Page 39 of Done Waiting

“I want to start by thanking you for watching over me. For your concern…” my voice wavers and I stop, biting my lip and staring at the floor. Counting to ten, I release it, looking up at him. “I… I hate that I’ve put you in danger.”

His brows draw in, and though his hands tighten into fists, he says nothing.

“I’m going to be honest and say I’m shocked you haven’t shared this with me. It’s hurtful and… well, it pisses me off. I was in danger and didn’t know it. You were being threatened, but didn’t share with me, which seems to be happening frequently.”

“Maddie.” He glowers at me, his voice full of restrained anger. “I was trying to protect you. If you would’ve just submitted and trusted me—”

“Submitted and trusted you?” My eyes widen in disbelief. “This isn’t sex, Ben. We’re talking about my life here.” I’m yelling by the time I finish speaking, my chest heaving. “You’ve been getting these messages since a month after we were dating. The newspaper article I read gave the dates the bodies were found. That was just two days later, Ben.”

“Calm down, Maddie. I’m just saying it would have been easier if you would have just listened to me—”

Hot tears scald my cheeks. “Because I can’t think for myself or I’m incapable of making smart, responsible decisions?” My voice is sarcastic as waves of hurt roll through me.

Ben’s eyes narrow. “Be reasonable, Maddie.”

“Reasonable? I think I’m long past that.”

He lowers his voice. “That’s why I’ve been concerned about your whereabouts.”

“But you weren’t concerned enough to warn me, so I could be more careful.” An image of Jagger’s face floats through my mind, but I push it away, focusing on Ben. “You’ve been getting those texts nearly our entire relationship, yet you haven’t shared them with me until now. Why, Ben?”

“Calm down, Mads. I was looking out for you. You were fine.”

“Looking out for me? Seriously?” I take a step forward, infuriated. “How the hell did you think you were taking care of me when you stayed out all goddamn night? Like last night.”

He glowers at me, not saying a word.

My hand runs through my hair, my irritation palpable. “I’m fully capable of taking care of myself, Ben. I’m an adult,” I spit at him, anger causing my hands to shake. “Also, you were in danger, too. Those texts were threatening, especially that last one. Yet you never felt the urge to share with me. Like so many other things.”

“Here we go again.” He fists his hair with his hands, staring at the floor.

Finally, he removes them, glaring at me. “I can take care of myself, and you, Maddie. And I’m sure you’re referring to thisnonsensebetween me and Chloe that you started on last night.”

Glaring at him, I shake my head. “There’s just so much wrong with us right now.”

He huffs. “Sounds like you’re looking for an excuse to invent problems—”

“Get out,” I scream, pointing at my door. “Now!” I’m seething, my hands clenched into fists, rage rolling through me like the twisting of a tornado.

He stares at me for a few minutes, his mouth twisting with disgust. “Fine, Maddie.” Striding to the door, he opens it but doesn’t exit. His eyes bore into me, his words a warming. “Good luck out there without my protection.” Then he slams the door behind him.

How fucking dare he?

Hot tears course down my cheeks.I can’t stay here.

Hurrying to my closet, I grab a duffel bag and suitcase. Running around my room, I fill them with clothes and shoes. I have no idea where to go.

Maybe my mom’s house?

Although I really don’t want her to know a serial killer may be after me.

I freeze, my spine rigid.Because you’re worried it’s Jagger.

Wincing, I glance out my bedroom window.

I really don’t want it to be Jagger.

17

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