chapter 25

Matthias POV

''Fifty-thousand, going once, going twice? Sold to the Lannisters!''The cheers erupted like fireworks popping across the sky. The charity portion was finally over and I was stuffed from eating so much food.

"Matthias Lekas." I pulled my shoulders back and stood up straighter. "Thank you for coming back again,'' Bernard said to me.

''Oh, Bernard it's a pleasure, honestly. You know my father would've loved it if he were here.''

He chuckled. ''Oh, man. He would, so glad to see you and your lovely fiancè, Josephine. I should go but I'll talk to you soon.''

''Will do.'' We exchange handshakes and he left me alone with Josie.

I gently took her hand and escorted us to the dance floor.

Our eyes met, instinctively and hypnotically. My heart was pounding so fucking fast.

We didn't say a word to each other. The touch of her hand burned into my skin; I was dizzy from her touch.

Her scent engulfed me and it took control of my senses. I pulled her to me; her body fit me perfectly. Together we moved to the music as one and moved slowly to the music our bodies molded together.

Every move she made was attached to me. I could feel the beat of her heart, her soft breath on my neck, her softness all over me.

The heat of her hands and body contained me, I no longer had control of her body or her mind. I never before experienced anything like this, they way our magic grew with each sway and touch.

We'd never heard each other say a word - but the love was already there - the passion was already explosive, no single doubt existed. At that moment, I knew we were meant for each other.

Our noses touched, gently on top of each other. The way our lips fit like two puzzle pieces, connected to one another. We stare at each other, deep into each other's eyes for a split second and Josie took a step back.

''Can I be excused?'' She said.

''Why?''

''I want to be alone.''

''Josie.''

''Please, I'm not asking again.'' Her eyes dropped in sadness and I felt like I have to let her go to be by herself. I couldn't argue with her this time, I really couldn't.

With a sigh, I replied. ''Yes, you can be excused.''

.....

Josie POV

I'd always been fond of balconies. Tonight the moon is playing peek-a-boo, weaving in and out of ribbons of black clouds scudding across the sky.

Alone by myself, I could hear the people from the distance in the ballroom, walking around with wine glasses on their hand, chatting and laughing loudly.

''Josie,'' a dark whisper breezed to my ear. I turned around to that voice and noticed it wasn't Matthias standing in front of me, it was Mike.

I widened my eyes. ''Michael? What are you doing here?''

''I snuck in here.''

''Why?'' I retorted.

''Because Josie, I came to see you.''

I rolled my eyes.

''Josie, listen to me. You are the light in the center of my world, the force that keeps me going, and the partner I never knew I needed in my life. I miss you every single second you're away--''

''You said that I was useless, why are you telling me this now?!''

''I just want to be by your side, I wish I could give you the warmth of my embrace to brighten up your day. I wish I could give you that sweet smile that makes everything all right. I wish I could just be there to hold you and tell you that no matter how far apart we are, I am always here loving you constantly and steadfastly. I just want to be there for you always. I know that I have to work a lot, but not being with you sometimes gets me crazy, I really miss you.''

''I don't miss you, Mike.''

''Come on Jo, there's not even an ounce that you have feelings for Matthias.''

''-You're wrong, I do have feelings for Matthias," I cut him off, telling him truthfully.

He snickers. ''He's manipulating you, he doesn't care about you, Josie. I care about you and I love you.''

I held my hands in surrender. ''I can't do this with you, not now.'' I walked passed by Mike when he grabs my arm forcefully, pulling me closer to him.

''Tell me that you love me Josie, say it to me,'' he grunts, the heavy alcohol swift under my nose that instantly gave me a headache. ''Baby, you belong to me.''

''Josie?'' Galen said, coming through the doors.

''Galen,'' I cried.

I didn't know who threw the first punch, but suddenly Galen was slamming into Mike's face while I stared at them, feeling a sunk into my stomach. Galen wrapped his arms together and placed him in handcuffs. I was trying not to stare at his nose but I kept finding my eyes diverting to it.

''Josie, are you okay?'' Khalid said to me.

I turned my head to him. ''How'd... I.. I.. How?'' I stuttered.

''Galen and I saw from afar, plus we owe Matthias. He told us to keep an eye on you at all times.''

''Where is he?''

''The first floor, do you want to see him?''

''Yes. But, what are you going to do with Mike?''

''We'll place him somewhere else. I put in a restraining order if that's okay with you.''

''Yes, I would love that, thank you.''