Page 92 of A Twisted Arrangement

Matthias growls, the room turning cold. “Get the fuck away from my wife.”

Bash’s mischievous grin is still visible, even while he’s looking down at his plate. He’s trying to give off the appearance of innocence, but I have no doubt this boy is devious. If left up to his own devices, he’ll get into nothing but trouble.

“So, Bash. How about you? Are you looking to settle down?” I ask.

He snorts and has to take several gulps of his wine before being able to speak. “Not a chance. Why bother settling down when you can have fun forever.” He points at Damon and Matthias. “These guys are old.”

“Fuck off,” Matthias replies with no heat behind it. It’s clear this gentle teasing is a part of their day-to-day life.

Xander opens a new wine bottle, and it goes around the table. I go to fill my own cup, but Matthias covers it with his hand.

“What are you doing?” I whisper, not wanting to advertise his craziness to everyone.

He kisses my temple. “Just in case. We don’t know for sure you aren’t carrying my baby.”

That sounds entirely too pleasant.

There’s an itching feeling at the back of my brain, trying to tell me that something’s not quite right. That I’m forgetting some very important details. My fingers trail over my stomach, but I brush it off. I’ll remember if it’s important.

“I want to hear all about my brother kidnapping you,” Xander says.

Bash adds, “Right! He wouldn’t let us in on any of the fun.”

Whatever’s bothering me is lost in the banter between my family. Warmth fills me, and my chest aches as they pull me into the conversation with them. My experience with family is cold, brutal, and sick. Everything was a transaction, and we only seemed happy when we put on our public facade.

Everything about them feels genuine, like this is an everyday occurrence. It’s so comfortable I want to sink into it and save it forever.

Matthias leans in and presses his lips to my ear. “You belong here, Scarlet. They’ll love you just as much as I do if you’ll let them.”

His words replay over and over.If I’ll let them.

I let out a breath and join the conversation.

It’s time to let go of the fear of rejection and let myself be happy.

Misty gives me an all-knowing look from across the table and rests her head on Damon’s shoulder, who immediately adjusts to let her closer.

I smile when Matthias does the same with me.

I belong here.

Chapter 43

Matthias

Scarlet’seyes are closed as she drops her head back, long golden-brown hair catching the wind behind her, and kicks herself higher on the tire swing. She looks like a goddess, painted in warm pink light from the setting sun, on the background of long green grass going for as far as the eye can see. I undo my tie as my legs eat the space between us. She’d stiffened when the crunch of gravel under tires announced my approach but relaxed after confirming it was me.

She looks lost to a world of her own making, and my chest squeezes, wanting her to share it with me. What is my Little Sparrow dreaming about while that soft smile settles on her face?

“You’re staring.” She says it without opening her eyes.

“I can’t help it.” I step closer, not wanting to break her blissful moment but not wanting to stay away.

Her smile widens, and she tilts her head back, peering up at me. “Give me a push?”

She lets out a shocked squeak when I grasp her blanket-covered hips and pull her backward.

“What are you doing?” Her eyes are wide, and her fingers tighten on the rope drilled through the top of the tire.

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