My cheeks turn bright red as soon as we walk into the dining hall and all eyes turn in our direction. Including my sister, brother, and Tyler's as they start to chuckle among themselves. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all... I think bashfully, but Matt's words rip me out of my thoughts as he snorts.

'Imagine what their faces would look like if I'd carried you bridal style.'

'Ain't happening!'

I giggle back, reaching out to grab a croissant while trying to hold myself steady by wrapping my legs around his hips. It's too late to back out now. I think already biting off a piece, crumbling onto Matt's shirt as he walks over to the coffee machine and laughs.

'You really are starving if you're already eating before having your morning coffee.'

'Your fault.'

I murmur munching on another bite as Matt hands me my coffee in my empty hand. This is harder than it looks! I groan pushing the croissant between my teeth, holding onto him with one hand as I try not to spill any coffee onto Matt with the other. Somehow walking myself seems easier than this... I snort as Matt holds his own coffee and breakfast in one hand while walking over to the others who are looking rather amused by the sight of us. He puts his own stuff on the table first before I hand him over my cup so I can get off his back when Alex chuckles at us both.

'Care to explain what's going on here?'

'Getting breakfast.'

I say as if it's nothing special while slipping onto the couch making Matt snort knowingly. Rebekah, on the other hand, seems awfully quiet as she squints her eyes studying us both in silence. I pay her no mind, biting another piece out of my croissant scooting over so Matt can sit down as well.

'And since when do you actually eat solid foods in the morning?'

My brother asks entertained, looking all over me. What? I quirk my eyebrow wondering why they all can't seem to stop staring. I know it's strange for Matt and me to act like this, but it isn't like we've never had our quirky moments together before...  I drink a sip of my coffee, overly exaggerating my movements toward Alex as I mutter to him.

'See, there's nothing wrong with me. I'm still running on caffeine, like usual. Can you stop staring now?'

He lifts his hands in surrender although the smirk on his face tells me that there's still something else on his mind. Not in the mood, I turn to Tyler and Rebekah. Both of them are smirking as well making me roll my eyes. Jesus, give a girl some space... I sigh, taking another bite as I mumble.

'I'm sorry for bailing so suddenly yesterday, Ty.'

'Don't sweat it. Rebekah told me what happened in the back, so I understand.'

He waves it off as I glance over to Matt who's also happily scarfing down his plate of food. Alex drawing my attention away from him again as he says.

'I managed to make another deal with the club manager, so Adam won't be an issue anymore. Hell, he's probably halfway to Timbuktu after Lex was done with him.'

Jesus, you really are the dumbest out of us three! I cuss and not just me, but also Rebekah immediately kicks him underneath the table to get him to shut the hell up. You can't keep anything to yourself, you're worse than us girls! I groan glaring at him as Matt looks over, swallowing down his last bite as he huffs.

'Are you going to tell me what she did then? Because I couldn't get a word out of her...'

'Rather not.'

Alex croaks out making me snicker softly as I take another sip of my coffee. Matt still tries to push the matter, not so easy to drop it now that Alex opened his big mouth.

'Come on, why not? At least give me something!'

'No. Why? Because I like my chins better when they're not all battered and bruised, thank you very much...'

Alex laughs awkwardly. Biting away the pain as he draws his legs further under the bench, hoping we won't kick him again.

'Smart brother.'

I giggle, innocently looking up at Matt. I'm not telling you. He sighs exasperatedly, grumbling something under his breath as he finishes his coffee. Good. I glance over to Rebekah, who's also glad we managed to avert that conversation at least. And as if they pre-arranged the whole thing Tyler gets up, motioning to Matt to get something else from the buffet to lure him away. Leaving me alone with my siblings. Thanks, Ty. I huff as Matt looks over to me to see if I want something else as well since I've already finished my croissant and coffee as well. I nod, handing him my coffee cup before they both walk off.

As soon as they're both out of earshot Rebekah takes her opportunity, turning to me as she asks with a malicious tone in her voice.

'So... You've had an eventful night. Didn't you, sis?'

Alex also grins widely at me making me flash my eyes between the both of them, unsure what they're referring to as I murmur trying to play it off.

'Huh, w-what? Because we came in like that? Come on guys, it was just a joke...'

'Uh-huh...'

Alex smirks giving me a once-over, making me shake my head in confusion and frustration as I mutter.

'What is it with you guys this morning?! Don't tell me this is seriously about the eating thing? I can be hungry too, you know...'

My words nearly make Alex spit out his drink as he chuckles, coughing in between his words.

'Oh, yeah! *cough* You weren't the only one *cough* that was hungry *cough* judging by the *cough-cough* hickey on your neck.'

'My what?!'

I yelp, almost jumping off my seat making everyone around us, including the boys at the buffet glance over to us. H-Hickey?! Rebekah and Alex almost die of laughter as I hurriedly drag my hair beside my neck. Trying to cover it even though I have no idea where it's located exactly, my face burning with shame. No fucking wonder they were staring so much! I swear, not even able to look them in the eye as I grumble aloud.

'I'm going to kill him.'

The two of them are still sniffling with laughter as Rebekah says, wiping her sleeve underneath her eyes.

'Apart from that, the sore legs and your sudden appetite lead me to believe it was more than just a kiss...'

I jerk my head up opening my mouth, wanting to defend myself. But coming up empty I end up gaping at her like a fish. Goddammit! I groan in frustration, closing my mouth again as I drag a hand through my hair, flaming red.

