5. Frankie

Chapter 5

Frankie

The shadows in my room writhe and twist, forming grotesque shapes that vanish when I blink. My mind is a labyrinth of dark corridors, each turn revealing a new horror. I’ve weathered storms before and adapted to new worlds, but this… this feels different.

More intense.

More consequential.

More dangerous.

The shadows here don’t just lurk, they hunger.

The old grandfather clock in the hallway chimes three in the morning, its deep, resonant tones echoing through the stillness. I flop onto my side, my heart thundering against my ribs as a pair of glowing eyes materialize in the corner. They vanish as quickly as they appeared, leaving me to wonder if the shadow realm is already consuming my sanity.

Matteo tugs me closer, his chest a wall of warmth against my back. His scent envelops me—sandalwood and something uniquely him. It reminds me of autumn leaves and… is that a hint of stale coffee? It’s comforting, but it can’t quite quell the maelstrom in my mind or the chill that’s settled deep in my bones.

“Gem,” Matteo murmurs, his voice a low rumble in the quiet room. There’s a pause, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his mind as he weighs each word before he speaks. “Your thoughts are practically echoing off the walls. What has that brilliant mind of yours in such a tangle?”

His breath tickles my ear, and I suppress a shiver. Even in the darkness, I can picture the slight furrow of his brow and the analytical glint in his eyes. It’s comforting and unnerving all at once. He reads me so well and approaches every situation carefully, like I’m a puzzle he’s determined to solve.

I sigh, grateful for his perceptiveness but unsure how to articulate the dread that’s consuming me.

“Can’t sleep,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the soft rustle of silk sheets. “My thoughts keep circling like vultures as I try to figure out how I fit into all of this. This world… It’s like I’ve fallen through the looking glass, but instead of Wonderland, I’ve landed in some twisted nightmare where the monsters wear familiar faces.”

Matteo’s arm tightens around my waist as he presses closer, brushing his lips against the sensitive skin of my neck. “Let’s break this down,” he murmurs, already dissecting the problem. “Which specific aspects are causing you the most concern?”

I pause, not wanting to burden him with the chaos of my thoughts, but the heaviness in my mind feels overwhelming, like a suffocating darkness on the verge of consuming me whole.

“It’s like trying to describe a shadow to someone who’s never seen the sun,” I confess, my fingers tracing abstract patterns on his forearm. “Everything just feels off . Reality seems to twist and turn around us, and I constantly feel like someone or some thing is watching us. It’s like I can no longer bury what I always buried before, and it’s demanding I address every little thought and emotion.”

Matteo’s silence stretches for a moment, and I can almost hear the gears turning in his mind. When he speaks, his voice is low and measured. “Gem, what you’re experiencing is not uncommon in our world. The veil between what you’ve always known and what truly exists is thin, and once you’ve glimpsed beyond it, there’s no going back. The shadow realm bleeds into ours, leaving traces of magic and danger in its wake.”

I shudder, his words confirming my fears. “So I’m not going crazy? This isn’t just some elaborate hallucination brought on by too many late study nights and not enough caffeine?”

“No, you’re not,” he assures me, his fingers tracing soothing circles on my arm. The calluses on his fingertips catch slightly on my skin, a reminder of the strength hidden beneath his gentle touch. “If anything, you’re becoming more aware. More attuned to the reality that’s always existed beneath the surface. Your intuition is sharpening and adapting to this new world.”

His analytical approach helps ground me, giving structure to my swirling thoughts.

“You’re right,” I concede, letting out a shaky breath. “I’ve never felt so confused, but I’ve also never backed down from a challenge before. I just need to figure out how to approach this logically, like solving one of those impossible puzzles that Bishop loves.” I sigh, the sound heavy with unshed tears. “And every time I close my eyes, I see Valerie. It’s like the wound was ripped open, and I can’t ignore its existence anymore.”

Matteo shifts, propping himself up on one elbow to look at me in the dim light filtering through the gauzy curtains. His eyes are soft, filled with a tenderness that makes my heart ache, but there’s also sharp intelligence there, a reminder of the strategic mind constantly at work behind his gentle demeanor.

