Page 42 of A Twisted Arrangement

Shit. I need to get away from him fast.

I get out, rushing to my door, but freeze when putting in my code. My heart kicks up, sending my pulse rushing in my ears. The glass is cracked in a spiderweb pattern, focused on an impact spot and traveling up the pane.

“What the hell is that?” Matthias pushes me behind his back, creating a barrier between me and the door.

“It’s...it’s probably nothing. Not the first time someone tried to break into a house on this row.” There was definitely the appeal of a large payoff since everyone knew these homes were for the rich. Maybe I should move into Misty’s apartment building instead?

“Wait here. I’ll sweep your place.”

“They didn’t get in.” I fist the back of his shirt and try to stop him.

His entire body stiffens, and a low rumble forms in his chest. It’s so primal my body can’t help but respond to him, heat flooding to my core. I’m unsteady on my feet when I let go.

“Okay, just make it quick. It’s been a long day.”

He huffs out a breath and tips his head back in exasperation before shaking it and entering my place. I follow after him, cautious to stay near the door.

“Just like I said. Nothing is wrong.” I hide my trembling hands behind me as I prop myself against the wall and wait for him to do his thing. The exhaustion from the day is settling in. I don’t think I can handle another minute of pretending like everything is okay when not a single thing has gone right today.

Matthias comes down the stairs, looking a little less like he’s about to kill someone, but I wouldn’t call him calm. “It’s clear.”

“Happy now?”

“No.” He approaches me, eating the distance in a few strides. “Let’s go.”

“What?” I step out of his reach.

“You’re coming with me. You can’t stay here,” he commands like I have no other option.

“Matthias, it’s fine.” I take another step away. Yes, I’m freaked-out, but this isn’t anything I can’t handle.

“Staying is not an option.” He goes to lunge for me, but I’m faster, pulling out my gun and pointing it directly at his chest. He stills, a slow smile curling his lips.

He doesn’t stop coming toward me as he says, “You’re really doing this right now?”

I click off the safety, the click filling the space between us. “I said I’m fine. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself, so just go.”

The muscle in his cheek flexes as he grinds his teeth together, his fists opening and closing with each passing second.

“Why do you have to be so stubborn, Scarlet?”

My aim doesn’t waver. My stubbornness is the only thing holding me together, and I’ll be damned before I fall apart infront of him. “I’m all grown up, Matthias. I don’t need to be coddled.”

He tips his head back, taking a deep breath in before meeting my gaze. “You’re being an idiot right now.”

I smirk. “That’s my choice to make. As you can see”—I move the gun an inch higher—“I’m more than capable of handling myself.”

He runs his hands through his wet hair, water spraying with the force. “You win, Little Sparrow.”

“Please...please just go.”

His gaze softens, a sadness taking over, but he just turns and walks out.

“So fucking stubborn.” He drops his hands. “Lock the door.”

I lock it behind him and kick off my heels. My feet ache from a long day, and a sigh of relief escapes me as I flatten them on the floor. I just want to wash today away and pretend like it never happened.

I pour a glass of wine and head up to my room, going directly into the bathroom, where I fill the tub with steaming hot water. I make sure my gun’s placed within reach before stripping out of my wet clothes, the fabric clinging to my skin, and climbing in.

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