She didn’t flinch from the pain of the water entering her wound. She just stared at my hands like she was in a trance. I traced the pad of my thumb along her cut, hoping to get some kind of reaction from her. But she just kept staring at my hands. I couldn’t tell if she was in shock or awe. I was really hoping it was the latter.
The silence stretched between us and all I could think about was filling it. “Isabella’s a disease,” I said. “Don’t let her crawl under your skin or she’ll stay there.” Just tell her she’s beautiful, you idiot. How many times was I going to screw this up?
She finally removed her eyes from my reflection in the mirror and looked up at me. For just a moment we locked eyes. A few seconds that stretched for eternity. Her eyes swirled with sadness. It killed me how sad she was. I wanted to know why. It was like I could feel her pain, even if I didn’t know the cause. I wanted to fix it.
She turned away, as if she was worried I’d truly see her. But it was too late. I already knew too much. And I didn’t know how to walk away.
I turned off the water, grabbed a paper towel, and wrapped it around her hand.
“Thank you,” she said, keeping her eyes on the paper towel.
I shoved my hands into my pockets so I wouldn’t try to touch her again. For the first time in my life, I needed to show restraint. Brooklyn was worth that. She was worth everything. “I’ll see you around school, Brooklyn,” I said and made my way to the door, even though it killed me to walk away. But I knew she needed space. If she didn’t, she’d look up at me. I’d give her that space. I’d give her whatever time she needed. Maybe it would be enough time to buy my freedom back.
I looked back at her once more before the door closed behind me with a thud. I pressed my back against it. Yes, I’d give her time. But as far as I was concerned, Brooklyn was already an Untouchable. And Isabella was going to pay. Because she’d just messed with what was mine.
A Note From Ivy
I hope you enjoyed getting a glimpse of Matt behind the scenes. When I write from the heroine’s perspective I always feel a little guilty that you don’t see the hero’s motivations. Because really, it’s not just Brooklyn’s story. Everyone in Empire High has their own side of the story. I don’t know if you’re #TeamMatt. Maybe you’re #TeamFelix. Maybe you love someone else for her. But if you’ve been along with me from the beginning of my writing journey, starting with The Hunted series, I know you were hoping to get in Matt’s head. He’s been one of my most elusive characters so finally seeing how he ticks has been so much fun.
And if you haven’t read The Hunted series yet…what are you waiting for?! All of my books are related in one way or another with The Hunted series. Half the fun is seeing your favorite characters show up unexpectedly in a new book. So make sure to check out the chronological reading order on my website to truly jump in. Don’t worry, there are no spoilers about Matt’s future with Brooklyn!
And speaking of Matt – do you think he’ll successfully make Brooklyn an Untouchable too? Or will their love story go up in flames?
Ivy Smoak
Wilmington, DE
www.IvySmoak.com
What to read next…
All books available in Kindle Unlimited!
Empire High
Empire High Elite (Book 2) - Welcome to the world of the elite. Will Matt be able to accept the truth about Brooklyn’s new family? Or will their family rivalry tear them apart? Find out in Empire High Elite!
The Hunted Series (James Hunter’s story)
Temptation (Book 1) - Matthew Caldwell isn’t the only Untouchable with his own story! When James Hunter grows up, he gives up his billionaire lifestyle in NYC to become a professor. But he never expected to be teaching such a beautiful student. He has to resist her. He needs to walk away. Penny deserves better than a man with his demons. But she’s daring him to cross the line. And he’s never been one to resist temptation.
*Temptation does NOT contain any spoilers about Matt & Brooklyn!*
Men of Manhattan Series (The other Untouchables’ stories)
City of Sin (Mason Caldwell’s story) – Matthew’s brother Mason has always been a playboy. And when he’s older? He’s just more notorious. That is until he meets Bee, a small-town girl who’s moved to the city to follow her dreams. Will she be able to change his playboy ways?
*Don’t worry, there are no spoilers about Matt & Brooklyn in this story either!*