“You’re resilient,” he says, his voice a low rumble that I feel as much as hear. “It’s one of the things I admire most about you. You faced down the unknown. This is just another puzzle to solve, albeit with higher stakes.” His thumb brushes my cheek, wiping away a tear I didn’t realize had fallen. “Now, tell me more about your concerns. The more we understand, the better we can prepare.”

I swallow hard, pushing past the lump in my throat. “What if I’m not truly a part of your world? I want to believe you, but doubt still gnaws at me like a hungry beast. What if?—”

He silences me with a gentle kiss then pulls back, his gaze intense enough to steal my breath. “No what-ifs,” he states firmly. “Let’s focus on what we know and what we can control. You’ve shown incredible adaptability so far. We’ll tackle this systematically, one step at a time, just like you approach your research.”

I open my mouth to argue and let out all the fears and doubts that are tearing me apart, but then…

His lips crash against mine, and suddenly, the world narrows to just us.

I melt into his embrace, letting his warmth and logic envelop me. For a moment, the supernatural world and its dangers feel far away, pushed back by the heat of Matteo’s kiss and the strength of his arms around me.

When we finally break apart, I feel lighter somehow. The doubts are still there, lurking at the edges of my mind, but they’ve receded, pushed back by Matteo’s unwavering presence and strategic mindset.

“Okay,” I whisper, my voice barely audible in the stillness of the night. “One step at a time, like you said, but I’m holding you to it. We need a plan. Even a loose one will help me sleep.”

Matteo’s fingers trace soothing patterns on my skin, and I start to relax. “First,” he begins, his voice taking on a tactical tone, “we need to gather more information tomorrow. There might be ancient texts that can shed light on what’s happening. I can ask Dorian.”

I nod, feeling a spark of determination ignite within me. “And then?”

“Then we start training,” Matteo continues. “I’ll teach you how to hone your intuition and recognize the shadows in yourself and the world around you. It’ll be like learning a new language, but instead of words, you’ll be reading the fabric of reality.”

As he outlines our next steps, my anxiety slowly gives way to a sense of purpose. This is something I can work with—a concrete plan of action.

My eyelids grow heavy as the tension seeps out of my body, but as I start to drift off, a chill runs down my spine. My eyes snap open, and for a split second, I swear I see a dark figure looming over us. I blink, and it’s gone.

Soon . The word slithers through my mind like a venomous snake.

My heart racing, I turn in Matteo’s arms, pressing my body against his. I need to feel him and ground myself in his solid presence. My fingers trail up his chest, feeling his solid warmth. Matteo’s breath catches, and his eyes darken with desire, but I can still see his mind working.

The room feels charged and alive, and I’m not feeling fear anymore.

I lean in, capturing Matteo’s lips with mine, and let the heat between us chase away the lingering chill. His hands roam my body, igniting sparks wherever they touch. The world narrows to us, the shadows and whispers fading into the background.

As our kisses deepen, I feel a strange energy building within me. It’s different from the usual passion—wilder and more primal.

Matteo pulls back slightly. “Gem,” he murmurs, his voice low and gravelly. “Tell me what you want. I need to hear you say it. Your pleasure is mine to control, but only if you’re certain this is what you need right now.”

His words send a shiver down my spine, chasing away the lingering chill. “Yes,” I murmur against his lips. “I need this. I need you, Matteo. Please. Make me forget, just for a little while. Make me feel alive in a world that seems determined to drag me into the shadows.”

Matteo’s eyes flash with a primal hunger, and in one fluid motion, he rolls me onto my back, his body covering mine like a shield against the darkness. His lips capture mine in a searing kiss that steals my breath and sets my nerves alight. I arch into him, desperate for more contact, more heat, more of everything he can give me.

His hands roam my body with practiced precision, finding every spot that makes me gasp and shiver. I lose myself in the sensations, in the feel of his skin against mine, in the intoxicating scent of him that surrounds me. For these precious moments, the world beyond this bed ceases to exist.

Our kisses grow more heated, more desperate as we shed our clothes. Soon we’re naked, pressed against each other in the darkness of his bedroom. I feel completely consumed by him—his touch, his scent, the taste of his skin on my tongue—yet even now, I can sense his strategic mind at work, carefully gauging my reactions to ensure my comfort.

