The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 41 - Impossible

Mattheo's POV

The next week passed in a blur of joy and laughter, our days melting together like snowflakes on warm skin.

We were barely apart, making the most of our time alone before reality intruded once more.

We built snowmen in the courtyard, complete with my scarf and Lyanna's hat, though she insisted on giving hers a rather sinister smile that made passing students nervous.

Hide and seek was her suggestion — childish perhaps, but the castle offered endless possibilities for creative hiding spots.

We had cozy movie marathons and lazy duvet days, everything feeling exactly as I'd imagined domestic bliss might be.

But not forgetting about the sex...

The sex was out of this world.

It seemed to only get better with time.

I felt like what I assumed a kid would feel like, filled with a constant, bubbling giddiness that refused to fade.

The absence of letters from Narcissa only added to my relaxed state.

I knew I'd have to write back eventually, but that could wait until reality crept back in with the return of classes and responsibilities.

It was New Years Eve, we only had a couple of days left.

"Look."

Lyanna called out, sauntering into my room with a letter in hand.

"Astoria's sent me a photograph of her and her brothers in matching sweaters."

She handed me the photo, and immediately Astoria's words echoed in my mind.

"They're like a buffet of eligible bachelors."

The mere thought of Lyanna finding any of these sweater-wearing idiots attractive made my jaw clench involuntarily.

"Which one do you prefer?"

I asked, aiming for casual but hearing the challenge in my own voice.

Lyanna's eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly catching my tone.

"Hmmm, let me take a closer look."

She smirked, snatching the photograph from my hand.

She wandered around my room, making a show of analysing it from different angles.

I immediately regretted starting this game.

She sauntered back and straddled my lap on the couch, her eyes dancing with barely contained laughter.

"I think he's probably got the best body out of the three."

She mused, pointing to one brother whose broad shoulders strained against his shirt.

Something possessive stirred in my chest, a dragon awakening.

Lyanna watched me carefully, clearly enjoying my reaction.

"This one looks like he'd brush my hair and give me foot massages." She continued, indicating another brother. "I mean, look at those kind eyes."

I could feel my blood beginning to simmer, though her playful expression told me she was deliberately pushing my buttons.

She pointed to the last brother with dramatic flair.

"And this one—"

I clasped my hand over her mouth, feeling her smile beneath my palm.