't even talk to Nomes about it?'

She mocks, pouting her lip as the both of us get in the car. I frantically shake my head, sliding in the seat as I yelp.

'Especially Nomes! The second she finds out she'll tackle Matt to the ground. Even if they're somewhat getting along now, she isn't going to keep quiet about this!'

'Okay, maybe you do have a point there.'

Rebekah snorts, closing the door once she's inside as I continue in a warning tone.

'No one Rebekah! Not Matt, Nomes, Alex, Ty ...no one!'

'Yeah, yeah! I get it, no one. My lips are sealed. Just don't make me keep this to myself for too long, alright? I'm dying to go baby shopping already!'

'I'll try!'

I mumble, turning on the engine before driving back home.

***

'So... How did it go?'

Matt asks with a smirk plastered across his face while he lets his eyes drift over my body, making me laugh.

'Oh, it was very ...memorable.'

Rebekah grins, wiggling her eyebrows making Matt grumble in response. You're probably guessing she's talking about the dress. Little do you know... I think to myself resisting the urge to whistle. He squints his eyes, suspiciously looking between the two of us as he mutters.

'What's going on?'

'Nothing I'm going to be blabbering to you about.'

Rebekah shrugs, walking past him to get something to drink. I heave an internal sigh glad she's at least capable of keeping a secret. If it was Alex who'd found out he'd be yelling it from the rooftops right now... I think laughing to myself as I place a kiss on Matt's cheek and say.

'You don't honestly think we're about to tip you off on our wedding dresses, are you?'

'A guy can try.'

He grins, slipping his arms around me. The way he unintentionally folds his hands over my stomach makes me want to melt into a puddle and tell him, but my brain is still apprehensive about it as I lean back against him and murmur.

'All I'm saying is we succeeded in our mission.'

'You're talking about it like it's a military task.'

Matt laughs as he buries his nose in my hair. I tuck my hands over his, basking in the feeling of having him near as I ask.

'How about you? You look like you're still in one piece?'

Rebekah snickers at my remark, her eyes twinkling with adoration as she sees the two of us standing together. I smile back at her, weaving Matt's fingers through mine as he sighs.

'It was alright I guess. Found a suit for Bhek's and Ty's wedding and Kendall also fixed me up with this sort of waistcoat thingy for the benefit tonight.'

'Ahw, no tux tonight?'

I sulk disappointedly making him chuckle a laugh as he says.

'Sorry gorgeous, you'll have to sit tight for a little longer.'

I make a "Hmph" sound, puffing my cheeks and pouting my lip as I turn in his hold. Glancing up at him with puppy eyes as I whisper.

'I can't change your mind?'

'Not this time, beautiful. You are not giving me any intel either...'

Matt says before brushing his lips past mine making me smile. True. I grumble as his eyes are still fixed on mine while he murmurs.

'Can you at least tell me, or someone in my entourage, what kind of color dress you'll be wearing?'

'Nope. Just give me the number of your tailor once you decided which tux to wear and I'll make sure to color co-ordinate, deal?'

'Well, it's one less thing I have to worry about so fine. Although imagining what kind of dress you're going to wear is going to give me some sleepless nights for sure...'

He whispers until Rebekah sputters with laughter beside us.

'...Sure it will.'

Are you insane?! I glare back at her in warning. But luckily Matt doesn't notice our exchange or what she meant by that comment as he lets go of me and walks back over to the stove.

'What are you cooking? You know there's going to be a shitload of food tonight, right?'

I ask as I take a seat on one of the barstools, Rebekah handing me something to drink before she scoots down beside me.

'Just warming up some leftovers from yesterday. I was feeling hungry and I don't wanna come across as some idiot who's scarfing down his food at the benefit.'

'Don't worry so much... You're going to be perfect, so stop freaking out about it.'

'Not everyone is used to people looking at them and being surrounded by celebrities.'

Matt mutters stirring the pan of food. Rebekah tilts her head, understanding where he's coming from as I huff a sigh.

'Fine, just don't eat too much. There's going to be a full course dinner so at least make sure you can manage to keep up with me. Otherwise, it'll be me who's embarrassed. Being able to eat more than my sturdy husband-to-be.'

Matt throws me a dazzling smile when he hears me call him that before getting out three plates. Handing us a small portion too as he chuckles.

'Here, the two of you were going to knick half of it anyway.'

I exchange a look with my sister before the both of us grab our plate and dig in. The three of us babbling amongst each other until we're finished and clean up the kitchen. Matt lazily plops onto the couch afterward since he still has another hour to kill while Rebekah and I decide to get a headstart and get ready for tonight.

***

'Lex, have you seen Bear?! I've been looking all over for that old geezer but he's nowhere to be found.'

