Page 7 of Maddox

Sorry, no. Ty for last night, but I’m busy restarting college. And I don’t like coffee.

Well, fuck. That told me.

I stared at Clare's response. She was shutting me out completely. But I couldn't blame her. After everything she'd been through, trusting anyone, especially a man, must be terrifying.

Especially one who reminded her of that cage.

I typed out a reply, then deleted it. What could I possibly say that wouldn't come across as pushy or make her more uncomfortable?

"No luck?" Walker asked, noticing my expression.

I shook my head. "She's not interested. Says she's busy with college."

Walker clapped me on the shoulder. "Give her time, man. She'll come around when she's ready."

But would she? The thought of Clare out there, alone and struggling, made my chest ache. I wanted so badly to help her, to show her that real Daddies weren’t monsters like Jeremy. That she could be cared for and protected, nurtured, and not abused.

"Maybe I should just let it go," I said, running a hand through my hair. "She clearly doesn't want anything to do with me."

Dion fixed me with a stern look. "Since when do you give up so easily? This isn't like you, Max."

Which was true, but Dion had been right about not hiding what I was. Every single thing about me reminded her of the worst experience of her life.

I didn’t blame her for not wanting anything to do with me.

I didn’t blame her at all.

Chapter Four

CLARE

It had been one of the longest weeks of my life, and that was saying something because at least I wasn’t trapped in a cage by Jeremy.

No, this cage was of my own making, but the bars were just as tight. I hadn’t left my apartment. I’d texted my brother often because I knew he would turn up if he wasn’t convinced I was okay, and I’d blown off my so-called friends, saying I’d gone to visit my brother which no one would question.

I’d ordered takeout, bought random stuff for my fridge, but I’d barely eaten any of it. I knew I should call Anna, make anappointment to talk, but she might ring alarm bells, and I just wanted peace.

I glanced at the app on my phone when Jeffrey the doorman rang and, confused, because I wasn’t expecting any more food deliveries I would just throw away, I answered.

“Miss Newman? I have a Maddox Rourke here. He says he has an appointment but I have nothing in the diary.”

At the same time as I was speaking to Jeffrey, who was a lovely man, my phone flashed with a text message.

Not going away until you see me.

I froze, my heart pounding. Maddox was here? “Miss Newman?" Jeffrey's voice brought me back to the present. "Should I send him away?"

I wanted to say yes. Every instinct screamed at me to turn Maddox away, to stay safely hidden in my self-imposed isolation. But a tiny part of me, the part I'd been trying so hard to silence, longed to see him.

"It's...it's okay, Jeffrey. You can send him up," I heard myself say, my voice shaking slightly. I ended the call and stared at my phone, at Maddox's text.Not going away until you see me.The words both thrilled and terrified me.

Panic set in as I glanced around my apartment. I hadn't showered in days, a few dirty dishes were piled in the sink, and I was wearing ratty old sweatpants and a stained t-shirt. I couldn't let him see me like this.

I rushed to the bathroom, splashing water on my face, brushing my teeth, and running a brush through my tangled hair. I changed into clean leggings and an oversized sweater, my hands trembling as I heard the knock at the door.

Taking a deep breath, I opened it.

Maddox stood there, concern etched on his handsome face. "Clare," he said softly. "I'm sorry for showing up unannounced, but I wanted to make sure you were okay, and I guessed youwould blow me off with a text message.” He took a step and because with his confidence and assurance he expected me to let him in, I caved and stepped back.

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