Exposed

Chapter Six

"Merry Christmas."

Arm wrapped around Matteo's chest, I kiss his scars lightly and he stirs out of comatose, his body illuminated only by the rising light seeping in through the windows.

He looks at me tiredly with a gentle smile. "Merry Christmas."

"We have to get up."

"Sorry?" He glances at the clock, raising a suspicious brow. "It's not even seven."

"Yeah, but you have a day full of traditions ahead of you. And I want to make it special because this is my first Christmas in this place and the first Christmas that hasn't been done at my parent's house. It's also my first Christmas with you."

He turns towards me, curious. "And what traditions are these?"

I sit up, excitedly. "Well, first, I decorate. You can probably see the apartment isn't too festive right now."

He looks dubious. "I thought it looked very festive..."

"I have to cook. That takes a few hours. Then there's probably going to be thirty minutes to get ready before the family gets here."

He smirks, blinking. "All right, and then what happens when they get here?"

I grin. "Then everybody helps bake a fruitcake-"

"Fruitcake?" he chuckles.

"Yes, although no one likes fruitcake."

"I don't mind it," he divulges and I gasp.

"That's perfect then!"

No doubt realizing there's no way I'm letting him go back to sleep, he begins to sit up. "And then it's time to eat?"

"Yeah, we eat and then-"

"Oh dear god, there's more."

I hit his chest. "And then we open up presents to White Christmas."

"Christmas is a very eventful day in the Simone family."

"I'd love it if you helped me... even though I am aware of your distaste for all things merry."

"Count me in."

***

"Babe, they're here," Matteo announces from the living room, which now resembles a soundstage for a cheesy Christmas film. After hours of decorating, I'm sure Matteo is seconds away from throwing in the towel, even if he hasn't said so. I try to clasp my bracelet together, with no luck. My fingers keep slipping.

"Could you help me with this?" I ask, leaving the bedroom. Matteo stands beside the couch, dressed in crisp slacks and a tight black polo. With steady hands, he clasps the delicate silver handle while I glance from it to him, nervously.

"Are you nervous?"

"It's just new. This is new for me. It'll be fine."

"Yeah, it will be."

Straightening my dress, I skip through the apartment for the door.

"Em?"

I stop in the decked-out foyer, finding him noticeably uncomfortable. He rubs his face, exhaling unsurely. "Did you tell them about me? About...?"

I sense the dread in his tone and immediately understand what he means, my smile leaving my lips. "No, Matteo. I would never do that to you."

For a moment, his guard is completely down and he nods, exhaling. A fist pounds into the door harder.