Néomy mutters annoyed as she glances around the bedroom, laying flat on her stomach as if he would fit underneath. I pin down my last lock of hair before turning to her as I mumble.

'Not sure... He was in here a little while ago but I didn't pay attention to where he went.'

'Urgh, that damn dog... He's finally allowed to go somewhere with us and he's nowhere to be found!'

She groans, stomping back out of the room and continuing her search. Meanwhile, I get up from my chair and walk over to the spare bathroom at the end of the hall wondering what's taking Matt so long since we're supposed to be leaving any second now. He wanted to use this one just so he could be done in time. I huff as I see Nomes opening doors everywhere along the corridor whistling "come here boy" while I knock on the bathroom door and shout.

'Matt, for heaven's sake you use up more hot water than I do!'

I can hear him laugh aloud, the sound of water sloshing making me shake my head as I open the door. Stop playing around and hurry already! I mumble to myself peering inside. The sight I'm greeted with is the last thing I expected to find and I can't help but snicker as I yell.

'Nomes... I found Bear...'

She pops her head back from one of the bedrooms, lifting her brow before hurrying over to where I'm at. The second she bends her head towards the entrance and sees Matt's cheeky grin along with Bear's droopy eyes, both of them covered in foam and playing around in the bathtub she cusses.

'Matt for fucks sake, what are you doing with my dog?!'

Matt raises his hands as if that would prove he's innocent. The sight of the two together along with Néomy throwing a fit is enough to make me topple over with laughter.

'I didn't do anything! He trodded after me into the bathroom, and apparently, he wanted to look nice before his big evening too.'

Matt defends himself snorting with laughter as he rubs behind Bear's ears before lazily leaning his arms over the tub. Nomes turns her head to the doorway, softly banging her head against it as she groans defeated.

'This is an image I'll never be able to burn from my mind...'

I cover my mouth, trying to stop myself from giggling as Néomy looks over to Bear from the corner of her eye and snaps.

'Bear... Get your ass over here, right now.'

He wines as if he just got scolded on by his mother, immediately crawling his way out of the tub and walking over to Néomy with his head hanging low. She sighs, rolling her eyes at his childish behavior before bending down with a towel to dry him off as she mutters.

'Don't you dare cross over to the dark side as well, understood? You're my partner in crime, that means you gotta have my back.'

She smiles the last words, unable to stay mad at him. Bear instantly wags his tale, giving a happy bark before licking her cheek making her laugh.

'You really oughta teach me that trick, Bear.'

Matt chuckles still amazed how soft Néomy can get around that dog. She instantly shakes her head, talking in a baby voice towards her gruff bundle of joy fondling over him.

'No, you ain't. Are you? Good boy!'

She praises him. Kissing his nose after Bear barks again, almost shuddering out of his fur from excitement.

'I swear to God that dog understands human language.'

I snicker before turning my attention to Matt who's still watching us with a lopsided grin. I shake my head, trying to wipe the smirk off my face and be serious as I mutter.

'You too. Get your ass out, we're running late.'

Matt looks at me not impressed as he lazily hops onto his feet. The sloshing water a clear warning causing Nomes to hightail out of the room at lightning speed while she swears aggravated.

'Goddammit! The last thing I wanna see is your ass buck naked, Blackwell! Warn a girl next time!'

'Don't be such a prude! Besides, all I saw was the wicked witch of the Valley, no girl.'

Matt barks back, laughter rumbling from his chest. Will these two ever stop bickering? I pinch the bridge of my nose, throwing a towel in his direction as I signal him to hurry. He easily catches it, throwing me a wink while he uses it to dry his hair. With no discretion whatsoever, I let my eyes wander over all his naked goodness. Damn, you're hot. I groan, resisting the urge to fan myself as I lean back against the wall to enjoy the show.

'Appreciating the view?'

Matt taunts as he looks me over, lust burning in his gaze. I purposely bite my lip, squinting my eyes together as I slowly drink him in and murmur.

'I sure do...'

He chuckles a laugh, throwing his towel aside before walking up to me not even trying to cover himself. You've become much too confident lately. I smirk, ravishing him with my eyes. With his fingers he catches the side of my robe, playing with the strings as he whispers teasingly.

'You look stunning... Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought you were supposed to be wearing a dress tonight?'

'True. But my handsome plus-one decided we're going to be fashionably late.'

I grin as I let my finger slide over his damp torso. If I could I would cancel, just so I can enjoy this instead. I sigh as Matt's muscles shudder under my touch while he carefully pecks my lips, making sure not to ruin my makeup as he breathes in a low tone.

