***

A/N:

!!! Important !!!

I have NO rights to ANY of the songs/videos I use in my book!
Even though I may mention Lexi is singing/recording these songs as hers,
ALL credits go to the original artists (or/and cover artists) and their producers!

I just find these songs fitting with the storyline and it took a lot of time researching them. I just hope you all appreciate the selection I made and further all the credits go out to them for making it sound amazing! Again, I only own the rights to the book I write itself.

I will also name all the original song titles and artists/cover artists by the end of each chapter.

Enjoy! xoxo Dominique Moust.

***

'I'll fucking take care of it! Can't you just give me another month?'

I whisper shout through the phone, afraid I'll wake the whole damn house up otherwise. I know I've been running late on my payment, but I never thought it would take so much time to set up the shop in the first place...

'We've been pretty patient already, don't you think?'

A low voice thunders from the other side, clearly not amused by my stalling methods.

'Within a few weeks I'm opening up and I'll have a decent cash flow coming in. I just don't have it at the moment!'

I groan back trying to reason with him. But luckily a few noises in the background seem to distract him as he mutters annoyed.

'This is your last chance, I wanna have my first payment within thirty days. Don't abuse my trust Mattheo, we gave you the loan because my father took a liking to you. More importantly ...don't make me come all the way to LA for this shit. I've got more important stuff to deal with!'

He hangs up, not even waiting for me to reply. Damn it! I curse, throwing the phone on my bed and stalking restlessly around the room. I'm fucked! The only solution I can come up with is to try and call the bank again tomorrow, hoping they'll see I've got a good investment now that the shop is nearly done. Though I doubt they'll even listen to me this time. Those stuck-up men in their fancy suits didn't even give me a second look last time around... I groan as my eyes get drawn outside to the garage, a little light shines through the window informing me that Lexi's back home. I could really use some distraction from you right now, beautiful... I sigh, debating whether or not I should go down to see her. I haven't even laid eyes on her since I snuck down to the kitchen over a week ago. Apart from watching her new video clip which aired earlier today, which doesn't count in my opinion. I know she said she's been swarmed with work, but I can't help but wonder if she's been dodging me for another reason. No one works close to sixteen hours a day, she's gone most of the time before the crack of dawn only to return well after midnight. I shake my head having made up my mind as I open the door creeping past the hallway to the stairs when Lexi's door suddenly flings wide open. Néomy looks up at me with a humored look on her face as she says in a snarky tone.

'Going for another stroll at midnight, Blackwell?'

I roll my eyes turning to her as I mutter bitterly under my breath.

'You're not my mother. I'm allowed to leave my room you know, I'm not on fucking house arrest.'

She looks me over, still looking as moody as ever as she grumbles through gritted teeth while Bear sits down next to her on the floor.

'Don't give me a reason to ground you either...'

I sigh giving her half a nod, not even trying to say anything else as I start walking down the stairs. Always on my case! I mutter to myself as she calls out again, making me turn around midway.

'Don't hurt her again, Matt. I mean it.'

She warns me leaning against the doorframe, scrutinizing me with her eyes.

'I won't.'

I bite out, glaring back at her. You're worse than a damn pitbull... I groan as she gives me a stiff nod before getting back to bed, closing the door behind her. I shake my head as I continue to walk down, grabbing a bottle of soda in the kitchen before walking over to the garage. Softly I pry open the door, watching Lexi's frame bend over the opened hood of her pearly white mustang as she softly sings along with the radio while working around with a few tools. Just like the good old days... I grin enjoying the view, not even able to remember the last time I saw her doing some maintenance.

I remain by the door observing her figure as she's completely lost in her own world. A smile on her face as she's wagging her hips along with the Spanish music while she cleans out the air filter. I close the door behind me, purposely making a bit more noise than I have to so she won't get spooked as I mumble.

'I'm surprised you even have a voice left to sing. Don Omar, good to see you haven't lost all your roots.'

She chuckles softly, looking up at me her smile never fading as she says.

'It's relaxing, although I still don't understand a word of it...'

A rumble of laughter erupts from my mouth as I walk up to her, putting down the bottle of soda on a side table. Typical... I think, smirking slyly as I tell her.

'Maybe I can teach you one day.'

'...Better not.'

She murmurs, turning her attention back to the air filter. Her hips still move along the rhythm although she keeps her lips sealed this time. Probably afraid she'll make a fool out of herself for not pronouncing the words right. Not that I'd even care... I laugh, leaning next to the car as I ask.

'And why not? I thought you liked the language and always hated the fact that you never learned it from your mother.'

'I do... I just don't think having you as a teacher is such a good idea.'

She mumbles, a faint smirk playing on her lips. I take the air filter and little brush she's using away from her hands laying it down beside her, not bothered by her surprised face or if my hands get dirty. Always playing hard to get... I heave a sigh as I grab her hand and swirl her around, making her giggle before I rest my other hand on her waist. Never having forgotten my salsa moves since my entire family made sure we remembered our customs and where we came from.

