He appeared again ten minutes later with two mugs of tea, just as I was starting to doze off again.
He climbed back into bed and passed me my mug.
I curled into Matthew’s side, resting my head on the warmth of his chest.
We sat in silence for a few moments, sipping our teas.
“It cool enough?” Matt asked softly.
“Huh?” I blinked, turning my head to catch his eye.
He smiled at me fondly “it’s not scalding hot, is it?” He clarified.
“Oh. No. It’s perfect.” I murmured “thank you.”
Once I’d finished I placed my empty mug on the bedside table, shifting and nuzzling my face into the crook of Matthew’s neck.
“Tired?”
“Yeah.”
He placed a warm, smooth object on my stomach. I blinked down at it “water skin.” I said dumbly.
Matthew chuckled “hot water bottle.” He corrected “You never used one like this?”
I frowned at the leather pouch and shook my head slowly “nope. Just…mum…didn’t coddle us much.”
He hummed “well, you’ll feel better tomorrow, I think.”
“Thanks, Matt.”
CHAPTER 19
Theo
Against wiser advice, Stryker decided to make a return to the army just a week after our stay. I would never be able to forget the pure furry in Johnathan's expression.
As of now, he was working on the kidnapping case, which still hadn't really been looked into. I felt a little guilty for that.
"You're with me. We're searching the spot where the latest kid disappeared...not even two hours ago." He announced as soon as I made an appearance at the breakfast table.
"The parents will be there."
"Outside a pub?" I guessed through a yawn, eyes automatically searching for Matthew. He was sitting beside a scowling Jack on the opposite end of the table. Just as he opened his mouth to respond to my questioning gaze, Jack beat him to it, snapping at Stryker "you're not well enough for shit like that."
"I think I'm the only one who can decide that." Stryker snapped right back.
The pair glared at each other.
Dean opened his mouth hesitantly, ready to back Jack up, but a withering glare from Stryker silenced him.
"I'll bring biscuits." I spoke up flatly.
At Stryker's incredulous look, I elaborated "you have low blood sugar, right? They're sugary."
Matthew barked out a loud laugh, slapping a hand over his mouth when ten people turned towards him. His eyes twinkled with amusement.
Stryker huffed.
