The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 45 - There's no going back

Lyanna's POV

"Do you think this is enough?"

Corrina asked as I surveyed my transformed bedroom.

Crates of firewhiskey and beer covered the floor, turning my private sanctuary into an impromptu liquor store.

Their plan had actually worked, which was both impressive and slightly terrifying.

Pansy weaved between the crates like an animal hunting prey.

"Ah, here it is!"

She emerged triumphant with an ostentatious bottle of vodka, gold flakes swimming inside like metallic fish.

She shook it gleefully, making it sparkle.

"Isn't it cool?"

"How much was all this?"

I asked, scanning the room in disbelief.

The sheer quantity suggested someone's vault at Gringotts had taken a significant hit.

"We don't know, Enzo paid for it all." Astoria smirked, throwing Pansy a knowing look. "Even that vodka, because Pans thought it was pretty."

"The question is, where are we putting it all?"

Corrina folded her arms beside me.

Her presence felt natural now, though the thought of her being one of Mattheo's ex flings still made my skin crawl.

No! Don't think about him!

I commanded my brain to stop conjuring images of Mattheo.

Tonight was about fun, about seizing whatever remained of our rapidly disappearing youth.

But my treacherous mind wouldn't cooperate.

He'll be there...

Probably looking sexy as hell with his sleeves rolled up, that deliberately messy hair, and those eyes that seemed to see straight through to my soul...

Stop it, Lyanna! He hurt you! Make him suffer!

But I love him and he's sorry...

The internal battle raged until I wanted to scream.

Enough! Grow a pair!

"We can just hide it under the tables."

I blurted, desperate to drown out my thoughts.

"I've spread the word." Astoria said, pulling an endless stream of snacks from Corrina's enchanted bag. "I think the majority of upper class-men are happy to play along. It's been a while since we've had a party." She paused, glancing at me. "Since your little speech in Snape's classroom all those weeks ago, they've seemed to have changed their tune about Matt."

I swallowed hard, suddenly desperate for a drink.

The memory of defending him made my chest ache.

"What do you think of this little number?"

Pansy held up a dress that looked more like a sparkling handkerchief than actual clothing.

"I reckon Harper won't be able to take his eyes off me while I slip him the sleeping draught."

"How exactly did you distract him today?" I asked, reaching out to touch the sequins, grateful for the change of subject.

"A gentlewoman never tells."

She smirked, a cat with fresh cream.

"Pans, you know you can't sleep with him, right?" Corrina interjected, voice sharp with concern. "Not only is he like a full-ass man, he's a Ministry Guard."