Chapter 2

Michelle

It’s gotten late, and I’m still at the library.

Unhappiness is all around. I’ve barely gotten any work done because of my jittering nerves.

And it’s all thanks to this big guy, Maddox.

He is feasting on the last pizza slice while sitting next to me in a chair to see my display. I’m so uncomfortable.

Why does he have to be in my space all the time?!

Timidly, I glance at the clock on the wall and repress a groan. It’s late, and I should head home. It’s relieving to finally leave Maddox, but…

Instead of feeling achieved after a long hardworking a day, I’m anxious.

The work isn’t halfway done! Why did the teacher have to team me up with Maddox? He is lazy and does nothing for the team, while I like to stay ahead of my game!

Wait.

Game?

Jesus Christ, now I’m even starting to sound like Maddox!

“Are you holding silent conversations with yourself again?” Maddox asks while peeling a banana.

He is such a bastard, beautiful, albeit a bastard.

I don’t dare to meet his eyes. He has already figured out that he frightens me; that’s why he is close. Maddox is the type of person who likes to bask in other people’s discomfort.

“I… I don’t hold silent conversations with myself.”

“Sure.”

Sure?

“I mean it.”

Maddox calmly takes another bite of fruit. Smacking his tongue against his palate. I find it annoying, which is probably why he does it.

“I have another question.”

I repress a sigh. “What is it?”

“Do all men frighten you, or is it just me?”

I stare at his muscles and unyielding expression, gulping. “W-what makes you think I’m afraid of men?”

He shrugs a massive shoulder. “You had no trouble talking to the librarian earlier. She is a woman… But you shuddered in your chair when that gang of teenage boys walked past. You also wore this priceless expression, like you would shit in your pants.”

Sadness wraps me up like a breakfast burrito while Maddox, the brutish bastard, laughs at his own words.

Rude.

be such an ass about

make fun of someone for what they fear. You

his chair, amused. “Ah, what have you gone through then. Let

he say that

the spot like this. Maddox doesn’t need

I whisper, “No,

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

that I would ever

of his hand, eyeing me. “What is

eyes from him. “It’s

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

anything? He isn’t my friend or goddamn therapist! We hardly know each

none

What was that?” Maddox grins wolfishly. “Speak louder; I didn’t hear

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

business!” I exclaim, teary-eyed and shaking out of both fear and

a sharp laugh. “You look like you’re about to piss yourself

a little breathless and with my heart hammering against my chest. Even my lips are

“You don’t possess a single assertive bone in that

words cut

emotions and sit still, hoping he will get bored and stop harassing

in hell will this jackass leave me alone. Maddox isn’t afraid of confrontation; that much

to be in his element, as if he enjoys making me squirm

I asked a

“Why are

wrinkles his nose, lifting an eyebrow. “Excuse

the unsettling feeling in my chest, I glare at him.

not mean. I say things how they

I swallow thickly.

Maddox is a bully.

some reason, his nostrils flare. “Whatever,” Maddox rises to stretch and stands to his full height. “Grab your shit, and let’s

“You’re driving me

I just said. I saw you walking to school today, so I’m giving you a ride. Where do

saw me

he know who

so

“Umm…”

least write it down in a text message for

can do that without him

up my phone. I eagerly type down my address and give it to

Maddox comments and

Uh.

Maddox just steal

solid muscle. He is like a mountain that grew legs and decided to start

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