Chapter 11

Michelle

I don’t belong at this fancy restaurant, and my only comfort is that Maddox doesn’t fit in either.

Not when he is wearing sweatpants and a hoodie-the only thing he had with him to the game. The rest of his stuff is in the back of his car.

I eye his chest, and even though his muscles are hidden behind the fabric and some cheesy slogan from our college, they are still visible. Firm and snug. Maddox is in peak condition. 1

My cheeks turn molten when his eyes catch me looking, and I stare at the floor instead. We finish our drinks in silence. There is no sign of our food, and the atmosphere is thick

Awkward.

Tense.

“They usually aren’t this slow,” Maddox comments. “Maybe they burned our food or something.”

“I bet it would still taste good even if they burnt it. I’ve never eaten at a classy dinner before. The chefs here could probably serve me dog shit, and I would still like it.” Maddox chokes on his drink and laughs tears. “Did prim and proper Michelle just say the word “dog shit” in a sentence?”

Did I?

Oh.

I did.

I shyly smile at him. “I’m not good at handling alcohol.”

He pushes his drink towards me. “If I had known alcohol could unwind you, I would have bought you a drink long ago. Here, have mine too.”

“Are you trying to get me drunk?” “Maybe?” I narrow my eyes at him and blush. “You’re a terrible influence. Please don’t try to inspire me to become an alcoholic.”

“You don‘t have to drink. That’s not why I brought you here.” “You don’t want me to drink?”

Warm blue eyes move over me. “No. I want you to eat with me.”

I go still and let my eyes roam his face. Maddox tilts his head as if trying to read whatever is in my expression. Whatever he sees has his features warming up around the edges.

fills his gaze. “Are you afraid of eating with

“No.” I’m lying

and salt. But I’m already in over my head. He disarmed me when he kissed me, and

showing me gentleness and sly humor are dangerous. I’m eating from his hands, but I know I can’t

football victory, is suspiciously flirtatious. He persuades and cajoles. He could probably charm a manager-seeking Karen at the supermarket into admitting

illusion; therefore, I can’t allow myself to let my guard down. “Then just enjoy the food and don’t overthink,” Maddox says and shrugs a massive shoulder. Ah, there it is. The I-don’t-give-a-fuck expression is back on his face.

I say in a

stuff. We don’t go too deep. He asks me weird stuff, like my favorite color and what kind of flower I prefer, we talk about

dessert, Maddox throws a question that

seems to slow down, and it

any other friends to talk with. “They picked alcohol over their own daughter, and they refuse to get help. So I decided

you’re fine

does this guy just ask whatever he wants and expect people to give

Probably.

is the king of unfiltered questions and intense

me for money even though I’m a poor college student. I have a scholarship, and rent is cheap since I live with two other

you pay

but… I’m trying to give Maddox a chance to get to know me, Call me silly, but

a new one, “I blush when I catch myself sounding like a beggar. “Anyway, let’s t-talk

Your parents. Did they mistreat you or something? Is that why

Mistreat me?

suppose my dad hit me a couple of times, but my real fear comes from when Thomas raped

wake up

stare out into the distance. “Yeah, that’s probably why

need to work on your self-confidence.” I snort. Maddox Daniels said “we” as if we are on the same team or as if we are friends. It’s endearing, but the big guy doesn’t look amused when he catches me laughing and smiling

His nostrils flare. “What?”

I shyly bite back

“Yes?” He drawls.

if you hate it. Now you’re wearing a frown and telling me we need to work on

whatever I said changes the

a bad company,” his eyes rake me up and down, merciless, yet not as cold as usual. “You’re weird and silent,

“You think

all sort of secrets… Like, what is your favorite hobby? And for the

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