'Hey, we're happy for you...'

Alex laughs trying to calm my nerves as Rebekah still tries to stifle her laughter, holding a hand in front of her mouth.

'I have no clue how everything that happened yesterday turned around to that... But still, we're happy you guys managed to work it out.'

She grins as I grind my teeth in agony and snarl.

'Me neither. And I'm not even sure we did work everything out! In any case, now you were so kind to bring up the topic...'

I turn to Alex, my eyes suddenly deathly serious as I swear lowly.

'Are you out of your bloody mind bringing that back up?! Keep your damn mouth shut about what happened with Adam. Matt can't know what I said to him, you idiot!'

'Talking about goddamn idiots...'

Rebekah mumbles tapping her nails on the table, looking over at me with her brows drawn together.

'Have you gone mad, threatening him like that?! Bringing up the family name, seriously?!'

'Yeah, yeah... I know! Not one of my brightest moments. But come on, you know he deserved to be scared to death after everything he did!'

I snap under my breath, glancing over to the buffet where Matt and Tyler are still standing.

'That's not the point, Lexi! You know as well as I do, there's a reason we don't talk about that stuff, ever. It's fucking dangerous for all of us...'

I shake my head, reluctantly agreeing with her as I groan.

'I know!'

'Bekah, give her a break... She normally never goes there, and you know it.'

Alex tries to defend me but Rebekah doesn't wanna hear it, shoving a hand in his face as she continues cussing while trying to keep her volume down.

'That's not the damn point! After what happened to mom and dad? We can't talk about our connection to the Whitfields! What if Matt or Tyler would find out? If it wouldn't make them go running for the hills, it will sure as hell put them in danger by just knowing the truth! What then, huh?'

'I would never put either of them in jeopardy!'

I spit, gesturing to Alex as I continue to swear at Rebekah.

'If anyone is goddamn stupid enough to spill, it's him. Not me!'

Alex immediately crosses his arms, glaring at me. Although he keeps his lips sealed, knowing I'm right.

'I know they are family matters, so stop giving me a hard time about it.'

'Who's talking family?'

Matt suddenly chimes from beside me making me jerk my shoulders in surprise as I look up at him and mumble...

'Oh, nothing... I was just talking to Rebekah about the ...move. She didn't realize it's in two weeks already and now she's freaking out about it.'

I lie. And even though I feel shitty about it, I know it's the right thing to do. Rebekah is right, they can't find out. Matt shrugs his shoulders, sitting down as Tyler comments humoredly taking his place next to Rebekah.

'She's never good with remembering that kind of stuff. Don't worry about it, Lex.'

The three of us heave a silent sigh of relief. Glad that they didn't hear any more of the conversation as Matt puts a plate with eggs and bacon in front of me and smirks.

'Here, beautiful. You need some protein inside your belly...'

'Got plenty of protein. A hickey too, so I'm told.'

I mock, squinting my eyes as I grab the plate close to me. You're so dead for this... I glare as it's now Ty's turn to burst out laughing.

'You didn't complain at the time.'

Matt grins, making me roll my eyes at him. Asshole. I scoop up some eggs as I tell him before putting the fork into my mouth.

'Don't make me kick you too.'

Tyler being Tyler tries to save the day, turning to Rebekah and changing up the conversation as he asks.

'Hey, what about your family? You barely ever seem to talk about them...'

Both me and Rebekah swallow hard as she flashes her eyes over to Alex and me, mumbling quietly.

'W-What's there to say? You know my parents died.'

'Forget it, Tyler.'

Matt suddenly speaks up, his voice more serious than before making every one of us turn to him. He looks over to Rebekah, a melancholic look on his face as he sighs and mutters to Tyler.

'I've known them forever. It's a sore subject, all they had were each other...'

Matt glances over to me, putting a hand on my leg as he smiles softly. His words surprise all of us, the protective tone lingering in them even more... Even if you only know part of the truth, you do know how much it hurts us to be reminded of it. I know he hated the fact that he couldn't come back to be there for us when they died. That's why he made sure Rosa would come and check on us at least once a week for months on end. This is why I could never let go of you, you prick! One minute you're working on my nerves and the next you're incredibly sweet and thoughtful. I mutter to myself as I thank him with my eyes, Tyler seeming to take the hint as he kisses Rebekah's cheek mumbling an apology to her. We continue chatting about nothing in particular as we all finish our breakfast.

'Hey, Matt?'

Tyler suddenly speaks up looking in his direction as he wants to ask something, his eyes full of interest. Matt ushers him to go on as he sips on his coffee, the rest of us looking his way as well.

'After what Rebekah told me, I was wondering... Do you still have your impala? I don't mean to pry, she just mentioned you loved that car.'

He doesn't. I smirk to myself glad he brought up the subject so I wouldn't have to find a way to bring it up myself as Matt stares down into his mug. Mindlessly he swirls his coffee around as he mutters.

'Nah, workers must've pulled it out of the ravine afterward... When I finally was back on my feet and got discharged from the hospital I went over there, but it was already gone. Probably laying on some damn scrapyard or something...'

The tone in his voice turns a bit bitter in the end, imagining his pride and joy abandoned in a ditch somewhere. But it isn't... I smile again, glancing over to Rebekah. She keeps quiet as well, the two of us knowing the truth. No baby, we got it out of there the day after with the help of some friends even though it was damaged beyond recognition. Since he didn't want anything to do anymore with cars or racing we decided to keep it a secret, stashing it away for him in case he'd ever choose to get behind the wheel again.

