The Serpent & Hawke | Mattheo Riddle | Enemies to lovers

Part 47 - Good boy

(warning: smut)

Mattheo's POV

Pride surged through me as I walked the corridors with Lyanna.

Her fingers linked perfectly with mine, like they were destant to be there.

The stares we received barely registered.

For the first time in my life, I didn't care, in fact, I wanted them to look.

I wanted everyone to see that she was mine.

And silently, darkly, I wanted them to know what would happen if anyone dared touch her.

Lyanna's hand suddenly tightened around mine, her step faltering slightly.

Following her gaze, I spotted McLaggen and his pack of mouth-breathers approaching like wolves scenting prey.

A nasty smirk twisted his features when he noticed us.

"Look here boys, Riddle's got himself a little girlfriend."

He mocked, his voice dripping with childish malice.

He stopped a few feet away, his cronies positioning like a defensive line.

"You two freaks deserve each other."

His friends snickered and I could feel Lyanna's pulse quickening through our joined hands.

"Are you done?"

I drawled, forcing boredom into my tone though rage already simmered beneath my skin.

My lack of reaction sparked something ugly in McLaggen's eyes.

"What's wrong, Riddle? Trying to be the bigger man because you've got that little slice on your arm?"

Something dangerous and protective roared to life in my chest.

Lyanna must have felt the change in me because she tugged gently at my arm.

Tension radiating from her body told me she wanted us to leave, and not rise to the bait.

I didn't want this confrontation any more than she did.

The old me would have already had him on the ground.

But I was trying to be better, for her.

McLaggen was nothing...

Just a sad, lonely, insecure boy whose only source of entertainment was to bully others.

His existence was insignificant, especially to me.

I forced a pretend smile and turned away, tightening my grip around Lyanna's hand.

"Aw Riddle, has that pussy made you soft?"

McLaggen called after us, but the question was rhetorical.

Lyanna pressed closer to me as we walked, her warmth a reminder of why I was trying to be better.

I exhaled slowly through my nose, trying to calm my nerves.

But McLaggen wasn't finished.

"You reckon she'd be good in the sack, with all those freaky powers?"

One of his friends asked loudly.

"She must be, if she's rinsed him."

Another added.

"Maybe I'll give her a go the next time I find her alone. I'm sure Riddle wouldn't mind me having a turn."