Page 33

Chapter

Thirty-Two

NAUGHTY AND NICE

Madden

“Her smile is the best holiday gift I never saw coming.” — M

L ove.

What a strange fucking concept.

I’ve never truly known it, and to be honest… I never really cared too.

For someone like me, who grew up only knowing pain and neglect, love always felt like a myth.

But it doesn't feel like a myth now— whether I wanted it or not, I fell hard for the woman who has shown me nothing but kindness from the moment I first laid eyes on her.

She’s become the reason for all my smiles.

Fuck, I’m in love.

That’s why I stand in the center of the iconic curves of Autódromo José Carlos Pace , inhaling the scent of burnt rubber, frozen in place as I watch the most beautiful woman scanning the track with wide eyes, her smile as bright as the sun shining down on us.

I brought her to the place where I won my Formula 1 championship. I wanted to share with her the thing that saved me— racing. And beside me stands the woman who’s a nut for Formula 1. She knows all my stats, every race I’ve ever had since I first started racing.

She told me she was a fan, and I believe her—and it melts my fucking heart.

And as I stand here, watching her face light up with joy, I admit something I’ve never said before—I love her.

I’ve loved her since the very first moment we met, when she looked at me like I was worth something. I loved her every night when she snuck into my room to share her favorite things and tell me the places she wanted to visit when she was older.

I loved her when she took me into her fairy world and made me believe in magic.

I even loved her during the times I was roaming the streets, looking for my next meal, cold and alone. She was the reason I kept going.

I loved her even when I convinced myself she was just someone from my past— someone who didn't mean anything.

I loved the little girl who made me believe in magic, and I love the woman who made me believe in love.

“This feels surreal, Madden,” Willow turns the wind blowing her curls in every direction and I catch a whiff of her scent. Her smile is from ear to ear as she spreads her eyes wide while soaking up the track. “Thank you for bringing me to the place where you made your dreams come true.”

Somehow that feels wrong. My dreams… yeah, all I ever dreamed about when I was struggling was to get here to the point where I was rich, famous and doing the thing I love most but now that doesn’t feel quite right.

Because the most beautiful dream I’ve ever had is her.

Now I just need to figure out a way to keep this beautiful dream.

Willow wears high-waisted, baggy jeans that hang just right, making her look effortlessly cool. She paired them with a green crop top that reads, ‘ Lettuce Be Friends .’ She completed the simple, yet perfect, outfit with some white sneakers. She skipped the makeup, and her long brown curls cascade down her back, looking like milk chocolate and framing her face perfectly.

As much as her outfit and the way her hair falls make her look irresistible, what makes my heart skip is that sweet smile of hers that lights up her entire face.

“Are you happy, Wild One?”

“Am I happy? I’m more than—” She pauses, and then suddenly shrieks, her laughter spilling out like music to my ears. Her eyes land on my infamous Formula 1 Two-Seater car. I had it flown in just for her.

She can’t take her eyes off my car as she asks, “Can we take a ride in it?”

She sounds so damn happy.

Good.

I can’t help but grin and nod, my heart racing not just from the joy in her expression.

I move toward her, my pulse quickening as I pull off the jacket she gifted me from Christmas. It’s a bit oversized on her, but it only makes her look even more adorable. As I drape it over her shoulders, she gasps softly, and I catch a glimpse of surprise and delight in her eyes.

“I like you wearing my shit,” I say, the words slipping out before I can think twice.

Her cheeks flush, and the way she bites her lip makes my stomach flip. “Really?” she asks, sounding surprised, and I nod, my smile widening.

“You look beautiful,” I reply, taking a step back to appreciate the stunning sight before me. Fuck.

There’s nothing and will never be anything more beautiful than Willow O’ Sullivan.

“You only say that because you—” Her eyes widen, like a deer caught in headlights, and she freezes, realizing what she almost said.

Thud.

My chest aches in the best fucking way.

“Because I what, Willow?”

“Let’s get this ride started, then!” she says, trying to steer the conversation with a playful bounce on her feet. I frown but I leave it for now, and follow her to the car.

