The only thing I could think of was getting Cielle and Louise to safety. I didn't care if Matteo made me kill my mother. My sisters would live, even if it cost me everything. They didn't deserve to die.
I promised Matteo I would uphold my end of the deal, and he believed me. So, I called Estelle and explained everything, except, I left out the parts about my father. I couldn't put any more people in danger. She came immediately and got Cielle and Louise and took them home, no questions asked. I started to wonder if Estelle knew everything because she didn't ask me why, she just came and got them. And they went willingly.
...
Once my sisters were safe, I turned my attention to Davain. We were in his room, and I was patching his stomach. It was almost midnight now, and I was utterly exhausted.
"All done," I murmur, setting down the remaining bandages.
Davian sat up, holding his stomach with a wince.
"Thank you." He replied with a soft smile, his eyes locked on mine. I admired the deep brown color of them. I had never seen him so soft before.
"Anytime," I whispered back, returning the smile. I couldn't help but get lost in this moment. Just Him and I, no one else. No Matteo, no threats. Just...peace.
His expression changed to a hard frown and his brows furrowed. "You can't listen to Matteo. He will make you kill, and it won't stop there."
I wanted to slap him for ruining the peacefulness of the moment, but he was right. If I went through with the deal, that meant killing anyone Matteo ordered me to. "I have no other choice. If I don't he'll kill you and my sisters. And possibly my father."
He placed his hand on my shoulder. "Please don't do it. I can't see you turn into a killer like your mother."
My heart sank when his words reached my ears. I hated the thought of becoming like my mother. No. I couldn't listen to him either. I had to protect him, and that meant doing whatever Matteo wanted me to do.
"It's too late. I've already made the deal. I'm sorry. It's done."
He laid back on his bed with a hard sigh of annoyance. "Just...be careful."
I almost laughed. This boy cared about me. It was so obvious in his tone. And I cared about him. We had helped each other, and he had saved my life. Did he have feelings for me? Do I have feelings for him? Heat rushed to my face and neck at the thought of it. I couldn't. I hadn't known him very long. That's impossible. Yet, at this moment. He and I. It felt so right, so comfortable. Like I had known this boy my whole life. I lay next to him, leaving a couple of inches between us. He looked over at me, a soft expression covering his face. He does have feelings for me. I swear I can see it.
"Maggie..." He started. I didn't let him finish, I broke the gap. My lips met his softly, and his eyes widened in shock, but he didn't pull back. His hands cupped either side of my face and his lips moved against mine softly. A few seconds passed, and he broke the kiss. I could feel the heat in my face. Davian's signature grin was back. He practically glowed from the grin. "You're so red," he said softly, his fingers grazing the side of my cheek. "Maggie. I need you to know something." His tone was serious, but his expression was soft and caring.
"What is it?" I was genuinely curious. It seemed important, whatever he needed to say.
"Maggie. From the day I saw you in that gas station I have adored you. I see the way you think through situations. The way you never back down from anything, no matter the costs. I need you to know that I will never let go of you, as long as I live. Maggie Steel. I love you."
