Page 51 of Sweet Poison

Ella and Raiza have both commented, their emojis popping up like little bursts of color. Ella’s comment is a series of pink heart emojis and a clapping hands emoji, while Raiza’s is a mix of fire and mushroom emojis.

A few of my other cousins have chimed in too, with heart hands and smiling faces.

I react to every comment with a heart and a kiss emoji and hit send then I put the phone down and think of going to bed. Rising from the sofa, I move towards the balcony to say goodnight to the moon and stars and everyone who is far. I slide open the glass door and step outside, the cool evening breeze greeting me.I squint against the dying light when I see Madden—dressed in all white, like he’s stepped out of a dream—walking towardthe beach with a guitar in one hand and his bodyguard not far behind.

A guitar?

Does he play?

With my eyes on him, my mind drifts back to how he looked surrounded by the green and purple light of the fungi. He looked like a fairy prince, even with his usual scowl on his handsome face. Fireflies danced around us, their tiny bodies flickering like stars forming constellations.

In that sweet, and magical moment, as we stood so close, the air between us felt electric, and I could feel the magnetic pull. I remember how Madden’s dark eyes lingered on mine, our breaths syncing, the tension thick. We almost kissed—just a heartbeat away—but we were interrupted by Ethan.

Now, watching him from my balcony, I wonder what he’s thinking. Why is he alone? My heart squeezes painfully in my chest at how lonely he looks even when surrounded by people.

What burdens does your heart carry, sweet grinch?

I take one last look at Madden, the silhouette of his guitar casting long shadows as he walks away. Then, with a soft sigh, I retreat inside, closing the door behind me.

Madden

Magic.

Fucking magic.

That word has been stuck in my mind all evening. For so long the word was meaning king but in a matter of days it became a constant reminder of all I don’t have.

Ironic. I’m a fucking millionaire and a world champion of F1 with so many things at my disposal yet when around Willow I feel like the poorest man.

All the money and fame in the world hasn’t healed my soul and I doubt it ever will and I was okay with that. I could live like a hollowed man if it meant I didn’t have to deal with emotions.

Emotions bring back shit I rather forget.

But that’s just it… lately it’s becoming too fucking hard to forget especially with the silent beauty near.

I should stay away from her and everything she represents— joy, sweetness and love. She’s love.

“Fuck,” I whisper to the lonely night as I step onto the beach, the moonlight shimmering across the waves making it look like diamonds dancing in the water. The sight reminds me of beautiful blue eyes that shine brighter than every damn star in the sky.

The cool sand feels soothing beneath my bare feet, a welcome contrast to the day's warmth. I hate the warm and sunny days. I find comfort in dark and cold nights.

“You’re not going to skinny dip are you, boss? Cause I’m telling you now, I’m flattered but not into that shit.” The pest, Lincoln, shouts while he remains a few steps behind, his presence obnoxious.

“Fuck off,” I grit out as I walk toward the water, the rhythm of the waves a comforting tempo that sooth the chaos in my head.

“I love you too, man. I’ll be here entertaining your lovely fans.” The idiot replies back.

Tuning him out, I focus on the sight before me. The private beach is serene, a sanctuary of quiet and calm away from all the noise and the intrusive eyes.

I prefer it this way. I’ve always preferred the quiet over the noise of crowds yet with her it is different. She’s the only sound I ever want to hear for hours straight and never get tired of it.

I loved listening to her talk just like when we were kids spending nights inside her mother’s greenhouse.

Finding a spot near the water, where the sand is cool and smooth, I sit down, resting my guitar on my knee. Once settled, I touch the strings while looking at the dark ocean that mirrors the night sky.

Is that how my soul would look if it were possible to bare it for eyes to see?

But then I look at the stars twinkling as if dancing in the sky and I’m reminded of her again. Dammit. Why is she always on my mind now?

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