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.

you afraid of

“No.” I’m lying

I are supposed to be like snow and salt. But I’m already in over my head. He disarmed me

moments of showing me gentleness and sly humor are dangerous. I’m eating from his hands, but I know I can’t get used to it because he might pounce on me like a cat at

and cajoles. He could probably charm a manager-seeking Karen at the supermarket into admitting

back into his 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

I say in a low tone. “Will

me weird stuff, like my favorite color and what kind of flower I

Maddox

all?” The world seems to slow down, and it feels like someone has placed a heavy weight over my

other friends to talk with. “They picked alcohol over

you’re fine

does this guy just ask whatever he wants and expect

Probably.

the king of

though I’m a poor college student. I have a scholarship, and rent

do you

in my seat. I don’t like the questions, but… I’m trying to give Maddox a chance to get to know me, Call me silly, but

but… The working hours didn’t suit me, so I’m searching for a new one, “I

Did they mistreat

Mistreat me?

but my real fear comes from when Thomas raped

I wake up

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

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 at

His nostrils flare. “What?”

bite back

“Yes?” He drawls.

you like us hanging out or if you hate it. Now you’re wearing a frown and telling me we need to work on

changes the demeanor on Maddox’s

not as cold as usual. “You’re weird

“You think

is your favorite hobby? And for the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255