Page 57 of Dove

“Read people?” Sebastian questioned. “What does that mean?”

“It means I know you’re obsessed with my friend.” I said. I didn’t feel the need to prove I belonged here. It didn’t matter what they thought. But at least it was a distraction while I watched Maddox’s blood soak into his shirt. While I tried not to think about how much blood loss was too much.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He crossed his arms over his chest like that could hide all the looks I’d seen him give Tessa.

“Okay. Then it won’t bother you to know she’s in the library waiting to be escorted home.” He took an instinctive step toward the door before he realized what he’d done. I glanced at one of the other guards that I vaguely knew. “Could you tell Henry to take her home, and I’ll call her tomorrow?”

He nodded and headed to the door, but Sebastian grabbed his shoulder. I could see the war inside his head. He wanted to go to Tessa, but he didn’t want me to know that I was right. So I took pity on him. “She feels something for you too. Even if she won’t admit it yet.”

I saw the hope flare in his eyes even as he tried to hide it. I didn’t know why they were dancing around each other, and I didn’t care right now. He whispered to the guard who took his place back on the wall. Then Sebastian left the room without another word.

“That means nothing.” Leif said. “It’s easy to see attraction.”

“Did she leave you?” I asked, wondering about the woman who had hurt such a powerful man.

“She wasn’t meant for this.” He avoided my question. “She was too innocent. Like you.”

“Did she die?” I focused back on Maddox, stroking the hair from his face. The thick strands soft between my fingers. I tried to ignore the fact that he wouldn’t open his eyes. Or the sweat coating his skin. “Is that why you don’t want me here? You’re worried I won’t make it either.”

I gave him a second to answer even though I knew he wouldn’t. I imagined whoever she was; he’d loved her. I wouldn’t want to talk about it, either.

He could have his secrets. I didn’t care. But I needed him to know who I was. And where I stood.

“Before him, I didn’t care about my life. I wanted to die. I thought about it. Thought about how it would feel to slit my wrists and watch my life drain away. I wasn’t really living anyways.” I didn’t need his secrets, but he needed mine to understand. “Until Maddox. You might think I’m like her. But I’m not innocent. I wouldn’t be able to survive him if I was.”

I could hear his exasperated breath. “Mad is… different. He’s—.“

“I know who he is. What he does. I’m not going to run because of it. I’m not going to leave him.” I stared down at Maddox’s pale face. A face I loved even if I hadn’t said it yet. Even if he’s far from who I thought I would ever love. “I want him. All the pieces. Even the madness inside. I won’t let you or anyone else take me away. My place is by his side.”

I finally turned to him, letting him see the truth in my eyes. The fierce connection with Maddox that I wouldn’t give up. I wouldn’t let anyone try and separate us again. I’d fight.

“Deal with it, or I’ll deal with you.”

29

Maddox

Iwatched Kincaid with half-open eyes as she tried to sneak quietly from the bed. Early morning light filtered in from the windows making her white blonde hair appear even brighter. She padded softly across the carpet, her feet barely making a sound. I ate up the sight of her bare legs where my t-shirt rode up on her thighs. My cock hardening at the sight, ready to claim her all over again. She left the bathroom door slightly open as if she didn’t want to wake me with the sound of it closing.

I stifled a groan as I swung my feet over the edge of the bed. The stitches in my side pulled tight, reminding me it had only been a few days since I almost died. The metal had ripped into my stomach, causing a dangerous amount of blood loss, but Dr. Mechan was able to patch me up. If the Gallos kept escalating, we would be seeing a lot more of him.

Kincaid had followed his orders strictly. Forcing me to stay in bed all day and not for the fun reason. She waited on me hand and foot as if I didn’t have people who could bring me anything. She fussed over my every need.

And I let her. Partly because I liked knowing she was worried. And partly because she seemed like she needed it. Like she needed to be useful.

I ignored the pain as I made my way to the bathroom. Kincaid didn’t notice as I pushed open the door. My dick jumped to life as I rested my hip against the counter and watched her. The steam from the shower obscured my view as she rubbed soap along her arms. My eyes followed the path of the water as it dripped down her petite figure. I wanted to lick her clean.

Kincaid yelped in surprise as I yanked the shower door open and stepped inside. “Maddox.” She let out a heavy breath as her hand went to her chest. “You scared me.”

“I thought you weren’t afraid of me.” I said as I grabbed her slick body and pulled her against me. Her soft breasts crushed into my chest as I buried my face in her neck. My tongue came out, lapping up the water along her pulse point. It bumped up under my tongue as her body responded to me.

And mine did the same. My blood roaring through my veins as I felt her silky skin. My dick throbbing as I inhaled her soft powdery scent.

“You can’t get your stitches wet.” She struggled to shove me away without hurting my injuries. I’d take a million more gashes to my skin if it meant I could hold her in my arms forever.

“I’ll live.” I groaned as her hips brushed my hard cock. My fingers dug into her ass, grinding her curves against me.

“No.” She broke from my hold and rushed out of the shower again. I smiled to myself as I followed her out. She would never be able to get away from me.