The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 28 - Toothbrush

(Big warning: smut, but nice smut)

Mattheo's POV

The soft, ethereal light from the enchanted windows stirred my slumber, gently coaxing me back to consciousness.

I blinked slowly, my eyes adjusting to the warm glow that filled the room.

As awareness crept in, I realised I was alone in the bed.

I felt a twinge of discomfort at the lack of her warmth.

It was strange how quickly I'd grown accustomed to her presence, how her absence now left an unexpected void.

My eyes darted to her clock.

"Shit." It was well past midday.

Had I really slept for that long?

The last time I'd slept more than eight hours, I was a child, unburdened by the weight of expectations and secrets.

Sitting up, I took the opportunity to really observe Lyanna's room.

The space was a reflection of her personality — cozy and inviting, with personal touches everywhere.

It exuded warmth and comfort, so different from the cold, austere environment I was used to.

It was...Nice. More than nice, really.

I couldn't help but revisit our conversation from last night.

The revelation that I didn't have the ability to wield ancient magic still stung, a dull ache in my chest.

I had been annoyed at first, feeling betrayed that she had let me believe I could do it.

But her admission — that she was scared to lose me — had tugged at something deep within me, a chord I didn't even know existed.

And she was right, wasn't she?

I used her in the beginning too.

But somehow, it felt different now.

We had reached some weird mutual understanding, a shared vulnerability that had shifted the dynamic between us.

Deep down, I realised, I didn't want to lose her either.

To lose this...Whatever this thing between us was.

The door creaked open, interrupting my musings.

Lyanna walked in, her presence immediately brightening the room.

Her hair was half damp, curling at the ends, and her cheeks were flushed with a healthy glow.

She carried a bag that emitted tantalising aromas and two large cups that I hoped contained caffeine.

"Morning, oh sorry, afternoon sleepy head."

She grinned, her voice warm and teasing.

The sight of her, so bright and bubbly, sent an unexpected wave of warmth through me.

Being greeted by her in the morning was definitely something I could get used to.

"Thought you bailed." I said, leaning back against the headboard, trying to mask how pleased I was to see her.

"Well..." She giggled, the sound light and carefree. "I was waiting for you to wake up for hours, and I got bored. So, I went and got us some brunch and ice teas."

She set the bag and cups on the coffee table before jumping onto the bed with an enthusiasm that made me smile.

She crawled under the duvet and snuggled up to me, her body fitting against mine as if it belonged there.