Page 13

Chapter thirteen

Maddox

“ I s there a bathroom I can use?” I ask, gingerly placing my empty glass on the table.

“Of course, but if you’re thinking about climbing out the window because my kissing was terrible, you should know there’s a staircase on the terrace. And if you make a run for it, I promise I’ll only chase you if you’re into that kind of thing.” He waggles his eyebrows at me.

Little does he understand, I am, in fact, into that sort of thing, and the tingle spreading through my nerves at the idea of a masked man chasing me sounds like the perfect end to a perfect night. But the first drink is hitting my bladder, and I really have to pee.

“I’m not going to run unless you tell me to—and only if you’re into that kind of thing,” I playfully throw right back at him. “I appreciate the tip about the terrace, though, just in case I do eventually want to plan an abrupt escape. For now, I’ll take those directions to the bathroom.”

He laughs. “Why are you so damn perfect? The bathroom is past the bar, first door on the right.”

“Thank you. Don’t even consider making a break for the terrace.” I shout, looking back at him over my shoulder.

He blows me a kiss right before I duck into the restroom. Once I’ve relieved my bladder and freshened up with a wet wipe from my bag, I pull out my phone to text the girls.

Maddox: You guys!!! I kissed someone. Like, full-blown, his tongue was halfway down my throat—kissed some guy who won’t even tell me his name.

Sam: Shut the fuck up. The one in the picture? Also, what are you doing kissing some rando who won’t even tell you his name? Do we need to do some recon on the mystery man in the photo? We could call in some favors for facial recognition access.

Maddox: NO!!! But also yes, he’s the guy.

Callie: Bitch, you found yourself a victim. Now go close the deal, girl. End the celibacy streak!

Sam: Don’t listen to her. You need to find out his name before you fuck him.

Callie: It’s called a “get over him” fuck. I say go for it. Who cares if you never see him again? Have fun and use protection.

Sam: You shouldn’t be enabling this!

Callie: Correction. You SHOULD be enabling this. Maddox needs to get laid. There are probably cobwebs. No offense, Madds.

Maddox: When I asked him for his name, he said he likes to be called Daddy.

Sam: Stop it. I changed my mind. Go for it. Yes, Daddy.

Callie: Bwah ha ha ha ha.

Maddox: He also said he doesn’t want who he is to change the way I react to him. Oh, and I asked him if he works here, and he completely avoided the question.

Callie: Who could he be?

Maddox: IDK. I literally have never paid attention to anyone besides Level-Up-Dom.

Sam: Why am I not surprised?

Callie: And you’re sure it’s not your man?

Maddox: Positive. He has a brother, and it’s the only logical explanation, right? I saw my man behind the bar working, but I haven’t seen his brother. Shit. IDK what his brother even looks like.

Sam: Um, Madds, where are you that you’re messaging us?

Maddox: Bathroom.

Callie: Girl, you better get back out there. He’s going to think you’re…

Maddox: Shit!

Maddox: I’ll message again when I leave.

Callie: Don’t leave. Save an electric scooter, ride a masked man.

Sam: Da actual fuck, Callie?

Callie: It sounded better in my head. What are you, the sex police?

Sam: No, dummy. The real police would be the sex police. Have you ever heard of indecent exposure? Lord help us.

Callie: Go get ’em, tiger!

Sam: Use a condom.

Sam: Are you still on the pill?

Sam: Be safe!

I slide my phone into the small pocket of my bag and walk back out to where I left my mystery man—except he’s nowhere to be seen. Did he seriously bail on me? Was I in there that long? Our empty drinks are still on the table. Downstairs, it’s quiet, except for the indistinct murmur of voices. One of them sounds like his, but I can’t be sure from where I’m standing. I toss my bag on the sofa as I inch closer to the stairs to listen.

“Thanks for closing, Kyler. I’m going to head up. Text me once you’re home, so I know you guys made it safely.” He drops his voice, so it’s barely audible, and I can’t make out the rest of what he says.

If she replies, I can’t hear her. Only silence follows, then the echo of footsteps nearing the bottom of the stairs. I dart across the room on my tiptoes, trying to run as quietly as possible. I slide onto the sofa with enough time to catch my breath.

He emerges and smiles. “Good, you’re still here. I brought you water.”

I accept the water bottle from him and take a sip before placing it on the table. “Thanks.”

“I’m sorry I kept you waiting.”

“It’s okay,” I whisper.

“Let me clean these up for us really quick,” he says, scooping up the empty glass and beer bottle awkwardly.

I’m surprised. He’s been so calm and collected all night. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he seems nervous. Fuck. Wasn’t he thanking someone for closing up? Is he going to unalive me? I’m thinking I shouldn’t be here. What am I doing? Sam’s right. I don’t even know his name. This is stupid. Reckless, dangerous, and completely idiotic. I need to—I don’t know—make a break for it?

The glass clinks as he places the empty drinks on the bar counter.

“So–” we both say awkwardly at the same time.

“Ladies first,” he replies in a polite voice, but his eyes are smoldering, filled with a desire that has me melting beneath his gaze.

“So, do I need to be worried? Um, ya know, about being all alone with you? Are we going to get in trouble for being here?” I ask hesitantly.