'Or... My gorgeous girl rather wants to stay here as well and is stalling on purpose? Tell me beautiful, what are you fantasizing about in that pretty little head of yours?'

'Wouldn't you like to know...'

I purr against his mouth, mischief twinkling in my eyes as I jank his head backward causing him to groan. I don't need to look down to know this is turning him on as I still grip onto his hair, forcing his head to the side. Placing a flirty kiss on his collarbone, marking my property with lipstick before I whisper.

'No matter how alluring they are... You ain't getting out of this one baby.'

He moans frustratedly as I jerk his hair once more before slipping away from him. Throwing him a playful look before I dash off. He drags a hand through his hair, swearing under his breath as he grabs a towel to hide his raging hard-on before sprinting after me as he shouts.

'I'll get you for this, you bloody vixen!'

'Mhm, sounds exhilarating...'

I chuckle as I pick up my dress from the bed. Hiding it behind my back just before Matt storms inside, quickly banging the door closed behind him. He flings his towel to the side and my eyes immediately get drawn to his cock, still erect and twitching with need. He grins wickedly grabbing it by the base and starts stroking himself, making my mouth water.

'Look what you've done. Can't even get my pants on now...'

Matt groans like a starved animal continuing to pump his hand up and down. The sight of him pleasuring himself makes me clamp my thighs as I try to look everywhere but him. I clear my throat, although it sounds more like a whimper causing Matt to grunt in satisfaction as he picks up the paste. His eyes still fixated on me as he growls.

'I bet you a hundred bucks those panties of yours are drenched right now...'

I gulp, my fingers quivering behind my back as I force myself to look back at him. Not willing to let him win as I bat my eyelashes flirtatiously. Slowly opening up my robe with one of my hands, using the other to keep my dress hidden, displaying my lingerie while I rasp in a sultry voice.

'You mean these panties?'

Matt moans at the sight of my red lace underwear and it looks like he's about to blow his load any second now. His piercing eyes already tearing them off of me as I dip my hand between my thighs and tease.

'Maybe they are... Should I confirm that? I wouldn't want to stain my dress, now would I?'

Matt's eyes grow wild at the thought, but before he can act on it I sprint into the walk-in closet, locking the door behind me as I pant famished.

'Tonight, baby... If you behave yourself at the ball, I'll make it up to you.'

'Fuck, Lex.'

He swears, slamming the door once in defeat. I can't help but giggle at his disappointment, my own legs quivering from need as well while I slump down onto the floor with my back still against the door. Jesus Christ, dodged a bullet there. I think, gasping slightly as I touch my panties.

'That wet, huh?'

Matt mocks from the other side giving the door another weak blow making me chuckle.

'Sure need to change those panties, if that's what you're wondering.'

I tell him, still slightly winded. Wobbling back onto my feet and walking over to the drawer in search of another set. Matt groans in response as I hear him shift behind the door, probably trudging around with a scowl on his face now he has no choice but to get ready. I can't believe you got me all riled up before tonight. I grumble snatching one of my favorite black pairs, quickly switching them out as I mutter through the closed door.

'You better not ruin these before we get back home.'

'I'm more worried that I'll rip through my trousers because of you.'

Matt groans in response. I try to suppress a giggle as I answer him while slipping into my dress.

'I can always ask Néomy to help you out? She's done already.'

'Ew, God no!'

He roars appalled. His squeamish behavior quickly traded for a humorous laugh as he shouts.

'Thanks, babe! That sure did the trick.'

'Your welcome.'

I snicker, not sure whether to be relieved or offended that there's zero attraction between him and my best friend. I grab my heels from the side, quickly slipping them on before walking back out of the room, already turning my back toward Matt as I ask.

'Can you help zip me up?'

'I'd love to...'

Matt murmurs, kissing my bare shoulder as he lets his hands wander down my spine until they reach the zipper.

'Remember what I said, no more sexy stuff for now...'

I breathe, although my body tells him something different as I bare my neck so he can get easier access. The way his brusque hands slowly drift over my back, helping out to close the dress along the way makes me shiver with delight. Matt turns me around as soon as he's done, a humored smirk playing on his lips as he lets his eyes drift over me.

'Ravishing.'

He almost growls, grasping me by the hips. I try to fend him off but quickly lose the strength in my limbs once I drown him in. Good job, Kendall! Is all I'm able to think as I ogle him, my mind going completely blank. The look on my face only amuses Matt even more as he takes a step back, faking a few poses as he asks with a haughty smile.

'I take it you're approving?'

'You look like you just walked out of Peaky Blinders.'

I grin, playing with the string from the pocket watch that hangs across his waistcoat. He gives me a cheeky grin, showing off his oxford shoes as he says.

'You gotta loan me your cigarettes if you want me to pass as either of them.'

