Page 245 of When We Fall: Part One

I was mad at Cole and Anson for fighting. I’d turned down the recording contract. The guys fought. I left.

The club.

The drinks.

Klaus Seeley.

I widened my eyes as the blurry memories of dancing and being in his car flooded my mind. Klaus had carried me into Matteo’s mansion. Matteo’s eyes had raked over my face as I sat on his leather couch.

Shit.

I was definitely at Matteo’s estate, and Ani wasn’t here to protect me.

I had no idea how the hell I was going to get out of here undetected. I promised Enzo I wouldn’t see Matteo again, yet here I was, having a damn sleepover at his mansion. While I didn’t hate Matteo, he was still a powerful, terrifying man. He’d not hurt me yet, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.

My breath came quickly. The room spun.

I can’t breathe.

I can’t breathe.

I stumbled out of bed, my head spinning and my chest aching as I tried to get myself together.

It was a losing battle.

My lips and fingertips tingled.

I wish Ani were here. He’d give me the sour candies like he did for Ethan. I wish Fox were here. Enzo. Cole. Ethan.

Help. God, please help.

I was going to pass out. I didn’t even hear the door open or the footsteps approach me. Instead, I stumbled forward, knowing I’d wake up in a few minutes once my body calmed down.

Warm hands pulled me from completely faceplanting on the marble floors.

“Easy, little hummingbird,” Klaus’s deep voice greeted me.

I whimpered as he lifted me quickly back onto my bed and kneeled in front of me as I swayed.

“Home. S-Scared,” I managed to choke out.

“Matteo’s. Fine,” he answered, pushing a curl away from my face.

I crinkled my brows as I stared at him, still breathing too fast. I hadn’t had a panic attack in what seemed like forever. I needed my guys to talk me down. This wasn’t going to work for me.

“I-I don’t understand,” I managed to choke out.

“Nor I,” he replied. “I thought perhaps we were playing a game.”

“W-What?” The man was strange.

He shook his head at me. “You’re clearly upset. To ease your mind, you are safe here. No one is going to harm you. Matteo has sent for you. Get yourself together so you can speak to him.” He reached out and wiped one of my tears off my cheek. “You must learn to control your emotions and fear. Your tears would not have saved you if I meant you harm.” He wiped at another rush of tears and sighed. “I only had sons. I have no idea how to treat a female in tears. If you were my son, I’d beat you until the tears had a reason.”

I swallowed hard and stared at him. He was a handsome man, but he was utterly terrifying. I didn’t know Levin or Stefan well, but I could see why Stefan decided to fake his death and go into hiding and why Levin avoided Klaus like the plague.

“You’re grateful you’re not my boys,” Klaus said gruffly as my breathing slowed. “I can see it in your pretty eyes.”

“I hope-hope you don’t beat your sons,” I whispered.