How could I forget something like that?
“I amsosorry about that,” I rush out. “I don’t know what came over me, but that’s so incredibly rude?—”
“Mads, chill. It’s all good, man, really. I’m glad to see you out living your life and having a good time.”
“Oh… thank you.” I blush furiously. “Speaking of… I’m kinda… going out with him again tonight...?”
Kane lifts a dark brow. “Is that a question?”
“No.” I shake my head. “No, I am.”
“Well, good on you then! Do you need back up again or…”
I smile sheepishly. “No, that’s okay. I feel good about being alone with him. I really appreciate you being there last time.”
“Of course. Any time.”
“All right, well, I guess I better go get ready…” I stand from his bed and stretch my legs.
“What time are you leaving?”
“Oh, about six? That’s when I’m heading out.”
“You sure you don’t need a ride?”
I promptly turn white as a ghost. “Oh, no, that’s okay.”
Kane’s eyes narrow slightly, but then, he shrugs. “If you’re sure.”
“I am. Thank you though.”
“Of course. Do let me know if you need a ride home or anything, I’m happy to help.”
I pause right by his open door and turn back around to smile at him. “Thank you, Kane, really. I appreciate you.”
“Of course, Madison. Have fun tonight.”
“If that’s what you wanna call it…” I mutter under my breath as I walk down the hall toward my bedroom, heart racing in my chest as the hours tick down closer to when I finally meet my stalker back where it all began.
My nerves are shotthe second the decrepit motel comes into view.
It’s as terrifying as I remember, and for a moment, I think,why the hell am I doing this?
And then, I look down at my phone, see Cedrick’s face staring back at me, and I remember everything we’ve been through these last few months—albeit not all of it was roses and rainbows.
I mean… the man did stalk me, but…
I’m kind of over that, I think? Maybe? I’m not sure.
All I do know is that I don’t really care anymore—if I ever did.
I keep thinking about Cedrick and how he made me feel at that club, on that dance floor. How each text, each phone conversation has been a highlight to every single day. I look forward to speaking to him, to learning about him and his life. Who he is and who he’s been.
I love telling him about myself and my past because I know he won’t care or judge. And it’s… nice, to know that with certainty—that someone just wants me for me. Not for the money or the power my parents have. Not because of my last name or where I came from, but because I’m just Madison Thomas Payne and Cedrick Hades Vinton decided he likes me.
I roll the car to a stop right in front of the doors, and my breath catches in my throat.
I reach up and touch the collar around my neck—Static’s collar—and tug on the frayed edges. Their roughness brings me a sense of calm as I step out of the car and into the darkness of the evening, watching the gravel dust settle back down around my tires.
