Page 19 of On The Edge

Ties have been cut. You just made sure of that with your comments.

With a deep breath, I glance over my shoulder one last time in the direction of my parents’ house and then nod.

I’m ready to play the role.

It isn’t until my driver pulls onto the main road that I finally exhale in relief and then inhale in anticipation of where this road is about to take me.

Nerves rattle with each minute that passes. Nerves that have my hands trembling as I scan the page of instructions that Kevin’s assistant sent over to me. Not like I haven’t already committed it to memory or anything.

Here’s to an adventure, Maddix.

And to accepting what I’ve sacrificed to get there.

You’ve got this, Hart.

You’ve got this.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Maddix

I’m in way over my head.

Like a million miles plus infinity over my head.

That’s all I can think as I climb the last stair to the entrance of the private jet. I am astounded with all the finer things in a life that sure as hell isn’t mine.

The interior of the jet is a light taupe with burled walnut paneling. Plush, oversized leather chairs face each other with a table in between. This same setup is repeated four more times over the length of the cabin. The interior is bright with running lights in the ceiling and the floor that only helps to brighten the sunshine coming in the numerous windows running its length.

It’s luxurious and decadent in a way I only ever imagined, and I have to pinch myself to believe that I’m really going to be flying on this.

I can only imagine what my dad would say if he saw this setup.

Standing in the doorway, I’m dumbfounded and astounded, and truth be told, more than intimidated to walk inside. A stunning woman in a cashmere sweater and black slacks sees me. Her smile brightens momentarily and then her eyes narrow. “Hi. May I help you?” she asks cautiously.

Shit. Where is Cruz? Not like I’d find any comfort in seeing him as we’ve spent a whole five minutes alone together max, but at least I wouldn’t feel like they think I’m about to hijack the jet.

“Yes. I’m Maddix. I’m here for—”

Laughter comes from the back section hidden by a partition of sorts. Laughter that I know to be Cruz’s. The sound of it causes my shoulders to sag in relief, but at the same time, my heart jumps in anticipation of all this strange newness I’m embarking upon.

A sultry laugh follows Cruz’s, and I must look like an idiot as I stare at the doorway, waiting for Cruz, ignoring the woman eyeing me.

“Cruz. I’m Cruz’s . . .” Girlfriend? Acquaintance? Plaything?

Kevin’s list of instructions flashes through my head. Be seen. Be affectionate. Sell the lie so the public and the board believes it. Sell the idea that Cruz is the doting boyfriend. Make him appear settled and successful.

Because that’s going to be easy.

Especially when minute one on this journey, and a woman’s hand is already resting possessively on his bicep.

Perfect.

I open my mouth to speak as Cruz enters the main cabin.

“Madds. You’re here,” Cruz says, flashing a heart-stopping grin.

Considering he left the meeting yesterday without looking my way, I’m definitely surprised at the warm greeting. At the nickname. At that smile of his. If my stomach wasn’t already tied up in knots, that dazzling grin of his would do it.