Oh my goodness you guys! The reviews! I squealed like a little girl and I want to thank you guys so much. I literally lost all hope when someone said my story was boring, but you guys that are still reading this... Words cannot express how grateful I am. So here's another chapter for today! Hope you enjoy! (Sorry for the many exclamation points. I'm just so happy!)
Matthew and I are running to a wall. "What are you doing?" I yell. He doesn't answer. Instead, he presses against the wall looking for something. Finally, his hand pushes down on some hidden trigger. The wall opens and reveals a dark staircase. Matthew grabs my hand and pulls me in.
The wall shuts behind us. Lights hang on the wall at five foot intervals. I am breathing heavily from either adrenaline or the fact I just sprinted in four-inch heels. Oh, and maybe because Matthew is still holding my hand. I pull it back like his hand is hot metal. Matthew stares at me with his eyes that are as deep and blue as oceans. He looks away. "Follow me," he says. He descends into the darkness.
I look at the stairs beneath us. I take a step and immediately I slip. Of course I would because I'm a klutz, I'm wearing four-inch heels, and IT'S DARK. I am ready to hit my head on the stone wall but surprisingly it doesn't come. When I open my eyes, Matthew's face is inches away from mine. I can feel his strong arms under my back. Wow, I feel like I'm in a movie. What, is he going to kiss me now? I quickly stand back up and take off my shoes. I hold them in my hand and carefully go down with Matthew behind me.
We're not even halfway down when I start shivering. This is a disaster. One inconvenience after the other. One step forward, two steps back. Out of all days, I picked today to wear a light strapless dress. It doesn't even reach my knees. Matthew must have seen me shaking because he puts a hand on my shoulder. I turn around and look at him. He takes off his suit coat and puts it around my shoulders. I begrudgingly slip my arms into the sleeves. It smells like Matthew—something both sweet and spicy. I take a deep breath and turn to him.
"Thanks, Matthew," I say.
"Just call me Matt."
I nod and we are silent the rest of the way. After several minutes, we enter a man-made cavern that has other staircases surrounding it. The guard who is standing in front of a two-inch thick door immediately opens the door for us.
"Your Majesty," the guard says, bowing.
We enter the safe room, a clamor of activity inside. All of the royal family is present, as well as Perris Conner and Evelyn Raia. When Prince Michael sees me, he immediately comes to my side. Michael gives me a hug and I embrace him back. "I'm so sorry I left you alone," he mumbles.
"Don't worry," I say into his chest. "If Matt hadn't been with me, I don't know where I would be."
Michael pulls back and claps Matt's back. "Thanks, Matt."
Matt chuckles. "Anything for you and the Selection girls." I don't miss the slight longing in his voice. I can't let myself like Prince Matthew. Not now, not ever.
Silvia ushers me to the back of the room. I sit in a corner and lean my head against the wall. The other Elite come in soon. I don't know how long the rebel attack lasts. I am so tired. I'm sure it's only six o'clock but I fall asleep anyway, with Matthew's suit coat still on.
