Page 111 of Hostile Love
“So, this is where you grew up?”
I stroke his bare chest and tilt my head to catch his eye.
“Nah, not here,” Matheus admits.
He brushes a few strands of hair out of my lashes and nuzzles his nose against the top of my head.
Weeks later, and I still get that whole body rush. Goosebumps sprinkle my arms and my heart flutters from his touch.
Being squished next to him is the only place on Earth where I fully let my guard down.
He’s my heart, my home, and my safe space to be Daniela. The girl I’d long forgotten and thought lost.
He sighs softly, gathers my hand in his, and kisses my bruised knuckles before jostling out from under me.
“I was more comfortable at my mama's house. This place is hell for me. All my stuff is at her place.”
I would have guessed that was the case by the way his room was decorated. Or rather, how within these four walls there’s no sign that a guy lived here, never mind a member of the family.
The whole space is impersonal and feels like a guest suite. No college photos sit pinned on a corkboard, school books he’d read on the shelf or even clothes in the closet.
Well, apart from a hung shirt under plastic film and a pair of unboxed sneakers.
But that’s it.
And the more I think about it, that’s more or less how I had lived too.
Empty and detached from everyday life.
He throws back the sheet and scoots to the edge of the bed. Angling himself away, he stands in all his naked glory and glances over his shoulder to where I’m lying.
“I thought his funeral was the last time I’d ever step foot in the plantation.”
He fingers his inky bangs, his new ring catching my eye.
“Thankfully, tomorrow we’ll be miles away from here…and everything.”
“About that.” I prop myself up on my elbow. “Tell me where we’re going. You know I hate surprises.”
“Patience, my little firecracker.” He winks and my stomach flips. “I hope you’re not afraid of heights.”
I fake a scowl. “That’s not an answer, smartass.”
Matheus scratches the five o’clock shadow on his jaw, considering me in silence.
His Souza ring moves back and forth with the motion, an ever-present symbol of power, wealth, violence—and family.
Once André was discharged from the hospital, the whole Souza family moved into his coastal mansion, including me.
It didn't take long to establish a daily routine—to slot in around them.
Most mornings Matheus and I rose early, joining India and Leo for breakfast. Afterwards, me and him would spot each other in the home gym and follow it up with a swim in the ocean.
A few afternoons were filled with tactical talks. Although Giovanni had remained guarded, there was a significant shift in how he spoke to me.
As if he knew our interests were aligned—on the same level. He’d accepted we were on the same side.
I even attended fittings for my bridesmaid dress and spent time getting to know Carina a little more.