'Why not get another one?'

Tyler asks innocently, making both Rebekah and I sniffle as Matt instantly spits insulted.

'There was only one Louise! You wouldn't understand, you aren't a racer...'

'Besides, he doesn't get behind the wheel anymore...'

Rebekah sighs, tapping Tyler on the back to let him know Matt's outburst isn't anything personal.

'Actually, he got behind the wheel the other day...'

I smile knowingly at Rebekah, who instantly jerks her head up to me in surprise and yelps.

'He did what now?! When?!'

'The night shit went down with Ian... He drove me back to the beach in Thelma.'

She blinks several times. Not believing her ears as she turns to Matt, searching for some kind of confirmation. He sighs tilting his head to me, slightly annoyed that I let out our little secret while he murmurs to Rebekah.

'Twice, if you wanna be precise about it. The night little firecracker over here got smashed, you also handed me the keys to her car before you stomped off. Remember?'

Really? I look up at him in surprise. I didn't even think about how we got back home that night, I just figured he had gotten us a cab or something.

'I didn't think you'd actually go and drive! I just figured you'd get the car home some other way...'

She shrieks, completely swept off her feet and I can't help but smirk at her as I mumble softly.

'You know what that means...'

She nods knowingly, it's time. A smile creeps up on her face, making Matt flash his eyes back and forth between us as he grumbles.

'What the hell are you two up to? Don't even think about getting me another car! I don't want it. I'm perfectly fine as is. Just because I drove once or twice doesn't mean I want another car, so get whatever you're thinking out of your heads ...asap.'

'We're not pushing another car onto you...'

Rebekah snorts with humor, making me laugh as well. No darling, we're going to get yours fixed. I think, kindly batting my eyelashes up at him as I tell him in a sweet voice.

'What? We're not.'

He groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. Only making me giggle more before he looks over to me again and huffs.

'Lexi... You're not giving me any of yours either.'

'Like hell, you're getting a car of mine!'

I snap, holding my hand up to him. A grin still tugging on my face as I tell him.

'Don't be so full of yourself, not even you're that special. You're free to borrow one of them, but you ain't getting any!'

My reaction makes the lot laugh out loud as Matt smirks.

'Not that special, huh?'

'Nah-ah. If you're suddenly that dead set on getting a car, you can have the one I got from the office. I hate the bloody thing anyways. But you keep your hands off my muscle cars. They're mine!'

'You're not getting any of mine either!'

Rebekah chuckles, making Matt grimace as he replies.

'Like I would even want one of your imports.'

His comment makes me snicker as Rebekah immediately squints her eyes and grumbles back.

'Don't fuck with my cars...'

'Phff... I could still beat you with my eyes closed in that crappy car Lex drives for work. By the way, I sure as hell don't want that one either.'

He mumbles looking my way. It's true, it is a damn shitty car... I tilt my head at his comment, not able to deny it while Rebekah looks to the side pouting.

'I only use it because Delphine gave it to me. That way I'm sure my own cars are safe from harassing fans, also not having to park them wherever I'm dragged for work.'

'How many cars do you guys own?!'

Tyler suddenly asks interrupting our banter. I look over at him, grinning as I state mildly.

'Right now? Seven...'

He gapes, looking between the both of us before turning to Alex as he asks.

'And you?'

He laughs wholeheartedly shaking his head as he answers.

'Just one, to get me wherever I need to be. My father had a love for cars and I do know a thing or two, but my sisters are definitely the ones who inherited the race genes.'

Rebekah and I both beam with pride, looking at one another as she says to Tyler.

'I got three imports. Completely tuned to my taste, of course... These two, on the other hand, have a love for American muscle cars. The classics. The louder the sound, the better.'

'They're not just sound.'

I grin, Matt also smirking slightly as I whisper to Tyler.

'I've got the fastest out of them all. Neither of them ever managed to beat me in a quarter-mile...'

Rebekah scoffs at my words while Matt turns in his seat to me, a challenging look on his face as I continue pridefully.

'Not even Louise could beat me, Thelma is a beast when we're on a straight road.'

'Drifting is a whole other story though...'

Matt smirks, wiggling his eyebrows referring to the time he kicked my ass going down a mountain path. Yeah, yeah... When it comes to turning corners Louise would beat me any day. Besides, Matt's one of the best drivers I've ever seen in my life. He once asked to switch cars for a race, I told him no. He thought it was because I didn't want to let him drive Thelma... But to be honest I was just too scared he'd kick my ass in my own damn car. If that would've happened, I'd never heard the end of it.

'Jesus. Here I thought I was a badass for owning a bike...'

Tyler mumbles as he turns to Rebekah a smile on his face as he continues.

'But I guess the real badass is my girlfriend, isn't she?'

'Don't worry, you're still my bad boy. You know I love going for a drive on the back of your motorcycle...'

She giggles, softly kissing him on the cheek. A grin appears on Tyler's face as he chugs down what's left of his coffee. We continue chatting about bikes and cars for another half an hour. Dragging up some old memories as I make myself comfy, leaning against Matt's chest. It's nice to be able to talk casually about this kind of stuff now... We avoided talking about the races for far too long, ever since Matt's accident. I think smiling up at him as he asks quietly while the others continue to chat among themselves.

'Do you still go sometimes and see some of the old crew?'

I shrug my shoulders, shaking my head as I explain.