Moving my body in sync with hers, both of us follow the rhythm of the song playing on the radio as she gazes up at me in astonishment. I've still gotta have a few tricks up my sleeve, beautiful. How else am I going to continue to impress you? I grin, teasing her a little as I say.

'I'd be an amazing teacher, you have no idea what you're missing out on...'

She giggles again as I tip her backward, immediately pulling her close to my chest again when she chirps knowingly.

'There's no doubt in my mind that you are... But that's not the problem.'

'Then what is?'

I ask confusedly, only making her laugh harder as she gets more into it. Dancing along and turning her body so she can rub it against mine, she looks up at me through her long lashes and whispers.

'You'd be too much of a distraction, Mattheo... I wouldn't be able to remember a thing, not able to concentrate when you start getting all sexy talking Spanish to me.'

'Olé, is that so?'

I smirk back at her. My heart skips a beat, not used to hearing her rasp my full name. I grasp her hips close to me as she lays her arm around my neck, never breaking eye contact as she keeps her body glued against mine. I'm not sure I'd be able to concentrate either... I chuckle, loving the way she moves as she grinds her ass against me, completely inconsiderate now that she is sure no one else is around to watch us. You're such a flirt... I sigh turning her back around, having had enough of her teasing while still keeping her close to me as I ask honestly.

'So you haven't been avoiding me then?'

She looks up surprised, almost faltering in her steps as she murmurs.

'No, w-why would you think that?'

'Maybe because I haven't seen a glimpse of you these past few weeks?'

I murmur gazing down at her. Because I've missed you to the point it drives me mad and I'm scared you don't feel the same? I huff silently, dragging my hand past her side. She gasps in response to my touch, her body language slightly dimming my nerves. But a guilty hue still glazes her eyes as she continues to dance, the song almost coming to an end while she mutters.

'I told you I had to work.'

'No one works that much, beautiful...'

I breathe against her ear while dragging my fingers tenderly over her throat. Dios Mio, you're the best distraction to roam the earth... I groan, having completely forgotten about my troubles on the phone earlier. Her alluring body daring me to continue as she breathes heavily while she keeps her eyes closed and hums.

'...I won't be much longer.'

Unable to stop myself I brush my lips past her neck, content with the answer coming from her lips as well as what her skin is telling me. When did you get so much control over me? I wonder with a smile on my lips as the music dies down. I pull back slightly, gazing at her glimmering sapphire eyes. I'm goddamn powerless when it comes to you... I breathe, captivated by them as her fingers cup my face, a soft giggle escaping her mouth as she says sarcastically.

'Oh sorry, now you've got grease all over you...'

'Not that I minded it. But so do you, gorgeous.'

I grin, showing her my hands. They're not as black as hers, but they still left a few smudges on her clothes and skin making the both of us look like quite a messy pair. I give her a kiss on her cheek, pulling her along with me towards the car as I ask.

'What's wrong with her?'

She shrugs her shoulders, not in a hurry to let go of me as she mutters picking the filter back up.

'Lately, she's been sluggish when pressing the accelerator. It's probably just dirt preventing clean air from flowing through...'

'Have you tried putting it in laundry detergent?'

I ask, taking it from her and looking it over. That normally does the trick. She glances at me with crossed arms, patronizing me as she grumbles.

'This isn't my first time around the block. Of course, I did. A few days ago. It should be dry by now, which is why I was brushing it down and checking some other stuff before placing it back.'

'It was just a suggestion, beautiful. I wasn't sure how long it had been since you've last looked under the hood of one of these...'

I joke as I start placing back the air filter for her. It sure as hell has been a while for me... She leans against her car watching me as she snorts ironically.

'Trust me, I've been more around cars than you know...'

I look up at her, wondering what she means by that as she rolls her eyes at me and scoffs.

'Because I don't race anymore, doesn't mean I don't take good care of my babies. They're all oldtimers and need to be treated with love, otherwise, they wouldn't have reached their age in the first place.'

'True enough.'

I smile, keeping my hands busy as I murmur.

'I saw your new video today...'

She looks up at me a little lost, thinking for a minute as she asks.

'Uh... What song? I'm not sure anymore which one even came out.'

'Cry for help.'

I snort laughingly, not even surprised time is a little lost on her with all the hours she's making. She bites her lip, blushing slightly as she mumbles curiously.

'...And?'

'I liked the simplistic way you guys set it up, more acoustically than normally.'

I tell her truthfully, continuing to work on her car. She tilts her head a little, not getting the answer she's hoping for as she grumbles.

'That was Ryan's idea, I'm still not sure how I feel about it though...'

Trying to play it off as nothing, her cheeks rosy when I look up at her and chuckle.

'What? Did you expect me to say something else? I already know it's about us, beautiful. No surprise there anymore...'

She blushes even more, averting her eyes from me as I continue while looking back down at the filter.

'I just keep telling myself you wrote that before everything that happened lately. Hoping it'll lead to some sort of clue, helping me figure things out a bit... Or are you still hating my guts?'

'I never hated you...'

