The sound of Tom’s relentless banging echoing off the walls. You and Mattheo stand pressed together on the other side of the door, your back against the cool wall, trying to stay as silent as possible. Mattheo’s hand is firmly over your mouth.

“Mattheo! Open the damn door!” Tom’s demands.

Mattheo smirks, clearly enjoying the situation more than he should. Without missing a beat, he swings the door open just enough to face Tom with an unconcerned expression. “What do you want, Tom? I’m a little busy.”

Mattheo’s hand tightens slightly over your mouth as if daring you to make a sound, and the thrill of it all—of hiding from Tom, of almost being caught—makes your pulse quicken.

Tom steps forward, eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Busy? Doing what?”

Mattheo leans casually against the doorframe, blocking Tom’s view into the room. “You know me,” he says, flashing that infuriating smirk. “I’ve got my hands full.”

Your heart skips a beat at the double meaning in his words. Mattheo’s hand presses more firmly against your mouth, his thumb brushing your cheek as if reminding you to stay quiet.

Tom lets out an irritated sigh, clearly not convinced but too annoyed to argue further. “Don’t forget we’re meeting with Father later.”

Mattheo tilts his head, grin widening. “I’m looking forward to it.”

With one last suspicious glance, Tom turns on his heel and storms off. The door clicks shut behind him, and only then does Mattheo release you.

“You’re terrible,” you whisper, but you can’t stop the grin spreading across your face.

Mattheo chuckles, stepping closer until there’s no space left between you. “Yeah, but you love it.”