“Maddie?”
“Are you okay?”
The concern in their voices makes my chest tighten.
“I’m fine.” The lie comes out automatically.
It takes far more convincing than it should before they finally stop looking at me like I’m about to fall apart. They don’t need to worry about me. Especially not if I’m going to leave. Because that’s what I need to do. I need to get away before my father hurts them too.
The moment I step out of the Jeep, Miles is beside me. Before I can take more than a few steps, his hand finds mine, his fingers weaving through mine like it’s the most natural thing in the world. He gently pulls me toward him, and the second my body collides with his chest, every ounce of resolve I’d spent the drive building begins to crumble.
I melt against him before I can stop myself.
This is exactly why I need to stay away from him. Being close to Miles is too easy. Too comforting, and it’s dangerous.
I tilt my head up to look at him through the curls that have fallen into my face. His eyes search mine like he’s trying to read every thought I’m too afraid to say out loud.
Carefully he brushes a loose curl behind my ear, his fingertips lingering against my cheek.
“You scared me, Mads. I thought…” His voice trails off.
“I’m fine,” I interrupt quietly.
His expression softens, but he doesn’t believe me for a second. “Don’t do that.”
I frown. “Do what?”
“Pretend this wasn’t a big deal.” His thumb brushes lightly across my cheek. “You matter to me, Mads. More than you realize. So don’t stand there and tell me you’re fine when I watched you collapse.”
My chest tightens.
Every word out of this man's mouth makes it harder to remember why I need to leave.
I hold his gaze a second too long, completely losing myself in those impossible blue eyes. Then his lips brush gently against my cheek. The kiss is soft, barely even there, but it sends warmth racing through my entire body.
God…
Why does he have to make this so difficult?
A loud throat clearing breaks the moment. I jump back so quickly I almost trip over my own feet. Kaitlin stands a few feet away with her arms crossed and an amused smile tugging at her lips.
“So…” she says, looking between us. “Are you two done pretending there’s nothing going on, or should I give you another minute?”
Heat rushes to my face. “I…”
Miles chuckles beside me. “You’d better get used to it, Kaitlin.”
I shoot him a look that only makes him grin wider. Kaitlin rolls her eyes dramatically before walking toward the elevator.
“I was supposed to spend today studying,” she mutters. “Instead, I’m apparently chaperoning whatever this is.”
Despite everything that’s happened, I can’t help smiling. The elevator doors slide open, and the three of us step inside. Almost immediately, my eyes drift upward.
The security camera.
Heat creeps into my cheeks as memories of the last time Miles and I were in this elevator come rushing back. The kiss. The way Miles held me up as he absolutely devoured me. The poor security guard who probably watched the entire thing.
I risk a glance toward Miles. He’s already looking at me.