She scoffs, her eyes trailing back over to me. I'll take that ...for now. I think as I do the same, a little smirk on my lips as I tell her.

'Good, otherwise you have a very strange way of showing it.'

I tighten the last screw on top before motioning over to her to fire her up. She jumps to her feet, giddy to give her a try as she gets behind the wheel, quickly turning over the key. It immediately fires up without any problems. Rumbling like a proud animal I look over to Lexi, closing the hood as I say.

'As healthy as a horse.'

I grin, as she turns it back off with a smile. Walking back over to me, proudly tapping the hood before kissing my cheek as she whispers.

'Of course, she's a stang.'

She walks backward, a smirk playing on her lips as she heads over to her stack of clothes laying on the side while asking gesturing to her car behind me.

'Wanna take her for a little spin?'

A playful look in her eyes, not waiting for me to answer as she slowly pulls her shirt over her head. Little vixen... I sigh, leaning back against the hood of the car unable to wash the smile off my face as I let my eyes feast on her body.

Her shyness now seemingly forgotten, she continues undressing stripping off her pants. All the while keeping her eyes trained on me., her gaze making me clear my throat as I mutter under my breath.

'If you're going to keep at it there's something else I'd rather take out for a spin than an old mustang...'

'Ah-ah, don't speak badly about my cars...'

She whispers while bending over to pick up her shirt. Making sure I'm getting a good view of her delicious plump ass. You're really pushing it. I grunt, unintentionally licking my lips as I look away. Everyone thinks you're the innocent one out of us two... Like hell you are! I groan, almost relieved to see she has covered herself, afraid of what I might do to her otherwise.

'Lost your tongue?'

She giggles while pulling on her denim shorts. The evil glimmer is still evident in her eyes as she picks up her pair of Converse, swiftly putting them on her feet as I say.

'No, beautiful. Just admiring the view...'

Chuckling softly with humor, she pushes her shoelaces into her shoes before strolling up to me. Pretending to kiss me, but quickly evading as she picks up her jacket instead and skips to the driver's side while she giggles.

'You coming or what?'

I shake my head, contemplating when she ever became such a minx as I head over to the passenger side. Before I even close the door Lexi has already turned over the key, waiting for me and the garage door to pull up as I laugh.

'Shouldn't you get some sleep instead? It's almost two in the morning.'

'You don't seem sleepy either.'

She snorts, putting her foot on the peddle. Playing around with the gas, probably waking up everyone in the house because of it before pulling out of the garage and heading off. I keep my eyes trained on her as she speeds along the road, testing the throttle to make sure the air filter isn't giving her any more problems as I notice she's driving more carefully than she normally would. I give her a sly smile as I murmur.

'Don't hold back on my account, gorgeous...'

She pulls up her brow, smirking slightly as she eyes me to make sure it's alright. I give her a little nod. If there's anyone I'd trust behind the wheel, it's you. I grin, as she whispers amused.

'Okay... But remember you asked for it.'

Before the words have left her mouth her foot is already pushing down on the gas as she's wiggling her eyebrows, her wild side bubbling to the surface. That's my girl. I smirk as she's clearly taking pleasure in the chase, catching up on every car that drives in front of her. Easily drifting by them until she pushes the brakes, making a fast turn to the right as I chuckle.

'There sure isn't anything wrong with her anymore.'

'No, she's good.'

She laughs, speeding up again. The rumbling sound of the engine makes my heart rate go up. Not in a fearful way, but more of the exciting kind. Lexi notices it too when she glances over to me with a smile on her lips as she murmurs.

'You missed it, didn't you?'

I grin, laying my hand on top of hers while keeping my eyes trained on her as I tell her.

'I missed this...'

She blushes slightly, keeping silent as she drives for another ten minutes before pulling over by a little sandy road. She shuts off the ignition and turns her attention back on me as she asks interested.

'Do you wanna get behind the wheel again? I mean in general?'

I've never even given it a thought before I got back to LA... I sigh to myself, thinking over my answer. When Rebekah forced the keys on me and when I took you home after shit hit the fan, I didn't really think it through. Partly because I hadn't been driving at all and I just didn't want to chicken out... I've never been one to back out when someone would put me on the spot. But now she's actually asking sincerely, wanting an honest answer from me I'm not sure. I can't deny that every time I'm around one of your cars I can feel my blood pumping harder, ushering me to get back in the game... I smile softly, picking up her hand as I murmur.

'Maybe...'

Even if there isn't another car like Louise, maybe I should? I think, kissing her hand as she gives me a gentle smile like she knows exactly what I'm thinking. Even though she has multiple cars I know for a fact she'd lose her mind if anything were to happen to Thelma. That's probably why I feel so comfortable talking to you about it. Having made up my mind I look back up at her sparkling eyes as I grin.

'Can I?'

She nods vigorously, immediately getting out of the car so we can switch places. But instead of letting her pass me by I grab her by the waist, backing her up against the car as I whisper.

'Not that fast... Now that I have you alone, I might as well enjoy it.'