I open the passenger side, her excitement practically bubbling over as she takes in the sleek interior of the car. I gently usher her in, my hand lightly grazing her back making her gasp because of the contact. “You’re the first woman to ever ride in one of my cars,” I say, watching her settle into the bucket seat, my jacket slipping slightly off her shoulder, revealing her smooth golden tanned skin.

“Really?” She raises a brow adorably as if she doesn’t believe me.

My mouth twitches. “You’re the first, fairy.”

And hopefully the last…

If I get my way soon.

Willow might not be my first but she sure as fuck will be the last.

“Then I’m honored,” She looks around, eyes wide with wonder as she studies the dashboard, while touching all the buttons and dials. I quickly hop around to the driver’s side, and I slide into my seat.

I can’t shake the feeling of how special this moment is. I’m sharing my world with her and her sweet smiles make it all the better.

“Ready?” I ask, glancing over at her.

She nods eagerly, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement, and I feel a rush of happiness flood through me. Fuck, I’ve never felt this way before. It’s all her.

She did this. She transformed me.

“Let’s go then,”

“Yes!” She fists bumps the air. Fuck, she’s adorable.

“But first…” I reach over and gently buckle her seatbelt, taking a moment to make sure she’s secure. There’s something that feels right about this simple act, and I smile as I adjust the strap for her comfort. “Precious cargo,” I tease, before poking her button nose.

“Safety is important,” she gives me a thumbs up.

I smile wide.

This woman…

Once I’m satisfied she’s safe, I lean in, pressing a soft kiss to the tip of her nose. I’ve never done this before. I’ve never been gentle but damn if my wild one doesn’t bring out that side of me.

Everything good about me is what use of her.

Willow’s eyes widen in surprise, and a blush creeps across her cheeks. “What was that for?”

I shrug. “I like kissing you,” I reply, my smile wide.

She bites her lip, clearly touched, and the moment feels even more right and wholesome.

“I like kissing you too, Madden.” She blushes even more. “I like it a lot.”

“Yeah,” I rasp, enthralled by the way she flushes a pretty pink.

“Yeah…” she beams then looks to the racetrack ahead. “Now ride!”

If she wants me to ride fuck yeah, I’ll ride.

With one last glance at her, I shift my focus back to the track. I press down on the accelerator, and the car lurches forward, the engine roaring to life. I love the sound it pumps blood to my body but not more than what her moans and her laugh do to me.

I’ve always loved the rush and right now I can feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins as we fly down the straightaway.

Willow’s laughter fills the cockpit, a sweet sound that blends perfectly with the purr of the engine. My two favorite sounds in the world.

Looking away from the track, I glance over at her, her hair whipping back in the wind because of the windows down, the oversized jacket flaring out like a banner. She’s absolutely radiant, eyes sparkling with pure joy. “This is everything!” She laughs some more. I can see Willow leaning forward, her excitement palpable as she takes in the scenery flashing by.

“Faster!” she yells, her voice filled with exhilaration. I take a moment to soak in the sight of her, then I give her what she wants.

I go fast as fuck with my precious cargo by my side.

In that moment I realized something I feared once, there’s nothing I wouldn't give this woman if she asked.

Even my once angry and barely beating heart.

A while later, we slow to a stop, the engine humming to a soft purr. My pulse is still thrumming with adrenaline, but it’s nothing compared to the rush of hearing Willow’s perfect laugh.

I turn off the ignition, but before I can even open my door, Willow is out of her seat like a burst of sunshine, radiating sunshine. I quickly hop out of the car as she races toward me, her laughter ringing out like my favorite melody. Before I can even blink, she’s jumping into my arms.

I catch her effortlessly, her arms wrapping around my neck as she squeals, “That was… just… wow! I’ve always wondered what it felt like to ride in one of these cars!” Her eyes sparkle with happiness, making my heart pump faster.

I hold her tight, feeling her warmth against me, her laughter infectious as my heart beats fast as fuck and not because of the adrenaline but because of the feel of her in my arms. “I’m glad you liked it, baby,” I murmur, my voice low and a little gruff as I look into her eyes. “You’re one hot as fuck co-pilot.”

She tilts her head, all those curls falling around her face like a halo and smiles. “Stop.” She blushes and my heart pounds like a drum.

