Page 42 of Sweet Addiction

Killian sighs. “This could fuck your career completely. You are already on thin ice. How do you think the Rams are going to react to this? It’s bad publicity dude. And Mom…” he trails off and my chest tightens when I remember how happy she is thinking I have settled down. Then I remember, I have settled down. Just not with who she thinks.

“Mom will be fine. And fuck my career; it is what it is. Madison is mine and nothing will come between us,” I say and I’m surprised at how much I mean those words. My career used to be everything to me. But my dove means more. So much more. She is my whole goddamn universe. And I don’t care what I have to give up to keep her.

He looks at my girl. “And what do you think will happen to Madison? Her name will be dragged through the mud. Do you want that for her?”

“I will protect her.” My tone is sure and full of fervor.

Killian shrugs, eyeing us both before saying, “Okay man. Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.”

“I have,” I snap even if I don’t fully believe it.

* * *

Christmas passes in a blur. The day consisted of champagne brunch, followed by exchanging gifts. Then dinner prepared by my mother, Madison and Scarlett was laid out in the evening. My brother being the fucker he is, couldn’t help but drop little innuendos. It caused my dove anxiety even though I reassured her that he was teasing and wouldn’t actually say anything. As much as Killian is an asshole, I knew I could trust him with our secret.

After we have eaten, everyone retires to the lounge to play games like we are a real-life fucking Brady Bunch. Though, I love spending time with my family, I want nothing more than for everyone to fuck off to bed so I can get Madison alone. I have a special gift for her. One I had specially designed and made.

“Another drink brother?” Killian asks after we finish a game of Pictionary. He waves his empty glass in front of him as if I am stupid and need a visual.

My eyes narrow in on him. “No.”

“I will son,” Dad says oblivious to the tension between my brother and me.

“Can you grab the bottle of wine from the fridge Killian?” Scarlett chirps, her words sounding a little slurred. Her and my mother have done nearly two bottles between them. It would normally irritate me that she is drunk, but I am hoping it means she will pass out soon which means I can get some uninterrupted time with my girl. It’s risky, but I’m past caring. Nothing will stop me from having some alone time with Madison on our first Christmas together.

“I’m going to call it a night,” my dove says on a yawn.

“What? Why? It’s still early honey,” Scarlett slurs.

“Mom, it’s past nine. I’m tired. It’s been a long day,” she grinds out, pushing off the couch. “Thank you for a lovely day, everyone. Night.” She blushes and does an adorable little wave.

Everyone murmurs good night. My eyes track her with longing as she leaves the room. I want to go upstairs with her. Hold her in bed. “Knox?” My head snaps up at the sound of my brother’s voice. He gives a small shake of his head. I see the warning in his eyes. “Why don’t you help me get more drinks.” It’s not a question. I nod following him to the kitchen.

“Way to be discreet man. You looked like you were five seconds away from throwing Madison over your shoulder and taking her up to your cave.” He huffs a laugh.

“I was,” I deadpan.

He searches my face for a long beat before sighing. “You love her,” he states.

I exhale. “Yeah. More than anything.”

His eyes go wide as he sputters, “Shit man. I knew you were in deep from our conversation yesterday, but I didn’t think it wasthatserious.”

“Well, it is. I need everyone to fuck off to bed so I can go be with my girl.” I run a tired palm over my face, blowing out an annoyed breath.

His eyes spark and I see his mind working. He points at me. “You are going to owe me for this.”

“What?” I cock a questioning brow at him.

“What are your thoughts on me slipping Scarlett a little valium?”

I nearly choke on air, but a smile curves my lips. “Have at it,” I drawl. It’s an asshole move but if it helps my cause, I’m all for it. I was hoping Scarlett would pass out inebriated at some point, but that could take hours and I don’t want to wait.

His grin grows. “Leave it with me. By the time I get a couple more wines in her and some valium she will be dead to the world, leaving you to go do, whatever it is you do...” He trails off, wiggling his brows.

I chuckle at the idiot. “Sounds like a plan. But don’t give her too much; I don’t want her so fucked up, she can’t function tomorrow. She has plans with Madison,” I say remembering the day they have planned to spend time together before Scarlett leaves to start filming.

He scoffs. “Jesus Christ Knox. I’m not going to give her a high enough dose that she turns into sleeping beauty.”

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