'Not really. Rebekah's been a few times, but I haven't been around the scene in years... From time to time I run into Ruby or Shelby. They continuously ask for me to drop by, saying they miss the competition. Jake still does my repairs whenever there's a larger issue on one of my cars.'

'Never thought that wild side of you could get tamed and you'd drop out... You loved going to the races.'

'I did. Until what happened to you...'

I breathe, looking up at him a bit of pain still visible in my eyes as I whisper softly.

'That gave me a good enough scare. I still love driving, but racing is a whole other matter. Besides, it wasn't the same without you there...'

I blush, making Matt smile as he wraps his arm around my shoulder. A gentle look on his face as he whispers.

'So you did miss me when I was gone?'

'Of course, I did doofus. Even if we weren't really friends, you were always there...'

He furrows his brows, his lips drawn together as he bites out.

'Why would you ever think we weren't friends?'

'Oh, come on. We were always bickering... You were Bheks best friend, not mine.'

I snort, pushing him with my shoulder. But he doesn't look amused, to say the least, as he tells me in a low voice.

'Bullshit. Just because Bekah is my best friend, didn't mean we didn't have a connection too, Lex...'

'You can't fool me, Matt. The only times when we weren't fighting back then was when you were doing repairs on my car...'

'About that...'

Rebekah speaks up having followed our conversation, a malicious smile on her face making me lift an eyebrow. What? Matt immediately tenses up beside me as he squints his eyes at Rebekah and threatens.

'Bheks, don't u dare...'

'Don't you dare what?'

I grumble, sitting up so I can look at Matt, fear written in his eyes as he already cowers away to the end of the booth so he can get the hell out of dodge when he needs to. Rebekah draws my attention back to her for a second as she giggles.

'Dear little Matt was the one to constantly sabotage your car so it wouldn't run properly...'

'You did what?!'

I cry out, turning back to Matt who gives me a sheepish look before quickly making a run for it as he shouts.

'Goddammit, Rebekah! You said you wouldn't spill!'

I immediately dash after him, my sore legs completely forgotten as I yell.

'You fucker! I told you it was impossible that she'd give out on me so many bloody times while I took such good care of her!'

He runs around the breakfast bar. Stopping so he can look at me all the while making sure I don't close in on him as he laughs, a cheeky grin plastered on his face.

'Had to find some way to spend more time with you, beautiful...'

'You were with us all the time jackass! Didn't mean you had to vandalize Thelma for it!'

I fire back angrily. My hands grab the counter opposite from him, lurking at him like a lion ready to attack. Dammit! I cuss every time I try to make a move, trying to the other side so I can get a hold of him. Matt mimicking my movements, going the other way. Oh, I'll get you sooner or later! I tell him squinting with my eyes as he grins playfully defending himself.

'I didn't vandalize her! I always made sure it was harmless, pulling cables from under the battery and such!'

I grind my teeth, still trying to stare him to death since I can't seem to get any closer when my eyes suddenly land on the fruit basket. A pineapple... I grin, my eyes twinkling at Matt who puts his hands up and says in a low voice.

'Lex... No...'

'Remember last time? Now those were the good old days!'

I sneer, picking up the piece of fruit and tossing it between my hands. Matt's face instantly grows pale as Rebekah chuckles from her seat.

'Ohhh! You got psycho Lex on your hands, you're in for it now!'

'And who's fault is that?!'

Matt snarls toward Rebekah, his eyes never leaving me and the pineapple that's still between my hands. Remembering the last time I chased him down with one when we were ten years old as I hum.

'Things were so much simpler back then. You pissed me off, and in return, you got thrown something at your head.'

'I think I prefer complicated than... Just put the damn thing down! You already hit me in the head with it once, not looking forward to that happening again!'

Matt tries to plead with me, his eyes in full puppy mode as we keep circling around the counter and I huff.

'Should've thought of that before you put your hands on my car...'

'That was ages ago! Besides, I fixed it myself every single time!'

'It didn't even need fixing, to begin with!'

I yell, raising the piece of fruit in my hand ready to charge. Either come here, or you're going to get it! I threaten, making Matt instinctively duck as he makes a run for the patio with me hot on his tail as he begs.

'Beautiful, let's talk about this! Remember ...five, six, seven?'

'Don't you dare throw those words back at me, Mattheo Blackwell!'

I shout, running as fast as I can down the stairs and into the sand as I start to close in on him. Luckily for me, he isn't as fast as he used to be ever since the accident. I'm much faster than him, especially when I'm mad, even with my muscles aching I still manage to catch up with him. It'll only be a matter of time before I get to you! I grin speeding up, even more. Matt seemingly knows this as well as he suddenly blurts out at the end of his whits.

'What do you want me to say?! I had a crush on you! I just wanted to get your attention, nothing more.'

His words nearly make me freeze in my steps as I'm only a hair away from him. W-What? I shake my head, instantly dropping the pineapple into the sand as I tackle him from behind. You had what?! I sputter to myself as both of us roll through the sand. Eventually, crawl my way on top of him asking breathlessly.

'S-Say that again?'

He gives me a bashful smile, quickly glancing at my hands to make sure I'm not carrying the fruity weapon anymore as he mumbles.

'...I had a crush on you, that's why I did it.'

I blink repeatedly, shaking my head as I grumble back at him smacking his chest.

'Chocolate and flowers would've gotten the message better across, you idiot!'

He grasps my hands, rolling us over and holding them above my head as he scoffs frustratedly.

'If I'd done that you'd only laughed at me, thinking I was joking...'

