Page 60 of Save Me

My body is so hot, and I just want to scream.

“You have no idea who you’re dealing with.” Maddox’s voice is high now, almost incredulous.

“I’m not that worried,” I snap, all that anger needing somewhere to go.

Maddox is looking at me like I’m the crazy one now. I’m not freaking crazy. Why is he defending him?

“If the justice system worked, killing wouldn’t be necessary. Now. Give me my phone.” I’m about two seconds away from snatching it.

Maddox freezes. He stares at me with an evaluating look, like he’s wondering if I know. Well, I do know, and I’m fucking mad.

Slowly, Maddox hands me my phone. I snatch it from him, instant relief filling me now that I have it. The call must have gone to voicemail.

Maddox takes a step back.

I glance at him, and the look he gives me is full of fear and anger. Only this time, it’s directed at me.

“Who were you going to kill?” he growls. He growls, but he looks…scared. Of me.

“Maddox, please, let’s just talk.” My anger is dropping, and doubt is starting to creep in. This isn’t how this was supposed to go.

“No! Fucking who!” He advances on me, and now I’m the one taking a step back. Not because I’m afraid of him, but because I don’t want to pressure him.

“Maddox–“

“Fucking answer me!”

Maddox is yelling now, and fudge, this isn’t how this is supposed to go!

Maddox stops short, looking at me. We’re caught there, tears welling in my eyes. I screwed this whole thing up. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go! He was supposed to feel safe.

“You’ve been spying on me,” he says slowly. Then, it’s like clarity dawns on his face. “That’s what I missed. The play that I missed.”

I stare at him, pleading. “I wasn’t spying; I was trying to keep you safe.”

He stares at me. Then, like something changes, he just nods. “Hats off to you then. You win. You got me.” Maddox turns, stalking to the door like he’s leaving.

”Wait!” I dart after him.

Maddox ignores me, moving closer to the door, away from me, and toward the unknown.

“Stop.” I put my hand on his shoulder, and as soon as I feel him stiffen, I know I’ve made a mistake.

Maddox whirls on me, a snarl on his face. “Get your hands off me.” He shrugs out of my hold.

“You can’t go.” Panic is driving me now. What if Arthur is still out there? No, not what if. He is. And what if we can’t find him in time to stop Arthur from actually killing Maddox this time?

Maddox doesn’t listen, so I grab his arm this time. I have to keep him safe.

Maddox turns on me, voice dripping venom. “You’re no better than him.”

The hatred in his tone hits me like a wall, and I almost stagger.

I let go of Maddox.

His nostrils flare, and he takes another step back.

This isn’t Maddox. This isn’t him! This is just trauma. But still, my heart feels like it got ripped in two. I’m way better than Arthur. I’d never hurt Maddox. And he’s running out into the danger where I can’t protect him. Can’t save him.