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.

his gaze. “Are you afraid of

“No.” I’m lying

over my head.

but I know I can’t get used to it because he might pounce on me like a cat at any

and cajoles. He could probably charm

angry self tomorrow. This is an illusion; therefore, I can’t allow myself to let my guard down. “Then just enjoy the food and don’t overthink,” Maddox says and

do…” I say in a low tone.

talk about on-the-surface 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

dig into my dessert, Maddox throws a question

parents at all?” The world seems to slow down, and

to talk with. “They picked alcohol over

you’re fine

just ask whatever he wants and expect people to give him honest

Probably.

the king of unfiltered

money even though I’m a

you

give Maddox a chance to

had a part-time job, but… The working hours didn’t suit me, so I’m searching for a new one, “I blush when I catch myself sounding like a beggar. “Anyway, let’s t-talk about something

understand you better now. Your parents. Did they mistreat you or something? Is that why you’re

Mistreat me?

fear comes from when Thomas raped

I wake up

out into the distance. “Yeah, that’s probably why I’m so timid

team or as if we are friends. It’s endearing, but the

His nostrils flare. “What?”

back a smile. “It’s

“Yes?” He drawls.

you like us hanging out or if you hate it. Now you’re

whatever I said changes the demeanor on Maddox’s face. The flare is gone, and

up and down, merciless, yet not as cold as usual. “You’re weird and silent, but I have a feeling

“You think

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

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