Like hell, I would! I scream to myself. It would've been the best day of my life! He pulls up a brow, reading my thoughts as he murmurs.

'You know I'm right. Whenever I tried to do something nice, you'd always make fun of me.'

I look to the side, silently cursing myself knowing his words are indeed true. It always made me feel awkward when you suddenly started acting sweet to me, probably because I was too afraid I'd get hurt in the end. Which did happen... I sigh reminding myself, hating the way things turned out before he left as I mock back at him.

'Still... You shouldn't have put your hands on Thelma.'

'I know...'

He agrees, peering into my eyes. Still holding my hands captive above me as he murmurs.

'I was a stupid boy who didn't know how to make a stubborn mule like you understand that I was head over heels for you...'

I blush furiously, averting my eyes as I try to get my hands loose whispering softly.

'You're cheating... How can I be mad at you when you spew stuff like that?'

With one hand he cups my cheek, making me turn back to him. Not fair... I pout as Matt's gorgeous green eyes gaze into mine, twinkling with adoration as he rasps.

'Then don't be... It came from a good place at the time, gorgeous. I'd never purposely ruin your ride.'

'Hmpfh...'

I huff, still trying to act offended as I mutter.

'You're still a stupid bloke for not remembering...'

'I know that too... But I'm trying.'

He sighs, a pained look in his eyes as he lets go of my wrists. Think harder. I grunt to myself as he pulls me up so we're both sitting straight, catching me in his arms as he whispers.

'I'll figure it out, beautiful... The only thing I can tell you right now is that I never meant to hurt you in any possible shape or form. And I promise I will never in the future either...'

Damn you... I cuss as his words make my heart flutter, even if I don't want them to. Why would you leave if you were so hung up on me? That's what I actually want to ask, but can't. I want you to fucking figure it out, and I prefer it if you'd do it quickly! I lament, not getting how he doesn't understand that that's what crushed me right after what he did for me on my birthday. It doesn't take a goddamn genius... He strokes my hair, seeing the torment in my eyes as he sighs.

'I'm sorry, beautiful ...about Thelma as well.'

'It's fine.'

I shake my head, a small smile on my face as I look up at him and say.

'We did have some fun times working on my car in the garage, didn't we?'

'Exactly.'

He smirks, hugging me close making me grin a bit as well. What am I to do with you... I breathe, holding his face between my palms. Gently I lay a kiss on the stubble of his jaw as I whisper in a warning.

'Just don't ever do it again...'

'No, no. Flowers and chocolate got it.'

He chuckles in return pecking me on the lips before getting up, holding his hand out so he can hoist me up as well. I groan feeling my strained muscles, now hurting even more after running. He looks down at me, humor written on his face as he asks.

'Do I need to carry you again?'

'No, I'll be fine as long as you don't piss me off again...'

I snort, brushing the sand off of my clothes. We lazily walk back into the dining hall together, his arm wrapped around my shoulders as he matches my pace.

'You better behave now, otherwise, I might change my mind about your birthday gift... And trust me, you don't want to because you're going to love it.'

I mutter, the corners of my mouth drawn up in a smile. He looks down at me, wondering what it could be as he teases.

'I'll try my very best, gorgeous. Can't make any promises though...'

I shake my head laughing as I see the others stroll up to us, grinning widely as they see I didn't kill Matt during our chase. Instead, his arm is wrapped around me as if nothing ever happened.

'Glad to see you worked it out.'

Rebekah chuckles at Matt, keeping a safe distance from him by staying close to Tyler.

'Not because of you...'

He huffs, kissing me on the head as a thank you for not slaughtering him because of it.

'What? I thought you wouldn't have minded since we were being so open and honest at breakfast...'

Rebekah says, innocently batting her eyelashes making Matt and I both snort in return. Yeah fucking right, you knew exactly what you were doing goddamn minx.

'I'll get you back for this. I don't know how, or when, but I will...'

Matt grumbles, squinting at his best friend. She's almost as bad as him... I grunt before I excuse myself, telling the others I need to make some phone calls for work before we head off to the airport later on tonight. Matt reluctantly lets go of me as I walk back outside, searching for a quiet place.

***

Half an hour later I managed most of my important stuff with Delphine, finally able to hang up the line. First deleting a bunch of texts from Ian without even reading them, I scroll down in my contact list until I spot Jake's name and press call. It only rings three times or so before he picks up, his gruff voice as bubbly as always as he says.

'Hey, Davins! It's been a long time. What can I do for ya?'

'Hey, Jake. I got a favor to ask of you...'

'I know that tone, what do you want?'

He sighs from the other end of the line as I quickly glance around me to make sure no one is listening in on me and say.

'Remember Matt's jacked-up impala we pulled from the ravine?'

'How could I forget...'

He groans, already knowing and fearing where I'm going with this. Please, please ...please Jake! I pray as I take a deep breath, before telling him in my sweetest voice possible.

'Any chance you could lend me a hand fixing it?'

'Lend you a hand?'

He snorts as I hear him put down some kind of heavy tool. Okay, maybe more than just a hand... I think, rolling my eyes knowing this kind of heavy maintenance isn't something I could do alone as I continue pleading with him for help.

'Come on, Jake! Please? I know you'd have to do most of the work, but you're the best there is. If anyone can pull it off it's you!'

'Okay, okay! Stop begging, Jesus! But you've gotta help, I'm already drowning with work.'

'Deal! Whatever you want, I'll drop by any spare moment I have!'

