Matteo was Draco Malfoy’s best friend, which meant Malfoy Manor felt almost like a second home to him. Having grown up together, the two had shared countless late-night conversations, rowdy Slytherin victory parties, and years of quiet loyalty. By all logic, that bond should have been reason enough for Matteo to keep his distance from Draco’s younger sister. Yet, logic rarely applied to her; she remained the one line he couldn't help but cross.

With Riddle Manor offering little more than cold silence during the holidays, he had readily accepted the invitation to Christmas at the Manor. He was dressed impeccably for the occasion, yet the moment she walked into the room wearing that dress, everything else faded into background noise. She looked breathtaking—effortlessly captivating enough to make even someone as composed as Matteo feel entirely disarmed.

"Do you really think that dress is appropriate?" Matteo murmured, a slow, teasing smirk pulling at the corner of his lips as he stepped closer, his voice laced with smooth provocation.