Page 4 of Caged

Just as I push through the door, Hudson calls out my name. “Mads...”

There’s frustration lining his beautiful cobalt eyes when I turn around.

“Don’t go far, okay?”

With a nod of my head, I step just outside the door and realize it wasn’t frustration I was seeing in his eyes.

It was fear.

* * *

Hudson

“You’ve got to postpone the fight.” Scarlet folds her arms across her chest and looks between Cade and me, like her word is gospel—written on a stone tablet.

I’ve been sitting in this goddamned bed for three fucking hours, and now, she’s going to try lecturing me? I don’t think so. I love my sister, but I’m pretty sure I earned a pass tonight. Let her husband deal with her.

Cade looks from the doctor to his wife, never even glancing my way. “He’s hyperextended his MCL. It’s not torn. He doesn’t need surgery. He’s a professional. We’ll give him a few days’ rest and have him training next week.” The fucker finally looks at me with a cocky smile that’s covering his concern. “Can you stay off your leg for a few days, King?”

“If it means I walk into that cage next week, you bet your fucking ass I can.”

“I’ll get the nurses to bring your release papers, Mr. Kingston.” The doc heads out of the room, and my stomach drops. At least, this is manageable. It could have been worse. It could have been atornMCL or ACL, then it would have required surgery. Game over for months.

Scarlet moves next to the bed I’m still stuck in. “You’re not going to let me talk you out of this, are you, Hudson?”

“Why ask the question when you already know the answer, Scarlet?” I crack my neck as the tension in the room grows. “I’ll be fine.”

“Sure you will.” My sister tends to think she knows best. Especially when it comes to our family. She’s not the oldest. That prize goes to Max. But in our family of nine, she’s the oldest girl and has always been insanely protective of all of us. I’m used to that. What I’m not used to is the uneasy look in her eye as she glances Maddie’s way again.

“Madison, did you speak with your brother?” Scarlet asks.

“He didn’t answer, and I didn’t think this was something I should leave in a text. He’d freak out.” Maddie bites down on her bottom lip, probably uncomfortable having this conversation with Scarlet, and I have to shift on this stupid, fucking bed, so she doesn’t see the insane reaction my body has every single time her teeth sink into her pouty pink lips.

Madison Dixon isn’t the kind of girl you take out for a night, knowing it’s only one night.

Everything about her screams she’s more than that.

She’s pure. She’s sunshine.

Teasing her is fun. We flirt. We laugh.

But it never goes anywhere, even if my dick seriously wishes it would. I wouldn’t have a clue how to give her what she needs. What she deserves. So, with a pain shooting through my knee, I shift anyway, needing to hide the semi I got from one look her way.

“I can’t believe I’m going to suggest this,” Cade groans and runs his palm down his face. “Mads, any chance you can stay with Hud for a few days? I know you work your social-media stuff from home, and I really don’t trust the dipshit to stay in bed to rest that leg. Plus, I’m pretty sure your brother wouldn’t want you staying at your house alone after what happened tonight.”

Her head snaps up, and bright blue eyes practically glow with fire. “Seriously, Cade? Are you trying to say Hudson needs a babysitter? Or that I do?”

“Ohh... that’s perfect. Does Daphne have a key to your house, Madison? I’ll ask her to pack you some clothes and drop them off at Hudson’s.” Scarlet whips out her phone again, and I think Maddie might actually cry.

“Scarlet,” I cut her off before she can steamroll Maddie. But apparently, my little ball of sunshine has a stronger backbone than I realized.

She doesn’t stand or raise her voice. There’re no arms crossing over her chest or stomping of her feet, something I’ve watched my sisters and best friend do over the years. She just holds Scarlet’s stare, never looking away. “I can pack my own clothes, if I need them. But I haven’t agreed to anything yet.”

“Scar, can you give us a minute?” I ask.

My sister opens her mouth, but Cade interrupts her with an arm around her shoulders. “Come on, duchess. Let’s go check on the kids.” He guides her out of the room, giving me space to breathe for the first time all fucking night.

“You doing okay, Mads?” She’s sitting in the same damn chair she’s been in for hours. Her legs are tucked underneath her, and not an ounce of makeup is on her pretty face. Her long blonde hair is tucked behind her ear, emphasizing the fiery flush in her cheeks. She really is a ray of fucking sunshine. Always happy. Never curses. Sweet as can be. And she just stood up to Scarlet. I’ve seen grown men cower in front of my sister. I definitely wouldn’t have thought Maddie had it in her.

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