Heat envelops me, and I can finally relax. I needed this.

I push back the thought that I really should’ve gone with Matthias.

If I’d gone with him, I wouldn’t have been able to control my heart.

I deserve better than some guy who only cares about me when he wants to.

I want to be someone’s everything.

Chapter 22

Matthias

My back’saching as I hit the automatic control on the side of the driver’s seat. I’m too old for this shit. I spent last night camped out across from Scarlet’s house. I can’t stop the feeling that if I let her out of my sight, I’ll lose her forever. I crack open an energy drink and check my phone. Our group chat is going wild, asking where I’ve been, but I have no desire to hear the shit they’d give me if they knew what I was doing.

Hell, I only told Damon because I know he’d be the same way if it was his girl inside.

Her stubbornness is pissing me off. The only thing stopping me from going into her house and kidnapping her is her wish has run out of time.

There’s a knock on the window, and I unlock the doors so Damon can get in.

“You look like shit.” He hands me a change of clothes since I haven’t left her long enough to go home.

“Screw off.”

“Why don’t you hire someone so you can take a break?”

“Would you trust anyone if it were Misty? Someone’s trying to get to her.”

His brows pull together. “I’d trust you.”

An uneasiness settles over me. “You have your own wife to look after.”

Damon can’t help the smile he wears every time he thinks about his wife.

“You’re pathetic.”

He looks around the car. “And you’re not?”

“Whatever. I need something from you.”

“Anything.”

“Tell Misty to set up a hotel so they can get ready for the Symposium event. At least then I can go home and shower.”

“You should know I don’ttellMisty to do anything, but you should also know she’s more than willing to help you in any way she can.” He steps out of the car and leans in. “Take care of yourself, brother. Or I’m telling Xander and Bash and sitting back while they make fun of you.”

The door clicks closed before I can respond. Bastard would do it too.

I’m just pulling my shirt over my head when Scarlet walks out of her house right on time.

“Get in the car, Scarlet.” I get out, walking around to the passenger side, and open the door.

“Aren’t you getting tired of this?”

“I wouldn’t have to be tired if you’d just come to my house.”

“Where’s Oliver?”