She peers back up at me, her eyes shaken by surprise that I'm being so frank. That's what you get from teasing me... I smirk, thinking back about how breathtakingly sexy she looked in her underwear when she was changing as I glance down over her body. If you're going to taunt me, you will also have to suffer the consequences.

Caged in between me and the car there's nowhere left for her to go, but her gaze tells me there's nowhere she'd rather be anyways. Her heated eyes make me crave her even more, I close the distance still left between us. Kissing her softly as I set her down on the hood of her car. You're perfect like this. I think, feeling her smile against my lips as she returns my kiss while I push her down. My lips never leaving hers until I leave her panting for air. Continuing my sweet assault by pecking her jaw. I trail down to her neck as her hand's cradle my head, moaning my name with her husky voice.

'Mmm... Matty~'

God, I love you... I breathe, looking down at her. Not sure I'm brave enough to say the words out loud. Afraid that I might scare her off again. Knowing that there's still some stuff I need to figure out before I tell her, even though there's no denying what my heart wants anymore... It wants you, only you. I smile, holding her neck as I draw her to me for another kiss. It has always been you!

Our lips move more urgently this time, desire roaming through the both of us as she eagerly surrenders herself to me. Opening her mouth so I can taste her thoroughly, while her fingers claw on my shoulders begging me to keep going.

You're divine... I groan against her mouth, drunk from her lips. Earning a soft moan in return as I let my hands wander over her waistline. After having a taste of her, the images of our night together come swirling through my mind and I can't seem to keep my self-control in check anymore.

Chasing away every doubt, along with my healthy conscience, as she completely captivates me with every move or sound she makes. Leaving me yearning for nothing more than to claim her as mine over and over again. Until my name is the only thing you can think, say, or breathe...

'You drive me wild, beautiful...'

I growl, drinking in her beauty as she lays underneath me. Goddamn perfection... Her curly hair drapes over her shoulders as she's breathing heavily. Her eyes clouded with lust as she pulls herself up by the hem of my shirt and whispers.

'...And you make me lose all of my damn sanity.'

Clashing her lips on mine again as soon as she's done before she wraps her arms around my neck. I guess that makes two of us then. I grin against her mouth. The feeling of her soft fingers tugging on my hair makes me grunt with satisfaction, as I clasp her tiny frame against me. Damn, I want nothing more than to take you here and now... I moan, her body jerking slightly when a set of car lights close in on us. I capture her face making sure no one will be able to recognize her, but also not caring enough to pull back.

The car owner honks as soon as it passes us by, making the both of us laugh softly as I tear myself away from her addictive lips.

'You're going to make me do reckless things if you keep seducing me like that...'

I tell her hoarsely and out of breath. She bites her lower lip, holding back a laugh as she whispers resting her forehead against mine.

'Maybe you should be reckless more often? I seem to like it.'

'You may be right, but if I don't get you back within the next hour Néomy will probably start a manhunt on me...'

There's no way she missed Lexi's loud rumble when we left. Which leads me to the conclusion that she's probably waiting for us to return to make sure I haven't done anything else that pisses her off. Even if every move I make seems to get on her nerves in the first place. My words cause her to burst out in laughter as she still doesn't let go of me, keeping her hands around my neck.

'Are you really that afraid of her?'

'Since you haven't gone behind her back either, I would be stupid not to...'

I grin, as her hands trickle over my jaw. Her face looks humored as she draws me close to her with her fingers and rasps.

'Smart and sexy...'

She gives me a luscious kiss, softly biting my lip before eventually letting go. Jesus, you're only making it harder on the both of us... I shake my head as she places the palm of her hand on top of my chest, as a means to stop herself while she murmurs.

'But you're probably right, we should head back before she kills the both of us...'

'Hah, she might be my savior yet.'

I huff cynically, taking a step back so she can get off the hood of her car. A smile still plays on Lexi's lips as she straightens her shirt a bit and asks.

'Save you from what, precisely?'

'From your teasing cunning ways? Preferably before I lose my damn mind and decide to swap you off your feet. Abducting you god knows where so she won't find us.'

I smirk, walking over to the driver's side and pulling the chair back as she looks down to the floor with flushed cheeks and murmurs.

'I can imagine worse things happening...'

'I didn't say it would be bad for us, it's just too much of a hassle... Knowing Néomy, she'd hunt us, or more specifically me, down to the ends of the earth if she'd knew I was even thinking about it.'

My response makes her snicker as she sits down beside me, asking me a trick question.

'You know what the worst part would be about that predicament?'

I lift my brow to her, starting the engine while trying not to think too much about the driving aspect as I question acting as if I don't know what she's thinking already.

'No, what?'

'She's been there already, so she knows the damn way...'

Lexi giggles, referring to Néomy's line of work making me chuckle as well. Right. In other words, I'd be doomed... I pull the car back around, driving back in the direction we came from when I notice Lexi's eyes on me. Watching me in awe, not uttering a word afraid it'll distract me as she pulls her legs up on the chair.

'Admiring the view?'

I tease, playing around a bit with the throttle now that I'm finally starting to feel a little more at ease behind the wheel again. She smiles lovingly, her fingers brushing my arm as she whispers.

