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.

have to be such an ass about everything

It’s not nice to make fun of someone for what they fear.

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

say that

dislike being put on the spot like

whisper, “No,

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

that I would ever say

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

eyes from him. “It’s

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

He isn’t my friend

none of your

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

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

of your business!” I exclaim, teary-eyed and shaking

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

at him, a little breathless and with my

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

words cut like

him my emotions and sit still, hoping he

leave me alone. Maddox isn’t afraid of confrontation;

in his element, as if he enjoys making me squirm

I asked

tears. “Why are you always

his nose, lifting an eyebrow.

I glare at him. “Yes. You could be

“And I’m not mean. I say things how they are.

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 get out of here. I’m driving

“You’re driving

just said. I saw you walking to school today,

me walking

he know who I

have so

“Umm…”

you at least write it

that

phone. I eagerly type down my address and give

that’s quite far from here…” Maddox comments and walks away from me without

Uh.

Maddox just

after his broad shoulders and solid muscle. He is

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