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

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

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

he say that so

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

I whisper, “No,

Rape.

Abuse from my parents.

Loneliness.

ever say that

his hand, eyeing me.

my eyes from him. “It’s

“Tell me.”

Seriously?

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

none of your

grins wolfishly. “Speak louder;

“I—”

“You’re whispering again.”

exclaim, teary-eyed and shaking out of both fear and

laugh. “You look like you’re about

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

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

words cut like

show him my emotions and sit still,

no chance in hell will this jackass leave me alone. Maddox isn’t afraid

to be in his element, as if he enjoys

asked

tears. “Why are you

Maddox wrinkles his nose, lifting an

glare at him. “Yes. You could be

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

I swallow thickly.

Maddox is a bully.

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

“You’re driving

to school today, so I’m giving you a ride.

me walking

who I

have so

“Umm…”

least write it down

can do that without

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

comments and walks away from me without handing back my

Uh.

just

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

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