'Mhm... It's strange seeing you like this again, comfortable, like we're back in time...'

I pick up her hand, lacing her fingers through mine as I bring them up to my mouth. Brushing my lips against them while whispering back with a smile.

'I wasn't kissing you in those times.'

Or having sex with you... I add mentally. The corners of her lips curl up as she gives me an awkward nod. I focus my attention back on the road, still holding her hand as I shift back into first gear stopping at a traffic light. Keeping my eyes trained on the red signal I confess, murmuring softly at her.

'You calm me down whenever I'm behind the wheel, you always have...'

'Calming?'

She snorts, an ironic tone lingering in her comment compelling me to look back at her again as she continues.

'Since when have we ever had a calming effect on each other? We made bickering a fucking sport.'

I chuckle softly, not able to deny we've had our fair share of quibbles in the past. But she knows as well as I do that they were never done with malice, more like the opposite... We used to get off on seeing each other mad, at least I did. Her fiery personality, never afraid to speak her mind no matter to whom she was talking. Those were the things that had me drawn to you in the first place.

'Lately not so much.'

I smile, cocking my head a little as I squeeze her hand. Now that I've discovered other sides of her, especially the way she is whenever we're alone, I don't care about the fighting anymore. I still love seeing her fired up, as long as it isn't turned to me. The way she defended me with Adam and brought me back from the brink of madness shook me to my core. I think that's the moment I realized how much I actually loved you, how much I wanted you... Seeing her stand beside me, fighting my demons with me. Knowing for the first time that she truly understood my inner turmoil and was just trying to protect me. Not for Adam's account, but to save me from myself. Her eyes flaming with possessiveness as I listened to her just before Rebekah walked me off. God, nothing ever turned me on more than that gaze in your eyes...

From the corner of my eye, I see the traffic light turn green. Let's see if I still got it, shall we? I grin, a roguish glimmer in my eyes as I glance over at her. Ready? She eyes me stunned, tightening her grip on my fingers as if to brace herself while I put my foot on the gas, pulling up in full force.

'M-Matty!'

She squeals. Not fearful, but with glee instead as I swiftly switch gears. Not foreseeing me going all out so suddenly, she stares at me with wide eyes making me laugh.

'Did you really think I'd forget how to put my foot on it?'

'No... But I didn't expect you to do so either!'

She shrieks amazed as she straightens herself to look out of the window to make sure she isn't dreaming. I steady my pace, still chuckling softly as I peck her hand and say.

'I told you. I feel relaxed whenever I'm around you, beautiful... I wasn't toying with you, there's no way someone else would've gotten me back behind the wheel with such ease.'

She bites her lip, her cheeks turning rosy as she murmurs flattered.

'I'm glad to be the one to share this moment with you... I can't deny a part of me was afraid I'd never get to see this side of you again...'

I gently smile back at her, feeling blessed as well that I still have her in my life. After everything we've been through, there isn't anyone else on this earth I'd rather share this healing process with than you.

'Me too.'

I whisper kindly. Because that is exactly what this is, mending old wounds for once and for all so we can finally look past them. I think all of us have buried our heads in the sand for far too long, and it was about damn time that changed. She continues to gaze at me, looking peacefully as we get closer to home and she breathes.

'Matty, go for another round...'

Not in the mood to get back just yet I happily comply, taking an opposite turn as her fingers play with mine helping me shift. The radio softly buzzes as she keeps her eyes on me the entire time, before flashing over to the little clock on the dashboard as she asks.

'How come you were still up? Couldn't sleep?'

Just when I want to give her an answer, I notice it's the Weeknd playing on the radio with Blinding lights. Deciding I haven't yet startled her enough tonight, I turn up the volume humming along with the music.

'I'm going through withdrawals...
You don't even have to do too much,
You can turn me on with just a touch ...baby~'

Her cheeks instantly redden even more as I purposely emphasize the word baby, still not over the fact she's called me that multiple times. A grin tugs on my lips as she faces me speechless while I continue.

'I can't see clearly when you're go-o-one...
And I said, ooh~ I'm blinded by the lights.
No, I can't sleep until I feel your ...touch!
I said, ooh~ I'm drowning in the night.
Oh, when I'm like this, you're the one I trust.'

She blinks rapidly, shaking her head a little as she utters.

'Sleazeball. Are you sure I didn't fall asleep in the garage? Because seeing you drive and sing at the same time is making me question if this is really happening...'

Her words make me burst out with laughter as I turn the volume back down a bit acting a bit hurt as I say.

'First of all, it's a damn good song. Secondly, I think there isn't a person living who doesn't know the lyrics to this one. Besides, it seemed ...fitting. And third, I can't think about it too much because then I will freak out... When it comes down to singing it's really strange whenever I'm around you... On one hand, I feel comfortable enough that I don't care. That is until I realize again that you're bloody famous, which makes me tense up like a wooden board.'

She snickers drawing my hand to her, softly kissing my fingers one by one as she whispers.