I yelp, happy he's agreeing to this at all when he suddenly asks cautiously.

'He knows then?'

'Uhhh, nope... He hasn't got a clue.'

I mutter under my breath, causing Jake to jump as he immediately goes into high alert while he yells in my ear.

'Lexi! Are you out of your damn mind?!'

'It'll be fine, trust me...'

I try to calm him down when I see Matt strolling up to me from the corner of my eye and I quickly mumble under my breath.

'Shit, he's coming. I'll drop by as soon as I'm back, we can talk business. Thanks, Jake! You're the best!'

'Lexi?!'

He roars, but I already hung up on him shoving the phone back in my pocket as I look over to Matt. He takes a seat next to me, furring his brows because I got off the phone so suddenly and he asks.

'Done with work?'

'Hmm? Yeah, I got everything sorted out for when I get back...'

I smile as my phone starts ringing again. Shit, that's probably Jake wanting to talk his way out of it... I grunt not even trying to get the phone out, making Matt cock his head as he asks.

'Don't you need to get that?'

'Nah, it's probably Ian again... He's been calling and texting nonstop, it's driving me berserk.'

I say, not sure whether it's a lie or not because he has in fact called me over a hundred times these past few days. A hint of anger is immediately noticeable on Matt's face as he grumbles.

'He still bothering you?'

'Probably will for a long time, or at least until the concert is over...'

I sigh making myself comfortable by laying my feet on the chair across from me, wanting to enjoy the lovely weather for as long as I can before we have to leave.

'If he takes it too far let me know, alright?'

Matt says gritting his teeth in frustration. I give him a sideways glance, a smile tugging on my lips as I say.

'I will, although I'm perfectly capable of solving my own problems with him...'

'I know you can, little vixen...'

Matt smirks back at me, laying his feet down next to mine.

'Doesn't mean I can't hate the bastard. I'm just afraid he'll get under your skin again, he's a goddamn snake.'

He bites out looking over the ocean in the distance. Why do you sound so jealous? I can't help but grin as he continues muttering frustratedly.

'Just give me permission to kick his ass if he ever tries something when I'm around...'

'Hahaha, if you wanna crush his spirit just tell him we've had sex. That'll shut him up for sure...'

I laugh, already imagining the look on his face if Matt were to say that. I'm not sure if he'd even believe it, but the thought alone would make him lose his damn mind... I sneer as Matt chuckles at me from the side, lacing his fingers through mine.

'At least that's one thing he didn't fuck up...'

'No ...you did.'

I blurt out without thinking, my cheeks immediately flaming with shame as I keep my eyes trained on the water. Shit. Matt squeezes my hand and I quickly glance over to him to see a dangerous glimmer in his eyes as he whispers.

'I was a perfect gentleman yesterday... You were the dirty one, fucking my brains out in the bathtub this morning.'

'D-Did not...'

I stammer mortified, jumping to my feet all the while jerking my hand away from Matt. Why does he have to be so goddamn blunt about it?! I whine, already on my way inside stumbling over my own legs, making Matt chuckle as I mutter.

'I-I'm gonna go ahead and pack my stuff!'

I run past Rebekah and Tyler, my head crimson with shame. Not even bothering to look up at them, I head toward the elevator. It's bad enough I acted like that this morning, I've never done anything close to that in my entire life... I curse silently, making my way into the elevator. The entire night and morning still seemed like a dream to me, although the soreness between my legs is solid prove it had actually taken place. I've lost my virginity to Matt... It's what I've always secretly wanted, even if his teasing about how it went down drives me mad. Not mad as in angry... Oh no, I wish it was as easy as anger! It makes me go mad with desire and lust! Drawing out a side of myself I didn't even know I had, and it scares the living shit out of me! Every time one of us delved into the subject, images of last night would flash through my mind. Instantly awaking a flame inside of me, making me crave even more of him! This morning only proved that, showing how little self-control I have whenever I'm around him. I grunt, remembering every little detail...

His addictive touch, as his gruff fingers caressed my skin... His husk deep voice, bewitching me to throw away all common sense... His captivating lustrous emerald eyes, filled with an animalistic hunger as they peered into the deepest parts of my soul... His lips, God, I don't think I can ever get enough of the taste of them... His brusque sexy beard, creating an abrasive tingling feeling as soon as it made contact with my skin... His messy jet black raven hair, perfectly disheveled as I roamed my fingers through them... Those alluring lines on his hips, taunting me to explore further down...

The sight of his impeccable naked body, in all its glorious deliciousness standing before me... His strong muscles and the way they rippled under his skin, making me want to explore every inch of him with my mouth... His hard solid member their veins twitching with anticipation, making my core throb with even more need and my mouth run dry begging me for a taste... The way he felt inside of me, filling me up completely as if he was made just for me... His rigid thrusts, making sparks shoot all the way up my spine as he pounded into my sweet spot over and over again...

And dear lord! The way he pushed me right over the edge, again and again. Drawing out a string of unholy moans and groans from my lips I didn't even know I could make, while my body and soul were completely surrendered to his might... The feeling of him coming undone inside of me, making me shudder in delight as my walls clenched around his shaft reluctant for it to end...

