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.

to be such an ass about everything he

not nice to make fun of someone for what they fear. You don’t know what they have

chair, amused. “Ah, what have you gone through then. Let me guess:

he say that so

bite down on my lower lip to keep the tears at bay. I dislike being put on the spot like this. Maddox doesn’t need to hear my backstory.

I whisper, “No,

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

that I would ever say that

against the palm of his hand, eyeing me. “What

my eyes

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

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

none

Maddox grins wolfishly. “Speak louder; I didn’t hear

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

it’s none of your business!” I exclaim,

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

him, a little breathless and with

weirdo…” Maddox shakes his head at me. “You don’t possess

cut like

him my emotions and sit still, hoping he

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

seems to be in his element, as

I asked a

swallow tears. “Why are you always so

wrinkles his nose, lifting an eyebrow.

unsettling feeling in my chest, I glare at him.

say things how they are.

I swallow thickly.

Maddox is a bully.

stands to his full height. “Grab your shit, and let’s get

“You’re driving me

to school

saw me

who I

have so

“Umm…”

sake…” Maddox sighs loudly. “Can you at least write it down

that without him

eagerly type down my address

that’s quite far from here…” Maddox comments and

Uh.

just

gape after his broad shoulders and solid muscle. He is like a mountain that grew legs and

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