'There's no reason for you to be shy around me Matty, I love it when you sing...'

'Depending on the song.'

I snort, remembering how the last time turned out when I sang to her. She rolls her eyes in response, keeping my hand laced in hers as she rests them both on her knees and mutters.

'I liked this pick better, yes... Now shut it and don't spoil the mood, doofus.'

I nod in agreeance, not wanting this night to turn out into an unnecessary fight either. Her other fingers play around with the tattoo on my wrist as she murmurs.

'But really, why were you still awake?'

'I wasn't joking when I was singing gorgeous, I really did want to see you... I needed some distraction, who better to provide that than you?'

I smirk, glancing over at her. Her eyes brows draw together in seriousness as she asks.

'Why? Aren't things going smoothly with the shop?'

'It's finally getting somewhere, in my opinion just not fast enough... What about you? Shouldn't you be worn out after making such long days?'

You're too damn smart for your own good. I groan, quickly changing the subject. She shrugs at my question, gazing out of the window. Her fingers still trickling down my skin, causing goosebumps to erupt on my arm as she sighs.

'I'm kinda used to it... Although I am a bit stressed which prevents me from falling asleep like a normal person.'

'Because of the concert? Or are you worried about the move? Rebekah told me you're probably not home for a few days, so you won't be able to help and coordinate. Must be hard for such a control freak, nah?'

I pester, earning a smack on the shoulder as she grumbles.

'I'm not! ...Okay, maybe a little. But the timing is so damn crappy at the moment. I feel bad you guys have to do the work instead.'

'It'll be fine, beautiful... Helping out is the least I can do since you're letting me stay with you guys, so I'm not bothered by it. Even if you're right and the timing is rather shitty.'

I smile, turning back home knowing it's far too late already. Lexi notices my change in course as well and sighs, her fingers grasping my hand tightly as she whispers.

'I can't wait for all of this to be over...'

'Why? You think your watchdogs will lay off once we're in the new house?'

'Oh, they will! I love them both, but if Bear wakes me up one more night with his heavy snoring I'm going mental. There will be enough rooms to accommodate everyone, and more, so I'll make sure she understands to stay in her own quarters.'

She huffs, for the first time showing some signs of tiredness while I pull up the driveway and back into the garage. Shutting the engine off as I smirk sideways at her, quickly pulling her onto my lap as soon as she unbuckles herself.

'Careful what you wish for... If you aren't guarded anymore I may come and visit you at night, princess. That won't guarantee any peaceful sleep either.'

I breathe huskily against her ear, making hers falter as she closes her eyes. Her skin drawn to my touch like a magnet while I peer down at her. Or is that exactly what you're hoping for? I wonder and instead of answering with words, she grasps my face in her hands, kissing me deeply. My stubble scratches against her soft skin as she presses her body against mine, causing a low and sexy moan to leave her perfect lips. I guess it is... I groan, gripping her sides as she presses herself down on me. I bite her lip, hoping that'll stop her teasing, although it only seems to do the opposite and I whisper hoarsely.

'There's no way you're going to be safe at night if you're laying alone in your bed...'

She smirks back at me, giving me a wink as she brushes her lips past mine again and breathes.

'I wasn't counting on it...'

Her taunting ways make me grunt in frustration as I open up the door, giving her a light slap on the ass as I mutter gruffly.

'Get out, before I fuck you right here in your car.'

She blankly stares up at me, her cheeks ablaze as she doesn't even think about moving. You're too cute sometimes. I think as a rumble of laughter escapes my throat and I squeeze her butt again, making her jerk in surprise as I mumble in a low voice.

'I mean it, gorgeous. You're really pushing your luck here...'

Flashing my eyes down to my crotch before looking back up at her. Knowing I'm only a few seconds away before she starts to notice how turned on I actually am by her. I know I'm usually not this straight to the point, but damn, I can't seem to get through to you otherwise. I groan, my words pulling her out of her daze as she smiles bashfully, giving me a peck on the cheek before dashing out. Smart. I sigh, both relieved and disappointed we have to stop and say goodbye for the night. You're in it for the long hall, Matt... Keep your goddamn shit together until Néomy backs off a little! I grunt, closing the door of the car before walking up to her. Swinging my arm around her shoulder, still glad I came to visit her as I whisper.

'Thanks for tonight, beautiful. It was perfect.'

I kiss her temple as we start walking back to the house. A perfect sorta first date. I think with a smile. She eyes me happily, holding me by the arm as we keep silent, carefully walking into the house to make sure no one is downstairs waiting for us. With no one, I mean both of us worried Néomy will be lurking somewhere around a corner ready to charge. Lexi holds her finger in front of her lips, pulling me back as she listens intently. Her intense silence is followed by a sigh of relief, the muscles in her shoulders relaxing as she whispers barely audible.

'They're upstairs, I can hear Bear's snoring all the way from here.'

I grin, picking her up in my arms almost making her squeal. Holding one of her hands in front of her mouth to make sure she doesn't make a sound as she slaps me softly with the other before she hisses.

'W-What are you doing?'