Matteo’s mouth blazes a trail along my neck, across my collarbone, and down to my breasts. I arch into him, craving more of his touch. I need the distraction from the shadows that seem to dance at the edges of my vision.

He hums against my skin, sending vibrations through me that make me moan. His tongue traces intricate patterns over my sensitive flesh, making me squirm with pleasure.

“That’s it,” he growls into my ear, his voice a primal mixture of domination and devotion. “I know exactly what your body needs. Let me give it to you. Let me tease and torture you until you’re begging for release… or I can make it rough and wild if that’s what drives you crazy. Your pleasure is my sole focus, and I will conquer every inch of you, claiming you as my territory.”

Holy shit, that’s hot as fuck, and all I can do in response is moan. I run my fingers through his hair, pulling him closer as he devours me with his mouth. It feels like we’ve been building up to this moment for weeks, and now that it’s finally happening, I never want it to end.

“Please,” I beg, raking my nails down his back. “I need you, Matteo. All of you. Make me feel real again.”

Matteo’s hands slide down my body, caressing every inch of me as he makes his way lower. His lips follow suit, trailing kisses along the curve of my stomach and dipping lower still.

When he reaches the apex of my thighs, I tremble with anticipation. He looks up at me through hooded eyes, and I know he can see the desire written all over my face.

“You’re doing beautifully,” he says, his voice low and full of promise. “Every response and sound you make is perfect. Let go, I’ve got you.”

I spread my legs wider for him, offering myself to him eagerly, and when his tongue finally licks from my slit to my clit, all rational thought flies out the window, along with my fears and anxieties.

My back arches off the bed as waves of pleasure course through me. Matteo holds onto my hips firmly as he works magic with his tongue and fingers, driving me to heights of ecstasy that I never thought possible.

I lose myself in the sensations until I shatter in his arms. My whole body tenses as I cry out, gripping the sheets as waves of pleasure wash through me. Matteo doesn’t let up, drawing out my climax until I’m trembling and oversensitive.

When he finally moves up my body, I pull him into a deep, passionate kiss. I can taste myself on his lips, and it only fuels my desire for more.

“Matteo,” I murmur against his mouth, my voice hoarse with need. “I want you, all of you. Make me yours completely.”

He groans, his hot breath fanning over my face as he presses his forehead to mine. His voice is thick with desire, and I can feel the heat radiating from his body, but underneath it all is deep concern and careful consideration for my well-being. “I can sense every tremor and gasp of pleasure,” he whispers in my ear. “Are you ready for more, or do you need a moment to catch your breath? We have all night, and I intend to make every sinful second count.” With each word, his hands tighten around my waist, and I feel the intensity building between us, igniting a fire that threatens to consume us both.

I press closer to his hard body. His cock twitches against my thigh, and it sends a jolt of desire straight to my core. My fingers trail lower, tracing the outline of his abs before slipping beneath the waistband of his boxers. Matteo’s breath hitches as I wrap my hand around his shaft, stroking him slowly.

“Fuck,” he groans, his hips bucking involuntarily. “You’re making me lose my mind. I crave to hear you moan my name. I need to know without a shadow of a doubt that you want this. Your agreement and pleasure are what matter most. I won’t cross that boundary unless you’re indisputably sure.”

“I’m sure,” I murmur, meeting his gaze. “I want this. I want you, Matteo.” My voice breaks slightly. “Please. I need to feel… real again.”

Matteo searches my eyes for a moment then nods. He reaches into the bedside drawer for protection—thank you, Tori—then positions himself at my entrance.

As he slowly pushes inside me, I gasp at the stretch and fullness. Matteo peppers my face with soft kisses, murmuring words of encouragement and checking in with me at every step.

“You feel incredible,” he murmurs when he’s fully seated inside me. “So tight, so perfect. I can feel your body adjusting to me. Take all the time you need. We’ll move at your pace. This is all about you, about us connecting in the most intimate way possible.”

I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer as I adjust to his size. The initial discomfort fades, replaced by a delicious ache of pleasure.

“I’m more than okay,” I whisper, rolling my hips against his. “Please, Matteo, move. I need to feel you. I need to know this is real.”

He starts to thrust slowly and deeply at first. Each movement sends sparks of pleasure through my body. I match his rhythm, meeting him thrust for thrust.

