Page 52 of Maddox: Wild Alaska
I stay silent because I honestly have no idea what to say. The man sitting before me is someone I don't know.
"She knew I wanted you back, and she didn't like it. She wanted me all to herself. She threatened to tell you about us."
"What the fuck!" I gasp. "You and Samantha were together?"
"We were never together, Sofie. We fucked. For a very long time. I thought I could have a normal relationship with you. Of course, Samantha and I still had sex often. Jealousy is a bitch, and I killed her for it." He smirks, showing no sign of remorse.“I found her on the fire road after the bastard had let her go. She thought she was saved. Shows what thought did, huh?”
My stomach threatens to revolt. "How long?" I barely hear the question leave my lips, as shock ricochets around me.
"Oh, you want the juicy details." He laughs. "I'll humor you. I was eighteen. Sam had borrowed one of my sweatshirts. I went into her room to get it back. I had no idea that I would find my fifteen-year-old sister lying naked on her bed, fingering herself." He claps his hands, delighted at his audience.
"She tried to cover herself, but when I offered to help, she relaxed and let big brother take over." He licks his lips, and I feel like throwing up. "She was an impatient little whore the moment I got my hands on her." He laughs. "Oops, I mean once I got my dick inside her. She was delicious."
“Yet you beat her to death. Your lover!"
"Yes, but don't worry. My father will get me out of this. He has before."
My mouth drops open in shock. Branson takes my hand, and I wrap my cold fingers around his, needing him to steady me. This whole thing is a nightmare that came out of left field.
"I can see I've shocked you, but you'll get over it. Once I'm free, we can get married as planned. There's no need to postpone the wedding."
"Over my dead fucking body!" Branson roared, pulling me up from the table.
"Sofie!" Richard begs, rattling his wrists. "Tell him! Tell him we're getting married."
"You're an evil, manipulative man. I didn't like Samantha, but she didn't deserve a brother like you, and she didn't deserve to die. I hope you rot in hell for your sins."
On that note, I leave the room, followed by Branson. In the hallway, he puts his arm around my shoulders, and I leaninto him. "I never realized how unhinged Richard is," I admit. "What's wrong with me?"
"Sofie, there's nothing wrong with you." He pushes me away slightly but keeps me close. "He's a grown man. He showed you what he wanted you to see. Nothing more. Please tell me you know that."
"I do." I offer him a weak smile. "He's damn creepy. I wanted to hurl in there."
"Yeah, he made my stomach turn, too. I sure as hell wasn't expecting that kind of confession."
“His father won't be able to get him out, will he? That was bullshit, right?"
"Total bullshit. It does make me wonder what he meant when he said his father had gotten him out of troublebefore."
"I caught that."
"So did we," says Agent Adele Sheridan, joining us. "We'll figure it out. I never leave a stone unturned."
I glance up and see Maddox striding toward me. I walk straight into his arms and hold on tight. "Take me home."
The shockof what Richard told me has worn off, leaving a sour taste in my mouth. I'm baffled that I never caught a glimpse of who he really is. I'm really stunned. I'm determined to put it out of my mind. I roll to the side of the bed, put my feet on the floor, and sit for a minute.
Maddox had lain down with me in bed but had obviously left once I fell asleep. He was probably too agitated to nap. Honestly, I didn't think I'd fall asleep either. I did, though. According to my watch, I slept for three hours.
I run my fingers through my hair and pad softly into the bathroom to take care of business.
I catch sight of myself in the mirror and pause. I look sleepy and sexy. A thought tumbles around in my mind. I smile to myself as I strip out of my leggings, shirt, and underwear, and put on a robe. I'm not sure if we're alone in the cabin.
It's quiet as I move into the living space. Maddox is sitting in the leather recliner, facing away from me. I walk toward him and sit on the arm of the chair. His eyes light up when they land on me, and he wraps an arm around my waist. "How are you feeling?
“Furious at the Walker family. There's something wrong with all of them." I let out a puff of air. "Other than being worried about Gabriel and Olivia, though, I'm fine. The nap did me a world of good." I glance around and lean into whisper, "We're alone, hmm?"
A hand slips into my robe and fondles a breast. "Lock the door." His voice is rough as he tweaks a nipple, sending a shudder of pleasure through me.