Fucking genius. Like a serial killer is really going to admit when he’s about to serial murder you. Oh, my god, I need to stop listening to true crime podcasts. Get out of your head, Maddox, and enjoy yourself. What would Callie do? W.W.C.D?

He lets me shift uncomfortably under his gaze for a few moments before he finally responds. “Do you think I would hurt you, darling? At any point tonight, have I made you feel as if I might be harboring some kind of ill will against you? I told you—all you have to do is ask me to stop. Maddox, if you don’t want to be here with me, you’re completely free to go at any time. I’ve already told you where the immediate exit is, and if you need a ride, I’m happy to wait here with you until a driver arrives. Shit, I’ll even order you a ride and pay for it, so I can make sure you get home safely.”

His confession catches me off guard, and I suddenly feel completely out of line. I sound like a jerk. He’s right. All he’s guilty of is being a perfect gentleman, and I’ve misjudged him based on the actions of others.

“I’m so sorry,” I gasp. “I didn’t mean to–” My words cut off.

“Maddox, please don’t apologize,” he says, crossing the space between us swiftly. “I get it. I have two cousins who are basically like sisters to me. I understand what you’re feeling, and I never meant to make you feel that way. They’ve given me so much perspective about how important it is for a woman to be safe and how men should protect women better. I thought I was doing everything right.”

I stand up and take a step forward. His shoulder flexes as if he’s fighting the urge to pull me against him. Hesitantly, I brush my fingers across his cheek. “You’ve been nothing but lovely tonight.”

“But?”

“No ‘but’,” I whisper. “If you promise you’re a nice guy who isn’t going to unalive me, then I’d like to stay.”

He smiles. “I promise, I don’t want to unalive you. But I do want to dance with you.”

“I’m a terrible dancer. Really. It’s quite embarrassing.”

“Slow songs,” he replies, winking at me and tapping away on his phone.

A few seconds later, the lighting dims, and a silky smooth voice croons through the sound system as he leads me onto the dance floor across from the bar. Neon purple lights illuminate the space, creating a sexy atmosphere. This is fucking heaven.

Our bodies are suddenly pressed together. I’m not sure how I got here, but I’m not complaining. His lips touch my fingertips as he kisses them delicately, slowly making his way to my wrist. Soon, he’s at my neck, whispering in my ear as my defenses crumble.

“Maddox,” his voice is husky and deep.

“Mmmm,” I reply.

“Thank you.”

“Thank you for what?” I ask.

“For such a pleasant night. It’s been a long time since I connected with someone like this. There’s something about you that seems familiar. Things are easy with you—it’s refreshing.”

“I know what you mean because it feels like I know you already, but that’s silly, right?” I ask.

“Maybe we’ve met before,” he says.

I can’t help but wonder if that’s a hint at his identity, but I’m so intoxicated with him. The way he smells, the way he holds me close to him every chance he gets, and the touch of his skin against mine. It’s making my thoughts fuzzy. Or maybe that’s the alcohol.

His fingers trail up my spine in a light caress, gentle but restrained. I move my arms so they’re wrapped around his neck, gazing up at him, studying his features. They’re so familiar. The neatly trimmed facial hair—surprisingly softer than I imagined—and the eyes. It has to be his brother. I’m trying not to panic. Is hooking up with his brother off-limits if he doesn’t even realize I exist?

I try to reassure myself and end up lost in his eyes. His gaze burns right through me. If he touched me right now, he’d realize I’m wet and ready for him. It’s been so long. The song ends, and we stop dancing.

“I told you I’m terrible,” I start to say, but his finger presses against my lips and he hushes me.

“That’s not why I stopped dancing with you, darling.” His voice is silky and deep.

“Then why did you stop?” I ask, confused.

“Because I wanted to do this.” He kisses me.

It’s soft at first, then we are devouring each other once more. I never want it to end. His lips are firm and commanding, demanding that I submit to him as he takes everything I willingly offer. Our bodies connect at every interval, until it’s like we’ve become one, passionately locked together.

“Fuck, Maddox. You’re perfect. So fucking perfect. And tempting,” he moans against my lips as we break apart, gasping to catch our breath.

“What do you mean?” I ask, my heartbeat racing.

“I mean, you’re irresistible. Fucking gorgeous. And that outfit—I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of you since I walked up to your table.” He growls.

“So, what are we going to do about that?”

We’re standing so close I can feel the hard outline of his hard cock pressing against me, and I’m very much aware of the way it’s throbbing. He’s just as turned on as I am. I want him to fuck me right here, right now. I don’t even care if anyone hears us—I’m pretty sure we’re all alone.

“What would you like to do about that?” His breath teases my skin, sending goosebumps up my spine.

I shiver. He chuckles.

“Don’t hold back,” I purr. “Let’s see what happens.”

“You mean that?” he asks.

“I mean it.”

“And you’ll tell me if you want me to stop?”

“I will,” I concede.

“Maddox.”

“Yeah,” I answer.

“Are you going to be a good girl?” His lips hover dangerously close to mine again, waiting for a response.

It’s now or never. Time to end the streak.

“Yes, Daddy.”