“That’s it,” Matteo encourages, his voice a mix of passion and awe. “You’re taking me so well. Let me feel every inch of you. You’re so beautiful like this, lost in pleasure. I want to memorize every expression and sound you make. You’re a work of art, and I’m the lucky bastard who gets to worship you.”

Our bodies move together in perfect synchronicity, as if we were made for each other. The room fills with the sounds of our moans and the slap of skin on skin. For a moment, the supernatural world and its dangers feel far away.

Matteo’s pace quickens, his thrusts becoming more urgent. I feel the tension building inside me again, a coiling heat in my lower belly.

“I can feel you milking my cock,” he growls, his voice strained. “The way your muscles are tensing, the catch in your breath… Fuck, baby, yes, that it, strangle me.”

His hand snakes between our bodies, finding that sensitive bundle of nerves. I cry out as he starts to rub tight circles, the dual sensations pushing me closer to the edge.

“Good girl,” Matteo encourages, rotating his hips. “So perfect. Let go for me. I’ve got you. I’ll always catch you when you fall, no matter what darkness tries to claim you.”

I wrap my legs around his waist, changing the angle and causing us both to moan. The feeling is indescribable, like every nerve ending in my body is on fire.

“Oh God.” I dig my nails into his shoulders. “Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop. I’m so close, Matteo. Make me yours completely.”

Matteo’s pace quickens, his hips snapping against mine with increasing urgency. I can feel another orgasm building, coiling tighter and tighter in my core.

“That’s it, baby,” Matteo growls in my ear. “Come for me. Let me feel you fall apart around me. You’re safe in my arms. Let everything else fade away and just feel. Let me be your anchor in this storm.”

His words push me over the edge, and I cry out, my body clenching around him as waves of pleasure crash over me. Matteo follows soon after, groaning my name as he finds his own release.

We lie tangled together, both of us breathing heavily. Matteo presses soft kisses to my forehead, cheeks, and lips. I feel boneless and completely sated, like I’ve been unmade and put back together.

“Are you alright?” he murmurs, brushing my hair back from my face. His tone is tender, but I can hear the underlying note of concern.

I nod, a contented smile spreading across my face. “More than alright,” I whisper, nuzzling into his chest. “I feel… whole and connected, like all the chaos faded away and it was just us. As if we created our own little pocket of reality where the shadows can’t reach.”

Matteo’s arms tighten around me, holding me close. The steady thump of his heartbeat beneath my ear is soothing, and for the first time in days, maybe weeks, I feel truly at peace.

For once, the monsters in my head are quieter than the beating of his heart.

We lie in comfortable silence for a while, basking in the afterglow. Matteo’s fingers trace lazy patterns on my skin, sending little shivers of pleasure through me. Each touch feels like a promise, a silent vow of protection.

The silence stretches between us, comfortable yet charged with unspoken words. I trace abstract patterns on Matteo’s chest, feeling the steady thump of his heart beneath my fingertips, and each beat seems to echo the questions swirling in my mind.

Finally, I gather my courage. “Thank you,” I murmur, the words barely audible, even in the quiet room. I tilt my head to look up at him, half afraid of what I might see in his eyes.

Matteo’s gaze, usually so sharp and calculating, has softened. There’s an emotion there that makes my breath catch, something I’m not quite ready to name, but as quickly as I see it, that familiar analytical glint returns, like he’s dissecting my words and searching for hidden meanings.

“For what, specifically?” he asks, his tone gentle but probing.

I take a shaky breath, suddenly aware of how vulnerable I feel—not just physically naked, but emotionally exposed. The shadows in the room seem to press closer, reminding me of the dangers lurking just beyond this moment of peace.

I take a moment to gather my thoughts and put the swirling emotions inside me into words. It’s like trying to capture smoke, but for Matteo, I’ll try. “For this. For being here. For…” I trail off then find my resolve. “For making me feel safe in a world that’s suddenly become so dangerous. For helping me approach my fears logically, like equations to be solved rather than monsters to be fled from. For believing in my strength even when I doubt myself. For showing me that I can face this new world, as terrifying as it is.”

Matteo’s eyes soften, and he leans down to press a tender kiss to my forehead. “I’ll always be here for you.”

The craziest part?

I believe him.