Save Me. (Matthew Espinosa)

Chapter 7 - The Boys

Lacey's POV

I wake up the next day feeling warm with an unmissable safe feeling in my being . I never figured I would be able to trust anybody again but I trust Matthew completely. After all, he did save me from the wrath of my father. As my eyes flitter open I notice my limbs are still tangled with Matt's, my body curled into his side, head still rested on his chest in the same position I fell asleep in. The peaceful feeling of waking up like this is something I can definitely get used to. But when I look up I'm startled to see at least 10 boys surrounding us, eyes wide as they stare down at Matt and me intently as though we're a new display at a museum.

I lightly shake the sleeping boy next to me, not taking my eyes from the unknown group of teenage boys who I'm assuming are the rest of the 'Viners'. He wakes up with a groan. His eyelids open, his vision filled with the group of guys and he rolls his eyes.

"Go away," he mumbles, rolling over and cuddling my body closer to his. When the boys don't relent, Matt relinquishes in a long sigh. With a final groan of annoyance, Matthew's warmth leaves my body as he stands from the bed with reluctance. I can feel my cheeks blushing, the other guys giggling like little school girls. I grab one of the free pillows and use the object to hide my face to save myself from further embarrassment.

"Well since you're up," Carter pushes his way to the front, removing the pillow from my face, and gestures to the guys "these are the boys. Boys, this is Lacey. Do you guys want to introduce yourselves?" he questions and looks around at the group. I sit up because I feel awkward just laying there in front of everyone. They all look to each other, not wanting to be the first until the youngest looking boy with striking blue eyes moves to the front of the group and holds out his hand.

"My name is Hayes. I'm 14." He offers me a big smile and I return the gesture. I shake his hand lightly. He has wispy, long, dark brown hair swept to the side and the most adorable face ever. He looks like a little kid.

"And I'm Nash.. his older brother." A boy stumbles forward and I can definitely see the resemblence between the two, both having the same piercing blue eyes and dark hair. Unlike Hayes, Nash's hair is styled into a fluffy quiff. The boys continue to introduce themselves and I already know I'm going to have trouble remembering the multiple names given. Matt, Carter, Hayes, Nash, Cameron, Taylor, Aaron, Shawn, Jack, and Jack. I realize Cameron must be the one that was in the hospital and my theory is proved correct when I look down to see a cast adorning his foot. They're all really cute, and if they are friends of Matthew's then I suppose I don't really have a reason not to trust them. I feel myself getting a bit nervous with all of the boys' stares especially considering my bruises and everything are probably still blatantly obvious.

Matthew gives them a look when he notices my anxious features. "Back off guys." The boys all avert their eyes awkwardly until someone breaks the uncomfortable silence.

"So.. Are you coming to Orlando with us?" My eyes travel to the one who asked the question with a curious tone. Who is he again? I rack my brain for his name. It starts with a T.. Tyler? No. Taylor? Taylor! That's right.

"Yes she is," Matt states matter-of-factly before the words can even form on my lips. He's acting kind of pushy this morning, or maybe even.. protective? Then again, I have only known him for a day so maybe that's just the way he is.

Matt's POV

The guys kept staring at Lacey like a bunch of vultures and honestly it made me a little frustrated. I know how fragile Lacey is and I don't want her to get hurt because she's already been through more than enough. These boys may be my friends but I can't deny how they truly are. They'll just try to get in her pants and then afterwards just leave her broken and alone. None of them are even allowed to touch her. I know I'm not one to talk but something about Lacey is different. I've never felt this way about a girl before. I want to know everything about her, ranging from the sweet little details to her life struggles. I'm willing to change for her. However, I need to give her some time; she just went through something really tough. We need to get to know each other and I want her to be able to trust me. I barely know her but, all I know is, I want Lacey to be mine.