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 ass

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

“Ah, what have you gone through then.

can he say

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

I whisper,

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

ever say that

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

avert my eyes from

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

Maddox think he can just ask me anything? He isn’t my friend

It’s none of

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

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

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

out a sharp laugh. “You

is to stare at him, a little breathless and with my heart hammering against my chest.

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

cut like

my emotions and sit still, hoping he will get

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

be in his element, as if he enjoys making me

asked

swallow tears. “Why are

Maddox wrinkles his nose, lifting an eyebrow. “Excuse

chest, I glare at him.

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

I swallow thickly.

Maddox is a bully.

his nostrils flare. “Whatever,” Maddox rises to stretch and stands to his full height. “Grab

“You’re

said. I saw you walking to school

saw me

know who I

so

“Umm…”

you at least write it down

can do that

I eagerly type down my address and give it to

comments and walks away from me without handing back my

Uh.

just steal

shoulders and solid muscle. He is like a

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