'Will you lick the end of the buds, rolling them over your lip just like Tommy does? Because in that case, it does sound tempting...'

I tell him wiggling my brows. Not that I'm even sure I still have any laying around... Ever since Matt got in the hospital I'd quit cold turkey. Matt rolls his eyes, clearly remembering the utmost interest I showed when we watched the series together as he mutters.

'On second thought... I'd rather have you just swoon over me instead of another celebrity. He won't be there tonight, right?'

He asks almost hesitant. I shake my head, giggling as I tug him closer curling my fingers around the hem of his waistcoat. Glad I for once don't have to stand on my tip-toes because of my ridiculously high ten-inch heels so I can give him a kiss. I plant my lips softly on the corner of his mouth, wiping some lipstick residue off with my finger as I murmur gazing up at him.

'Not that I know off... But there's nothing for you to worry about, he's no match for you.'

He gives me a sideways smile, mumbling "Good." underneath his breath before twirling me around. I follow his lead without hesitation, dipping my head back before swirling back into his arms. Pressing myself tightly against his body as his hands skim over my sides towards my butt.

'God, you're handsome...'

I breathe as I cup his cheek, charmed by the look in his eyes. He hooks his hand behind my neck, moving in to kiss me until he suddenly stops himself. Heaving a large sigh before he squeezes my ass and grumbles.

'You're flawless. Except for one minor thing... Can you do me a favor and please get rid of the lipstick? I hate not being able to kiss you properly.'

I nod my head laughing before I head over to the vanity to get rid of the deep red that's not only starting to annoy him but me too. As soon as I'm done I glance around looking for a nude lipgloss when Matt suddenly tares me back to him, crashing his lips on mine.

'Perfect.'

He growls satisfied as soon as he pulls back. I roll my eyes, smiling all the same as I pry myself away from him. Already deciding I'll ditch the gloss too, grabbing the earrings I picked out earlier. Swiftly putting them in as I lean in towards the mirror.

'You're stunning, beautiful. Now can we please get a move on before I change my mind?'

Matt sighs making me chuckle softly as I stand up and hook my arm around his. Agreed, before I'm the one to pull you back in the bed. I think as the both of us head downstairs together, seeing the others are already waiting in the hall.

'Finally.'

Néomy mutters, looking extremely uncomfortable as she impatiently clicks her heel against the terracotta tiles. Alex stands drooling next to her with a huge smile plastered against his face while Bear sits in front of her. Rebekah and Tyler, who apparently had already arrived, next to them. We said we would meet Ryan and Kendall there since they lived on the other side of town. And luckily for me, Delphine wasn't able to make it. She was at home in bed, as sick as a dog. I always wondered if she could even get ill since I couldn't remember her ever canceling on anything. By now I figured even mortal virussus were too afraid to affect her.

The theme of the ball tonight being a black and white masquerade ball meant every one of us got dressed up appropriately for the occasion. All of us girls wearing different black dresses while the guys wear matching trousers, shirts, and waistcoats. All of them distinguished by tiny little details that fit their personality.

'Nomes, you look drop-dead gorgeous!'

I yelp, noticing my best friend had actually made an effort. I knew this charity event meant a lot to her since the cause tonight was retired military animals, but I didn't expect her to go all out! I think stunned as I glance over her. She's wearing a silk black dress that drapes around her like a second skin. A deep low cut, exposing more of her cleavage I thought she had, and a slit that rises all the way up to her upper thigh which makes it look even sexier. She throws me a glare although I can see the tips of her ears turn red as she grumbles mockingly.

'Shut up and hurry your ass already! Preferably before I reconsider wearing these damn heels for an entire night.'

I roll my eyes at her whining, picking up the white fur stole cape I put aside earlier. Draping it over my shoulders as Alex humms from beside her.

'Don't worry, you can lean on me if you need to get off your feet.'

'Dream on, loverboy.'

Néomy snorts back, slapping Alex across his arm. Her sudden movement almost making her lose balance on her five-inch dark heels, but Alex quickly reacts. Catching her with a cheeky grin on his face while he teases still holding her in his arms.

'Apparently, dreams do come true... And it's not even midnight yet.'

'She'll be turning back into a pumpkin by then.'

Matt pesters causing Nomes to show him the finger, making her look so unladylike it's almost comical. I wave my hand, putting a stop to their squabble while ushering everybody to the door as I chuckle.

'Let's get this show on the road ...before destruction hits.'

They all nod, some more enthusiastically than others. And with others, I mean Nomes and Matt. I shake my head at their reluctant behavior, convinced it'll fade once we get there as each of us grabs one of the masks laying at the table next to the door before we head out together.