'What does it look like? I'm carrying you upstairs.'

I whisper with a smirk as she wraps her arms around my neck and her legs around my hips while I support her back and butt. Not facing me while I walk up the stairs with her, she looks down at my chest while murmuring softly.

'To where?'

'Mmm... I would gladly kidnap you, gorgeous. But not tonight.'

A tender smile on my face as I softly put her down on her feet in front of her door. Soon! I promise myself holding her face as I give her one more deep kiss before pulling back. Leaving her behind for a second time in the hallway as I walk off and whisper.

'Sweet dreams, beautiful. Maybe you'll have one of me?'

She smiles back at me from her door, not yet opening it as she softly whispers back.

'Only if you'll have one about me as well... Night, Matty.'

***

'Rebekah! Put the damn box down and let the man do his work. He's afraid your damn clumsiness is going to cost him his paycheck!'

'Alright!'

She snarls, dropping the box to her feet causing another cracking sound while she looks up to the both of us and squeaks.

'S-Sorry?'

I look beside me and I swear to god one of the movers looks like he's about to get a heart attack, I pat him on the shoulder chuckling softly to tell him it's alright. Seriously, Alex and Néomy could've wrapped the entire house in bubble wrap and she still would manage to break shit. I groan, turning my attention back on her as I mutter.

'Either go in the hallway and tell the boys where the stuff is supposed to go, or head over to your quarters and start unpacking some boxes. At least you'll only break your own stuff doing that.'

'Fine, I'll go and play direction sign then...'

She scoffs, stomping back to the front door. Thank God! I breathe, the mover next to me heaving a relieved sigh as well. Thanking me for my help as he carefully picks up the box Bheks dropped. A painful look in his eyes every time he hears a clang coming from the broken glass shatters inside of it, almost making me laugh again as I murmur.

'Don't worry about it, her sister knows how she is...'

He gives me half a smile in return before he walks off toward the stairs. I on the other hand decide to take a break, my back not so happy with all of the heavy lifting I've done so far. This place is insane... I breathe, looking around the living room which is big enough to easily host at least thirty people. It feels like we've entered a goddamn castle. I mutter silently as another mover strolls through the door, putting a box to the side before heading off to get the next one.

I can't deny Lexi has good taste... The whole villa has more of a Spanish vibe to it. The walls outside are covered with soft yellow stones while the tiles inside are more reddish. Big archways instead of doors which lead everyone through the next rooms and there's even a double staircase in the hallway, leading upstairs with a massive chandelier hanging proudly in the middle. I don't even dare to ask what all of this must've cost her. I swallow, shaking my head a little.

When we came in this morning both Néomy and I needed a few minutes, gaping like fish until we finally managed to find our groundings again. I think it was the first time we actually agreed on something. Both of us feeling out of place within such luxurious surroundings.

Then came the run for the rooms when everyone suddenly jolted awake. Lexi had made it clear to us beforehand which room was supposed to be hers, leaving all the other rooms up for grabs. Trying to keep it at least a bit decent we gave Rebekah a head start since she's the only one that's supposed to live here full-time with Lexi.

When the three of us finally dashed up the stairs Néomy instantly headed straight for the room closest to Lexi's on the east wing, but luckily for me that ended up being the one Rebekah had chosen. Which meant the three of us had to find accommodations in the two other wings.

Néomy decided to change her game plan, lurking behind me to see which room I was going to pick. Still trying to keep some kind of control, although that strategy ended up being her downfall since I picked the room next to Alex's which was the only one left in the north wing. Haha, got you there... This only left the three rooms on the left wing for her to choose from unless she wanted to pick one of the five smaller ones on the second floor. Which meant she'd be even further away, not able to keep an eye on Lexi and me. Since none of them really gave her an opportunity to play guard she grumbled her way to the first room she crossed, not even bothered to see what it looked like.

'Hey! Get your lazy ass up and help us get that damn bed of Lex's into her room.'

Néomy grumbles to me while popping her head around the corner, pulling me out of my thoughts. At first, I thought she was just being cranky toward me like usual. But as soon as I catch up to her and the movers I realize her mood is more directed towards Lexi's bed.

'Jesus Christ! No wonder she didn't show.'

I grunt as we struggle our way up the stairs, Néomy also breaking a sweat as she cusses.

'Say that again. I know it's a fucking comfy bed, but it isn't worth breaking your back over! Why couldn't she just keep the furniture that came with the damn house?!'

'How on earth did you guys get it out in the first place?!'

I groan, taking a breather once we finally manage to make it up the stairs. She just mouths "Alex" in return, crouching down and taking in big gulps of air as one of the other movers huffs.

'Also, down is easier ... than up.'

I give him half a smile, bracing myself for the next few minutes, knowing that when we get this colossal wooden piece inside, three more are following. Not even counting the less heavy stuff that goes along with it. Beautiful, you owe me one after this...

***

After a long day of moving all of us ended up going to our beds early, completely exhausted. Just glad we all managed to finish our pizza without falling asleep in the meantime. The day after most of us spend our time unpacking, not hurrying whatsoever now that the worst is over. By noon I've already finished getting out my own stuff, since I didn't have much on me in the first place, and excuse myself heading over to the bank.

