Page 4 of Maddox

“I’m a little worried over the salt content, but the rolls are organic,” he announced. He sat the tray down on the nightstand, then proceeded to gently help me sit up, pile pillows up behind me, then pick up the bowl and spoon because he intended on feeding me.

And I was just going along with it. I knew I shouldn’t. I knew…lots of things. Like accepting care of any sort would bring out my Little.

Which was dangerous and I couldn’t possibly allow it to happen. She was gone for good. But while all this was happening, he’d scooped up a spoonful of soup that smelled absolutely divine andblown on it. I should be freaking out about germs, but the only thing in my mind was that he didn’t want me to burn myself, so when the spoonful headed toward my lips, I simply opened my mouth.

“Good girl,” he whispered and beamed, and my heart just stopped.

I froze, my eyes widening as I stared at Maddox. Those two simple words sent a jolt through my entire body. My Little side threatened to emerge, craving the praise and care he was offering. But I couldn't let that happen. I wouldn't.

"I...I can feed myself," I stammered, reaching for the bowl.

Maddox's smile faltered slightly, but he handed it over without protest. "Of course. I'm sorry if I overstepped."

I focused intently on the soup, avoiding his gaze. Each spoonful was a struggle as my hands shook slightly. Part of me longed to let him take over again, to sink into the comfort he offered. But I couldn't trust it. Couldn't trust him, but especially I couldn’t trust myself.

"Clare," Maddox said softly after a few minutes of tense silence. "I know you're scared. What happened to you was terrible, and you have every right to be wary. But I hope you know that I would never hurt you."

I set the spoon down, finally meeting his eyes. "Why are you doing this? Taking care of me, being so...nice?"

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I want to help you heal, to feel safe again."

My throat tightened with emotion. "I don't know,” I whispered, torn how to respond. This was dangerous territory. I couldn't let myself fall into old patterns, no matter how comforting they felt in the moment.

Jeremy had felt like this at first. Caring, genuine. And look what had happened.

“I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

I set the bowl aside, suddenly not hungry anymore. The weight of everything—my past, my fears, this moment—pressed down on me. I wanted to believe Maddox, to trust in his kindness. I bit my lip and almost gnawed on it. I desperately wanted to curl up in my onesie with the panda bears on and suck my popsie, but I’d thrown them all away. It wouldn’t happen ever again.

"I appreciate what you've done," I said quietly, "but I think I should go now."

Maddox nodded, his expression a mix of concern and disappointment. "Alright. At least let me drive you home. Your brother’s?"

I mumbled about having an apartment, hesitated, then agreed. The thought of an Uber felt overwhelming right now.

As we drove, the silence hung heavy between us. I stared out the window, watching the familiar streets pass by after giving Maddox the address. When we pulled up to my apartment building, Maddox turned to me.

"Clare, I know you're not ready to trust anyone right now. But please know that if you ever need anything—even just someone to talk to—I'm here."

I swallowed hard, fighting back tears. "Thank you," I managed to whisper, before quickly exiting the car. I knew he wouldn’t drive away until I was inside.

Inside my apartment, I leaned against the closed door, sliding down to sit on the floor. Tears flowed freely now as conflicting emotions warred within me. Part of me yearned to run back outside, to let Maddox take care of me, to feel safe and protected. But the larger part, the scared, broken part, knew I couldn't risk it.

“I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

But I wouldn’t be. Not ever again.

Chapter Three

MADDOX

I walked into Kingdom. We didn’t open for another three hours, and the housekeeping staff were just finishing. Walker and Dion were busy restocking the bar, and I could see the maintenance crew in the corner checking the lighting. Walker looked up as I walked toward them. “How is she?”

“I don’t know,” I replied honestly, frustration clawing at me. “I just took her back to her apartment. She doesn’t trust me,” I added.

Walker looked at me in confusion, his brown eyes widening. “Did you expect her to? After what she went through with thatbastard Jeremy Blakeny who imprisoned her for nearly three months?”

“I was surprised to see her,” Dion admitted. “I mean, coming to a nightclub? Getting shit-faced? It’s exactly the situation that got her abducted in the first place.”

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