“It’s true. You’re hot as fuck.”

She playfully rolls her eyes. “Let’s do it again!” she grins. “But maybe I can drive this time?”

I smirk. “Next time, I promise,” I tease, leaning a little closer to her mouth. “But first? I’d love to see you on top of my hood.”

Willow raises an eyebrow, her smile turning into a full-blown flirty grin. “Madden,” she breathes, the way she says my name making me shiver. I love when she whispers my name when she’s all hot and bothered.

I take that as a yes. In one swift move, I set her down gently on the hood of the car, and she lets out a giggle as she settles on the smooth surface like a queen on her throne.

I stand there for a second, just watching her—her face glowing with happiness. How is someone this perfect, even real? I’ve never believed in God, happily ever after, or even luck, but the day Willow appeared in my life, everything began to slowly shift until we ended here.

Until she made me believe in things I swore were complete bullshit.

She looks up, catches me staring, and her cheeks flush a pretty shade of pink that makes my chest tighten. “What?” she asks, her voice soft.

I grin. “You’re just…so fucking beautiful,” I say, because it’s true. No other way to put it.

“You keep saying that,” she ducks her head, looking all shy.

I reach out, gently touching her chin, tilting her face up so she meets my gaze. “And I’ll keep saying it,” I murmur, my voice softer this time, a little more serious. “You don’t even know how beautiful you are, Willow. You’re perfect. “I’ve seen the most amazing places, met a lot of people—but none of them come close to you.”

Her eyes turn softens, the blush deepens, and her bottom lip trembles a little. It’s like she doesn’t know what to say, and the sight of it makes my heart swell. For a moment, we just stand there, everything around us fading away as the connection between us deepens.

I want her to know. She should know. She should know how beautiful she is. How brave, how strong, how everything.

She should know the queen she is.

And as the sun casts a golden light over us, I realize—this is it. I want to keep her this close forever. I want to wake up to her smile every day, and kiss her lips goodnight every night.

Shit , I think to myself. I want this woman. Every. Single. Day.

As I’m lost in thoughts of her, Willow wraps her arms around my neck, pulling me closer, and the warmth of her touch sends a jolt of electricity straight through me. through me. Her fingers trace the outline of my bearded jaw, and I swear I’m about to lose it just because of that innocent touch.

Then, she leans in and kisses every inch of my face—my cheek, my forehead, the bridge of my nose— and each kiss feels like the very first one, igniting the fire within. I close my eyes, completely lost in her affection, savoring every second. This moment? It feels timeless. And I never want it to end.

She pulls back, and looks at me in awe. “And you’re more than beautiful, Madden. You’re not real. You’re love. You’re sunshine. You’re magic,” she whispers, her voice soft and full of wonder.

Love.

Sunshine.

Magic.

I blink, my mind reeling. Is that how she sees me?

Buy why?

Her words hang between us.

“Sunshine, huh? That’s a bit much, wild one,” I tease, though the warmth creeping up my chest gives away how her words have affected me.

She shakes her head. “Believe it,” she says, and her gaze doesn't falter. “You make everything feel possible. Just thinking about you makes me feel all warm inside. My sweet Grinch.”

Fuck.

There goes the last shred of my heart. It’s officially hers.

“Likewise, fairy.” I flash her a grin, then gently nip at her chin before pulling her down so her back is resting on the hood of the car. She smiles up at me.

“Ohhh…You’re very naughty, Madden Hunt,” she teases, her voice all sultry and knowing.

I lean in closer, our faces just inches apart. We’re so close that it is hard to tell where she ends and I begin. “Want to see just how naughty I can get?”

She raises an eyebrow, a wide smile tugging at her pretty pink lips. “Show me.”

And then I do.

I show her just how dirty I can get as I unbutton her jeans and slip them down her legs before ripping her thin lace panties with my teeth and then eat her like she’s my last meal. I do all of this on top of my car and when she comes undone for me while shouting my names to the heavens, I pull my cock out and fucked her— twice. All the while, I’m thinking about how I’ve had some of the most incredible moments of my life on these tracks— but this money right here? With my cock inside of the woman who has completely broken down all my walls, has got to be the best fucking one.