Page 74 of Dissipate

“Thank you, Matthew. I know what you’ve sacrificed.”

For a mere moment, the corners of his lips dipped downward until the emotional mask resumed. “Our people need to be protected. They’ll never believe it if you or I told them. I’m here to help find a way to bring The Society down.”

“Let’s eat, get some sleep, and we can figure this out in the morning. We’re on Christmas break, so we won’t have class for the next few weeks.” As I spoke, Matthew gave a tired gesture with a slight nod.

AFTER DINNER, MATTHEW had decided on a shower. Aiden had a drawer full of clothes and he’d loaned some lounge pants and a T-shirt for him to sleep in. And for tomorrow, I’d given him a pair of Aiden’s jeans and another long sleeve shirt of Aiden’s. There hadn’t been much time for Matthew to pack and he’d only brought a small bag with him.

I was downstairs getting Matthew’s bed ready for the night on the couch. Adding one last blanket to the bed, Aiden remerged from the kitchen after cleaning up from dinner.

“We may need to leave here, Kenzie.”

I hadn’t been ready to face this fact.

With a trembling lip, I shakily said, “I know. I know I may have to start over. I’m not sure if I can leave you.”

Needing the contact, I walked into Aiden’s arms. He enveloped my body. “Kenzie, sweetheart, we would go together. I’m not leaving you.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.” I mumbled into his chest.

Strong arms stroked my back. “Kenzie, we’re in this together. You’re my life. You know that, right?”

“Yes, you’re mine, too. I’m going to have to help Matthew adjust.”

There was an edge to his voice. “I know.”

Since Matthew had mentioned marriage, Aiden had become sharper around him. Matthew came down the stairs quickly, wearing Aiden’s clothes, but stopped short when he saw Aiden holding me. I left Aiden’s embrace. This type of contact would be awkward for Matthew. I didn’t want to walk on eggshells around him, but this was his first night here.

Placating, I spoke to everyone, “Why don’t we get some sleep? We’ll get breakfast in the morning and go from there.”

Matthew was going to need clothes and much more in the next few days. He didn’t have a social security card or birth certificate which had been my identification to get my school id and job. Tomorrow. We’d figure it out tomorrow.

Everyone gave a slight nod. Walking up to Matthew, I squeezed his hand like we always used to say good-bye to each other. “Night. I’ll see you in the morning.”

Matthew didn’t let go of my hand. “Where’s Aiden sleeping?”

; “With Kenzie.” The voice of the man I loved brokered no argument.

Matthew’s face dropped and he released me. I spoke to try and explain things, “Things are different here. Relationships work differently.”

The blue eyes looked straight at me. “I think the basics of right and wrong are still the same, Sarah.”

The disapproval was tough to take. But, he had it all wrong. Aiden cleared his throat. I held up my hand behind me to stop him becoming all possessive. It worked as Aiden didn’t say anything.

The atmosphere tensed, rapidly. I tried to keep my voice calm and soothing, but I was worn out. “We’ll talk tomorrow, Matthew. This is hard for everyone.”

As I turned, he grabbed my hand again. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day. I’m here if you need anything.”

“I know.” I felt Aiden approach me from the other side.

Matthew squeezed my hand. “Sweet dreams until tomorrow.”

“Sweet dreams until tomorrow.”

Those were the words that Matthew said every time he left me. I’d missed my friend. The connection we shared was evident.

Aiden and I walked up the stairs. Matthew watched me the whole way. I wondered what he was thinking. There was part of me that felt like I’d betrayed him and my heart broke for that reason. In my room, Aiden and I silently got dressed for bed and slipped under the covers with the bedside lamp still on.