Page 35 of Sweet Addiction

Pulling out of his hold, I sigh. “I’m fine Talan. I just have a lot on my mind. The show. Auditions. College.”

He searches my face, for what, I don’t know. He won’t find anything anyway. At this point I’m a closed book. His jaw clenches as he shoots me a scathing look. “This is our senior year Madi. We promised to make it our best yet. I know you are busy, but please at least show a little interest in me. I’m supposed to be your boyfriend,” he hisses and rightfully so. I am just over it. I am trying to juggle too much at once and it’s getting to be too much.

“You’re right. Sorry,” I say with a sigh, leaning my head on his shoulder to show a little affection. By the sound in his throat, I know he is happy with my performance, and I resist an eye roll.

My skin prickles in awareness as I feel a gaze burning a hole through my skin. I know who it is without looking. Not wanting to see the look on his face right now, I don’t dare turn around. We both have our parts to play. And screw him anyway. I’ve had to see him in weekly gossip columns, on dinner dates with my mother. And don’t even get me started on that kiss at the gala.

A hand snakes around my waist as Talan pulls me in closer. I freeze, wanting to break out of his hold. Instead, I take a deep breath, force myself to relax and wait. Any minute now and I expect Knox to come over here to separate us. In three. Two. On—

“Madison, can I see you in my office,” he grates behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, my gaze locks on the angry-looking man behind me. He looks like he is five seconds away from ripping Talan’s arms from their sockets and beating him with them.

“Come on man. Can it not wait until lunch is over? She still has her salad to finish.” Talan squeezes me tighter, the move possessive. Knox doesn’t miss it. Of course, he doesn’t. His eyes dart to where Talan’s arm is wrapped around me, a calculative, feral look in them. I suck in a breath. I need to diffuse the situation before it turns into something we can’t come back from. Wriggling, I try to get out of Talan’s hold, but he doesn’t let up.

Knox seeing this, reaches down, wrapping his hand around Talan’s wrist and by the pained cry he releases I know it must be a firm grip. “No. It can’t wait. It’s an important family matter.”

Talan goes bright red, shaking out his wrist when Knox releases it. “Jesus man. That’s my throwing hand.”

“Yeah?” Knox leans in, his voice dropping low so only me and Talan can hear. “Be sure to remember that when you hold onto something that doesn’t belong to you. Next time I will fucking break it.”

My eyes widen, panic coursing through me. I jump out of my seat. Standing, Talan glares at Knox. “What the hell is your problem? You’ve had it in for me since day one,” he grits, stepping into him.

My stomach drops and I move between them before a fight breaks out. “Enough.” I turn to Knox. “Go to your office. I will meet you there.”

His eyes bounce between Talan and me before he sighs. “You have two minutes,” he mutters. Then he spins and walks away.

Talan grabs my arm, but I shake him off. “I am beginning to think he is certifiable. What is so important that it can’t wait?”

“I don’t know. It’s probably something to do with my mom,” I lie as my heart pounds in my chest.

“Well then, your mom should be here. He is so possessive over you; I don’t like it.” I hear the accusation in his voice.

“You know what she is like. I better go.” I jerk my thumb to the door where Knox disappeared.

Talan nods. “Let’s get some dinner later. We need to finish discussing our plans for winter formal.” It’s not a question but a demand. I nod my agreement before making my way to the physical education department.

When I reach it, I don’t knock; just shove the door open. Knox’s head snaps up, his pacing coming to a stop. I glower at him. “What the fuck was that? You really need to stop this caveman bullshit before you get us caught,” I hiss.

He returns my scowl and despite the tension radiating off him, calmly says, “Close the door.”

Rolling my eyes, I do as he asks. But then I remember something. “Where is Mr. Brant?”

“In a meeting with Schwartz.” He steps toward me, but I hold a hand up stopping him.

“You can’t keep doing this Knox. I’ve been accepting enough when you have to be seen with Mom. You need to show me the same courtesy. Talan is getting suspicious.” I sound tired. Exasperated.

Knox closes the distance between us. “I will never tolerate another man touching you no matter the circumstances. I can’t stand it. I wanted to kill him.”

“You’re being dramatic,” I argue.

He cups my face in his large palms. “I am neverdramaticwhen it comes to you Dove. He needs to stop touching what’s mine.”

I sigh as I stare into his dark eyes. I should be running away from him and his over-the-top behavior. Knox McCabe is a walking red flag, yet I can’t seem to stop free-falling into him. I nuzzle into his hands, breathing in his scent. What is it about him that makes me want to say fuck everything—even my mom—and dive right into him?

He smirks, his head dropping to my neck. He breathes me in, making me shiver. “Hmm, my favorite smell. My dove.” His words are possessive, sending a pulse straight to my pussy. His tongue licks a trail up the sensitive flesh before he bites down and sucks like he is a fucking vampire. I yelp, pushing at his chest but he doesn’t budge. His arms clamp around me, holding me in place. “I want to mark every inch of your perfect skin, so everyone knows you are owned.” He blows air, then peppers little kisses where he just bit me.

Pulling away, he positions me, so I am standing in front of the desk. Then placing a hand on the middle of my back he pushes. “Wh-what are you doing?”

“Hands on the desk Dove. I need to be inside you. I need to remove every trace of his touch from your body. Need to remind you who owns your cunt,” he growls.

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