Captured

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Abriana

In a drugged haze, I looked into Matías’ chocolate brown eyes.

“Matías? Is that you?” I whispered.

“I’m here, Abriana. I’m here,” he said in a comforting voice.

I pulled the thin blanket up to my chin. “They don’t believe me.”

Matías’ brow furrowed. “What are you talking about?”

“There was someone else,” I said. “She killed Easton and she tried to kill me.”

He reached under the blanket and found my hand. Weaving his fingers with mine, he gave my hand a small squeeze. “I believe you, Abriana.”

“Really?” I asked in disbelief.

“Of course,” he responded.

A weak smile crossed my face. “Thank you.”

He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it gently. “You don’t have to thank me, Bri. I’ll always be here for you. No matter what.”

Goosebumps snaked up my arms and down my neck. Mmmmm… I inhaled his intoxicating scent. Memories of our first kiss floated through my clouded mind. We were sitting on his parent’s front porch. The moon peaked out from behind a wispy cloud and a light breeze cut through the humid air. Matías reached forward and brushed a fallen lock of hair off of my face. I remembered inhaling sharply as his fingertips met my skin. Abriana, you’re so beautiful, he murmured before cupping my chin and brushing his lips against mine. My first kiss… It couldn’t have been anymore perfect.    

“Abriana,” said Matías, interrupting my trip down memory lane.

“Yes?” I replied.

His velvet brown eyes stared intently into mine. “I know this isn’t the right time or anything…” he trailed off. Taking a deep breath, he continued, “But I just want you to know that I will always love you and I want to be here for you. Not just that, I want to protect you and keep you safe from anything bad ever happening again.”

Everything felt warm and fuzzy. “I’d like that, Matías.”

“Really?” he asked in a hopeful voice.

“Yes.”  

Matías leaned over and pulled me in for an embrace. Stroking my hair, he whispered into my ear, “I love-”

Before he could finish, someone entered the room and gasped.