We head downstairs, but Indi seems to have lost some of her sparkle. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“If you can survive nearly two weeks of what you did and do this, then I can do this. Alex didn’t treat me badly, he just wouldn’t let me leave or have any contact with the outside world. Hell, he wouldn’t let me see or speak to anyone but him. So yes, I’m up for this. It’s just the gross guilty feeling weighing on me.”
I nod and take her hand, squeezing it. “We’ll get it all worked out.”
We head into the kitchen, and find Smithy with a tall man with salt and pepper hair. “Miss Octavia! Good you’re here. I’d like to finally introduce you to Matthew.” He turns to face Matthew, beaming. “Matthew, this is Octavia and her good friend, Indi.”
Matthew smiles at us warmly, but something about him doesn’t sit right. I don’t know what it is, but my gut is screaming at me. “It is so good to finally meet you both.”
He approaches, and takes my hand in his. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, Octavia.”
“Thank you,” I say, painting a smile on my face. “It’s nice to meet you too.”
He draws me in for a hug, and I try not to stiffen up.
Then the smell hits me.
Peppermint, wood, and spice.