Page 15 of Vicious in the Dark

Hands trembling, I left the kitchen, entering the living room where I hesitated with my hand on the doorknob. I knew who would be on the other side. How could my folks do this to me?

Sucking in a breath, I forced myself to open the door. Nothing in this world could have prepared me for the moment I’d once again lay eyes upon Maddox Hale.

CHAPTER NINE

MAVEN

“You’re still fucking beautiful.” Maddox was the first to speak, managing to find his voice while I stared stupidly at him. “I never thought I’d see you again, Vixen.”

That nickname seared through me, shocking my system. Now I understood why Mom had mixed the drink so strong. She should have made it a double.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time.” Emotion stormed me, tearing apart my insides, making it all fresh and raw again. “You look good. No funky scars or anything.”

My lips moved in what passed for a smile. I could have eaten up the eye candy that was Maddox. His black hair was short and stylish, slightly disheveled like it always had been, making his deep blue eyes pop in contrast.

The black flames licking up the side of his neck from beneath his collar was new since I’d last seen him. I couldn’t help but ogle the ink a little. A thin layer of stubble covered his jaw, giving him a hot as hell rugged edge. Although Maddox’s edge never had anything to do with his appearance. It had always been in his actions.

“You’d be surprised,” he said with a naughty grin that I felt in every part of me.

He motioned at his body, drawing my gaze. Broader now with a few more tattoos than I remembered, Maddox held himself with the confidence of a man with power. A man with great influence over many people in this city.

My gaze lingered on the scorpion inked on his forearm. His syndicate tattoo peeked out from beneath his sleeve where it marked his upper arm. It was a perfect match to the one I bore. In a black t-shirt and jeans, he still dressed casually. He’d always said it was easier to kill a man without worrying about getting blood on an expensive suit.

Wishing I could drop through the floor, I stepped back to invite him inside. “Come on in. I assume you’re here for dinner.”

Even though it felt like no time had passed since we last saw one another, there was no forgetting that I’d left because he almost got me killed with his power tripping actions. I didn’t know if I could ever forgive that, and a man like Maddox was rarely sorry for anything.

“Your father invited me. I could hardly say no. I wouldn’t deny him anything.” Maddox swept inside, waiting for me to close the door and face him before adding, “And I’d have done anything for a chance to see you in person. We have a lot to talk about.”

“Do we?” I blurted, unable to snatch the words back once they’d escaped me. “I mean, we don’t have to. It’s not necessary.”

“I disagree,” he replied, unfazed by my response. “I didn’t come here to ambush you, Maven, but you left without a fucking word. I can’t help but have a few questions.”

Here we go. This was the Maddox I remembered. Guess he hadn’t changed much. Not that I’d expected him to.

Time froze as we stood in the entryway staring at one another. The daring glint in his eyes flashed me back to every time we’d fought or disagreed. Maddox exuded a challenge that I couldn’t help but rise to. Seven years wouldn’t change that. If he thought he could barge in here and start questioning me, I’d be quick to set him straight.

Before I could snap back a reply, my father appeared at the top of the stairs. “Maven, you’re here. It’s so good to see you, pumpkin. Maddox. I’m glad you could make it. Come in and make yourself comfortable.”

Cane in one hand, Dad gripped the banister with the other, taking care on his way down. Just fifty-two, James Hart’s injury hadn’t slowed him down much, although it had taken him out of the crime game. His lightly sprinkled salt and pepper hair was smoothed into place, a brilliant smile lighting up his face.

Stinking of cologne, he reached the bottom of the staircase and opened his arms for a hug. As much as I loved my dad, right then I kind of wanted to beat his ass with that cane. What gave him the right to force Maddox on me like this?

I hugged my father, doing my best to keep my inner rage from showing on my face. If he started questioning me in front of Maddox, I was going to lose my shit. I didn’t come here for that.

Dad ushered us into the kitchen where Rumer helped Mom carry food to the table in the adjoined dining room. My mom flashed me an apologetic smile that I ignored. She’d been in on this. How could she? I couldn’t help but feel like my parents had arranged this thinking only of what Maddox wanted.

“Hi, sweetie,” Mom greeted Maddox like he was family. I guess he was. Still. Even after almost costing me my life. “Handsome as ever. Sometimes I can’t believe you’re still single.”

I exchanged a look with Rumer and rolled my eyes. Did my mother not realize I saw right through her? Didn’t take her long to update me on Maddox’s romantic status.

“What can I say? I’ve only ever met one woman who could keep me on my toes. I’m not interested in anything less.” Maddox leaned in to kiss my mom on the cheek before following my dad into the dining room.

“Here, Maven. Bring this to the table, please.” Nodding to a large bowl of salad, my mom swept past me carrying the roast.

Waiting for her to get out of earshot, I leaned in close to Rumer and hissed, “Can you believe this shit?”

“I guess they never got over that fantasy they had of the two of you getting married.” Rumer offered me a shrug and a sympathetic shoulder squeeze. “I don’t think they realized you were banging all four of them. Let’s get you another drink.”

---