The conversation only lasted half an hour since they were still not willing to help out, telling me I could come back when I have proof on paper that the business is doing well. Fuckers! At this rate, I won't even have the time to get a goddamn penny in the drawer before things turn sour... I grunt aggravated. Just like I thought, fancy fellas want nothing to do with someone in my line of work! Even if they didn't say it out loud, it was written all over their faces. You didn't need to be a fucking genius to see it. I grumble, heading over to the garden once I'm back at the house. Since she has a pool, I'd better make use of it. Maybe it'll help my worn-out back. I sigh, hoping it'll wash away my other troubles as well.

Lexi hasn't even been home yet, so busy with work that she decided to crash in the office for a few days, trying to prevent even more stress. Her absence makes me realize little by little how badly I want her around me, need her around me... Every day I don't get to see her precious face or have her close it weighs down on my heart. How did I ever survive all these years without her presence in the first place? I wonder as I for once in my life start to look forward to my birthday, only because I'm sure I'll be able to see her by then.

Not knowing if she even gets home before then I try and keep myself occupied. Luckily the move and preparations for the shop easily take care of that. I'm not even keeping up with how many boxes Rebekah and I must have unpacked these past few days, though I made sure to hand her the ones that didn't have any breakable items in them.

She has tried to pry some answers out of me as to where Lexi and I stand at this point, but every time I'd ask her the same question.

'What did I do to break her heart?'

Resulting in the same reply over and over again. A glare and some snarky comments under her breath as she dropped the subject again, at least until we repeated the same pattern at a later time. The one thing I do know for sure is that she isn't going to give me an answer, which in turn meant, I won't kiss and tell either. Ultimately, she stopped trying as we continued to chat over regular stuff, mostly the shop.

Later that night I'm just glad to be home and get to bed, ready for this week to be over...

***

Huh? I groan, waking up in the middle of the night as I feel something weigh down on my chest. For a moment I wonder if Bear found his way to my room until I notice a faint smell of oranges. L-Lexi? I question, lazily opening my eyes. Taking a few seconds for them to adjust in the darkness before I see her figure next to me, as she's resting her head on my chest fast asleep. I've missed you... I smile softly, giving her a kiss on top of her head as I wrap my arm around her waist pulling her closer to me. She murmurs a little, slightly waking up from her slumber as I whisper.

'I thought I had to break into your room, beautiful? Not the other way around?'

She smiles softly. Shyly opening her eyes and looking up at me as she says in a quiet voice.

'I just got home for the first time and couldn't sleep in my own bed...'

'So you're telling me I dragged that massive thing all the way to your new room, breaking my back, just so you could come and sneak into my bed instead?'

I chuckle tiredly, making her snicker guiltily as well as she grabs me tighter and squeaks softly.

'Got a problem with that?'

'Not as long as I get to sleep in that kingsize bed of yours next time around.'

I grin, lifting her chin so I can kiss her. Not that I mind my smaller one, this way you have no choice but to cuddle up close against me. She nods timidly, nuzzling her head in the crook of my neck. Tangling her legs between mine, just like she did back in Ibiza. Better look out, gorgeous. Or I'll get used to this. I sigh content, trailing my fingertips over her back. She played it somewhat on the safer side, keeping her shirt on although I'm pretty positive the both of us are too tired to make a move right now anyway.

Even though I think you're sexy as hell, I love moments like these just as much. I breathe, glad I'm able to hug her tight, relishing in her warmth. She hums happily at my caresses, her eyes closed, already drifting back asleep.

And so the lion fell for the lamb... I smirk, not entirely sure which one of us is the lamb and which one the lion. For another few minutes, I keep on watching her peaceful figure in the darkness. A small smile on my lips as her breathing gets softer by the second until tiredness eventually wins me over as well...

***

A/N:

!!! Important !!!

Original song titles used in #Twenty-three:

Cry for help. By: Macy Kate.
Blinding Lights. By: The Weeknd.

All credits go to them and their producers, I do not own these songs, nor videos!!!

Dear Ghosts:

I'd love to hear what you "Ghosts" think about this chapter from Matt's pov. And for The "old Ghosts" what are your thoughts on all the changes so far? I've trying to work out the flaws in my story on the episode app the first time around, so these changes needed to be made.

I also realize some of you might think I'm dragging this between Lexi and Matt for too long, but there are still a few things that need to happen. Important things! And I'll promise it'll be worth the wait, even if that means I've gotta be a little mean to you guys first, haha... Besides, I'm already messing up my own storyline giving you way more Mexi time than I initially anticipated...

Also, If it's really too much of an effort and you really can't listen to the songs I put in the chapters, you can skip them... The storyline won't be disturbed so much you wouldn't be able to follow, but since Lexi's a singer a bit of music is supposed to be involved, right?

I promise I'll do my best to get #Twenty-four: up as soon as possible!

Lots of love! xoxo Dominique Moust.