Fuck, I'm so screwed! Literally. I swear, shaking my head and clenching my legs together. Get a fucking grip, Lex! I slap myself on the wrist, walking to our room with sluggish legs. He may be a fucking God in the bedroom, but that doesn't mean I should surrender myself so easily! I curse angrily as I start shoving my stuff into my suitcase. I knew what I said this morning was the truth, things can't go back to what they were anymore... He already broke me once! And even though I'm seeing a new side of him, a bloody scrumptious and desirable side... But there's still this nagging voice in the back of my mind that tells me I'm standing on dangerous territory. If he did it once, leaving me while he just confessed he liked me. What would stop him from doing it again? A gut feeling that makes my heart wrench in agony just thinking about it.

I want nothing more than to believe him, be with him... Because those are the happiest moments in my existence. When I'm close to him, I finally feel like I'm able to breathe again... But until he explains why he did what he did and makes up for it, I have to be very careful. Otherwise, I'll tumble into his deadly trap and he'll swallow me whole... I sigh not knowing how to find a middle ground between sanity and passion. All I know is that I don't regret one moment of what happened between us on this trip, even with all my doubts. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world...

***

'So, which bed am I sleeping in tonight?'

Matt smirks as I swing open the front door, Rebekah and Alex both following in tow behind us. I push my back against the door rolling my eyes at him as I drag my suitcase through the door and grunt.

'Your own! I need a decent night of sleep after what you put me thr~'

My voice instantly dies down when I hear Meatloaf bursting from the speakers behind me, dropping my suitcase on the floor. It can't be! I think as I jerk around, a wide smile spreading on my face. Matt doing the exact opposite knowing exactly what this means. There's only one explanation if "Paradise by the dashboard light" is playing at full volume and he groans.

'Oh, God no!'

'Stop right there!
I gotta know right now!'

I sing from the top of my lungs, sharpening my ears to make sure this isn't just my stereo screwing with me. I only play that track whenever I'm with Nomes, so this can't be a coincidence...

'Before we go any further!
Do you love me? Will you love me forever?!'

A light voice shouts back from the kitchen followed by the rugged Stafford that immediately comes running at us. Dragging his massive legs as fast as he can manage at his old age, happily waving its tail.

'Bear!'

Rebekah squeals as I dart off into the kitchen at lightning speed still singing along.

'Néomy!'

I yell, immediately tackling her into a hug before she even manages to turn around, too busy with the stove.

'About damn time you showed... I thought maybe Marvin would speed up the process. Apparently, the Gods of Rock 'n Roll worked in my favor.'

She laughs, hugging me back and turning off the stove before continuing to full-heartedly sing her part of the song. Both of us dancing unreserved as we've always done whenever this song would come up ever since we were little kids, and I instantly answer her singing with my own. We continue at it until the song is over, not even concerned to look if anyone sees us like this. Both bursting out in laughter right after before I ask, slightly out of breath.

'How long have you been back?'

'Two fucking days! You left me alone in this damn town with Ryan for two fucking days! Shame on you.'

She squints laughingly as I raise my hands and shriek.

'Hey! I had to get out of here for a couple of days...'

'Oh, I get that! Even in developing countries word travels fast, which is why I came back in the first place.'

She grumbles, her face immediately going sour. But before she can ask any further Matt speaks up behind us with both a dreadful and menacing tone in his voice.

'Look what the cat dragged in...'

Making Néomy's shoulders jerk in surprise as she turns around and snarls, her voice dripping with disdain.

'If it isn't douchebag! The hell are you doing here? Shouldn't you be off butchering people's skin in Vegas?'

I lay my hand on her shoulder, chuckling softly as Matt crosses his arms returning her death glare.

'Ease off, he's staying here...'

'Say what?!'

She shouts so loudly that Bear immediately comes jogging into the kitchen to see what's going on. She pets him for a second to let him know there's nothing wrong until she swivels around to me and asks again.

'What do you mean, he's staying here?'

'He's back.'

I simply state, eying her that I can't exactly go into detail while he's standing right behind her. She grinds her teeth, squinting her eyes as she looks a little to my side inspecting my neck. Shit. The hickey, I totally forgot about that! I wince, as she eyes me suspiciously. Probably dying to give me a lecture, but Matt pulls her out of her stupified daze as he huffs amused.

'That's right, Greenwood. Didn't you smell the pillow in the guestroom? It probably still smelled like me...'

'I'm gonna puke...'

She groans, holding her stomach making Matt laugh even more. God, these two... Will they ever stop? I sigh looking over to Rebekah for help. She's standing in the doorway, a hand in front of her mouth trying to stifle her laughter as she mutters.

'Sorry, Néomy. He got back a few weeks ago. A lot has happened.'

My eyes grow wide. Silently cursing my sister, suddenly wishing she hadn't said anything at all. She's going to bloody murder me... I recoil as she grabs the rim of my clothes, already dragging me out of the kitchen as she snaps.

'Bear, stay. You're coming with me, now!'

I plead to the others for help. Already realizing that Matt won't be there for my aid if it has anything to do with Nomes. But I can at least try! Rebekah and Matt both wave me off, smirking, as I swear back at them.

'Remember you guys are next, goddammit!'

Néomy yanks on my shirt again to get me to come along and I stop talking as she walks me up the stairs. First heading to the guestroom but immediately making a b-line, avoiding it now that she knows Matt slept in the bed before her. Heading for my room instead, slamming the door shut behind us before she looks over to me and mumbles.

'You've got some explaining to do...'

I smile nervously, knowing all too well where this is going as I argue.

'I... I didn't mean to...'

'You got fucked.'

She states dryly, swapping me off my feet as I drop down on the corner of the bed in a stupor. She doesn't mean mentally fucked. no. She fucking knows! She fucking knows I fucked Matt. I shrink, afraid of what might follow as I murmur.

