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.

such an

make fun of someone for what they

“Ah, what have you

he say that

bay. I dislike being put on the spot like this. Maddox doesn’t need to hear my backstory. Especially since he

I whisper, “No, not

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

would ever say

the palm of his hand, eyeing me. “What is it that

avert my eyes from him. “It’s

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

makes Maddox think he can just ask me anything? He isn’t my friend or goddamn therapist!

none of

was that?” Maddox grins wolfishly. “Speak louder; I

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

said it’s none of your business!” I exclaim, teary-eyed and shaking out of both

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

is to stare at him, a little breathless and with

at me. “You don’t possess a single assertive bone in that spine, do

words cut

try not to show him my emotions and sit still, hoping he will

me alone. Maddox isn’t afraid of confrontation; that much

seems to be in his element, as if he enjoys

asked a

are you always

nose,

glare at him. “Yes.

I say things how they are.

I swallow thickly.

Maddox is a bully.

to stretch and stands to his

blink. “You’re driving

just said. I saw you walking to school today, so I’m giving

me walking to

he know who I

so

“Umm…”

you at least write it down in a text message

that without

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

far from here…” Maddox comments and walks away from me without

Uh.

just steal

is like a mountain

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