Page 14 of Wicked Dix

“Well, stop saying…anything,” I retort playfully.

He humphs and sinks low, nursing his beer.

“So you don’t think she’ll stick to her word?”

His incredulous look explains it all. “I’m sorry, but you’re better off telling Maddy and dealing with the consequences than tiptoeing around a ticking time bomb. I mean, she’s blackmailing you into having sex with her. That right there is your answer.”

I sigh, hating that he’s right.

Hunter chooses this moment to intervene. “You must have been some fuck, dude. Most of the girls I’ve slept with would rather abstain from sex forever than blackmail me into sleeping with them ever again.”

I roll my eyes. “This has nothing to do with sex. It has to do with power.”

“Well, in that case, why don’t you use your psychobabble bullshit and hypnotize her to stop wanting your cock?”

“I’m not a hypnotist, you moron. But you do have a point. I guess I could offer her some therapy sessions, considering that’s the reason she came to see me in the first place. I could try to work out what makes her tick. And then I could persuade her to un-tick off my dick.”

Hunter nods, looking awfully pleased with himself. “My thoughts exactly. And don’t say I never do anything for you.”

I rub my chin in thought because this might work. The only downfall would be that I would have to get inside her head, a place I would rather not be. Not to mention, I have a feeling a lot of sessions would be needed to figure out what the fuck is wrong with this messed-up woman. All of this equates to too much alone time with her.

Finch sees my dilemma and states, “Just be honest, Dix. The right thing to do is to tell Madison the truth.”

I down my scotch the moment it’s placed in front of me. Finch is right, but I know if I do tell her the truth and nothing but the truth, I’ll lose her forever.

My pocket vibrates, indicating I have a text. Reaching in, I hold my breath, hoping it’s not Juliet. I let out the breath when it’s Madison.

I figured out something fun to do on Sat.

To say I’m relieved she’s talking to me is an understatement.Oh yeah?

Yup. I wanna go dancing.

Dancing? Like ballroom ;)

LOL! No, you old fart. Let’s go to Cherry Pop.

Memories of when I saw her there last flood my brain, and I instantly type out anOkay, sounds good.

Mary wants to tag along. Is that okay?

Of course.I look at Hunter and grin.I’ll bring Hunter.

We’re in for an interesting night?

We sure are.

“So,” I say, looking at Hunter as I place my cell back into my pocket. “Are you back on the ‘women are all evil’ wagon?”

He takes a long sip of beer before replying. “I never got off.”

I raise an eyebrow, and he smirks. “Oh no, I’ve gotten off, but for the life of me, I can’t remember their names or faces.”

There was a time when he was preaching to the choir.

“Great. In that case, you can continue with the hating on Saturday.”

“What’s Saturday?” he inquires, appearing suspicious.

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