'H-How~'

'I'm your best friend, that's how!'

She spits, glaring at me as she sits down on a chair opposite of me.

'That and the fact that you stopped me from attacking him in the kitchen! I came back home because I thought you'd be here wailing your eyes out. Not fucking Matt somewhere on a remote island! Are you out of your goddamn mind, Lexi?! After everything he has done to you?!'

'Yes!'

I scream from the top of my lungs, trying to interrupt her bitching as I yelp.

'I have lost my damn mind! Nomes, I don't know what the fuck I'm doing alright?'

She sighs pinching the bridge of her nose, her anger and frustration dimming down, if only a little, as she murmurs.

'Tell me everything...'

I quickly start telling her about everything that happened these past few months, starting from the point I found the diary up until today. Trying to get the words out of my mouth as fast as possible, never pausing except when drawing a few breaths in between. Néomy doesn't interrupt me either, which is one of her best traits as a true friend. I tell her about my near heart attack when Matt was suddenly standing in our kitchen after not seeing him for three years. She only sighs or groans at certain moments as emotions start pouring out of me, bringing her up to speed about all the crappy stuff that happened when he found out about the album.

My sad feelings quickly replaced by anger when I explain to her what exactly happened with Ian, spitting with hatred. For the first time, Néomy opens her mouth, only to scream and swear on my account that he actually cheated on me. With none other than Charlotte. But she quickly goes silent again as I tell her about my little escapade with Matt in the water that same night. Don't kill me! I plead while she grinds her teeth, her eyes almost making me cower. Wanting to react but keeping her words to herself, at least until I'm done talking.

Not holding anything back, I give her a full layout of what happened the entire weekend, including my breakdown when we talked about the car crash. If anyone knows everything about me, it's her... I sigh, averting my eyes from her as I fess up. Conveying she was right and that I had sex for the first time. This tips her over the edge, not able to hold back any longer as she asks impatiently.

'So are you guys together, together, or what?'

I shake my head, unable to get rid of my red cheeks as I mutter.

'Honestly Nomes, I don't know where we stand at this point...'

'Jesus Christ! I hoped you'd say this was just a one-time fuck to get him out of your system. But you're still hung up on him, aren't you?'

I fall back on the bed, holding an arm in front of my eyes as I whisper.

'...More than ever.'

She sighs in response, laying down next to me watching the ceiling as she murmurs.

'So what's the plan? As your friend, I'm obliged to still hate him and tell you this is the stupidest thing you've ever done...'

A cynical laugh escapes my lips as I turn to look at her. Of course, you'd say that... She wraps her arms around me, hugging me tight to her as I murmur.

'You're going to help me to keep me in check while I try to keep what's left of my damn sanity until I figure out if he's being sincere this time...'

'Rest easy, I'll make sure you won't go off your rocker again.'

She laughs before her eyes turn more serious and she bites out.

'But he better gets his shit together, quickly! I'm not going to stand by and watch you get heartbroken all over again.'

I nod in agreeance, biting my lip as I confess another detail I didn't have time, or the guts, to explain earlier.

'I... Erm... I fucked him again the morning after in the bathtub...'

'God, Lex!'

She groans, pushing me away as if I'm infected by some kind of virus as she sits up straight.

'You lost your damn virginity and you're brains along with it!'

'I can't help he's fucking blessed down below! Goddammit Nomes, he drives my hormones mad!'

I utter trying to defend myself in some kind of way, only to screw myself even more. Néomy instantly buries her hands in her hair as she swears disgustedly.

'Eww, I don't need to know that!'

Matt and her never really got along. Mainly because Néomy knew my feelings for him and he left me hanging. But imagining him and me having sex is going one bridge too far for her as she yelps.

'That's it, I'm sleeping in your room! I'm not setting foot in that guestroom, ever, again. Besides, I need to make sure you're going to keep your legs closed and not jump his bones again!'

'Nomes!'

I squeal mortified, even though I know she's partially right as she gets to her feet pointing a finger at me.

'I'm going to tell that boy to keep his hands off of you! Oh, and don't you dare call me Nomes with that airhead in the room. It still sounds like gnome, and I ain't no gnome! He'll have a fucking field day if he ever discovers that nickname.'

She warns me before opening the door and stalking downstairs. I instantly hop to my feet dashing after her, frightened of what she might do when she gets her claws on Matt. He better get the hell out of dodge... I laugh silently as she bends around the corner looking for the others, as soon as her eyes cross with Matt she yells.

'Hey, idiot! You got your room back, I'm sleeping with Lexi.'

'You've gotta be kidding!'

He shouts looking my way. I smile sheepishly, holding my hands up mouthing to him there's no negotiating with her if he wants to survive tonight. Sorry... Even if she's right and I shouldn't be anything near your delightful body. Right now, I'm still feeling a bit bummed about it as well as Néomy snarls.

'Absolutely not!'

'Great. You don't only have a guard dog in the house, but also one in your bed...'

Matt groans to me, glaring at Néomy with his arms crossed.

'Sorry, baby.'

I joke and a slight smirk instantly forms on his lips as he hears those words. Néomy gives me a shove in return, staring me down as she mutters through gritted teeth.

'No mushy stuff either!'

'Jesus fuck, I'm doomed now the two of you are together again...'

Matt grunts as he lets himself plop down on the couch while Néomy pridefully puffs her chest out and says.

'Now that's all cleared up. Dinner anyone?'