Page 105 of Wicked Dix

Just as I’m about to thank him, I see Max look over my shoulder and smile. I want to turn around to see what has him grinning so broadly, but he stops me. “Alas, fate has spoken once again.”

I have no idea what that means, but I don’t have the time to question him because he ambiguously instructs, “Count to ten.”

“To ten? Why would I count to ten?” I question, curling my lip in confusion.

“Trust me, my friend.” He pats my arm before walking off with an eloquent smirk.

I desperately want to turn around, but for some reason, I don’t. I feel beyond ridiculous, but I’ve never had any reason to doubt Max in the past. So why should I start now?

“One…

“Two…

“Three…

“Four…

“Five…

“Six…

“Seven…

“Eight…

“Nine…”

But for some reason, I’m suddenly left speechless and can’t go on.

Taking a moment to process why, I feel the air is charged with a familiar static—a static I haven’t felt in weeks. A static that makes me feel alive. And there is only one person who can make me feel this way.

I can suddenly feel it. I can suddenly feel…her.

“Ten.”

The moment I’m done counting, I turn around, my pace measured. Looks like Max was right. Alas, fate has spoken once again. And fate has never looked more beautiful.

“Madison?” I question. I’m beyond elated that she’s here, but I don’t understand why. “Please excuse my insolence, but why are you here?” She lowers her eyes and scuffs the tip of her boot across the ground.

It hurts that she feels so uneasy around me, especially since I finally broke down those walls. But I suck it up and wait for her response.

When she finally meets my gaze, I squash down my nostalgia and give her my full attention. “I saw what you did.” Her soft voice brings back so many memories, but I nod calmly.

“Yes, well, it was time I came clean. I’m just sorry I didn’t do it sooner.”

Her face softens. “I know what you mean.” But I have no idea whatshemeans.

As much as I love seeing her, I know this isn’t a social visit. She’s here for a reason, and I need to know why.

Madison senses my impatience. “Can we go somewhere a little more private? I need to tell you something.”

“Of course,” I reply a little too eagerly, so I tone it down. “Would you like to go to the bar?”

She surprises me when she shakes her head. “Can we go up to your room?”

Hell yes, we can!But I tell my premature excitement to cool it because we’re going up there to talk. And only to talk. “Sure.”

Her relief is obvious, and I wonder if she thought I’d refuse her. She should know by now, though, that I would never refuse her anything.

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