Page 159 of Glutton for Punishment

“We’re past that,” I respond.

His expression says that he absolutely is not ‘past that’.

I brush my hands over my dress before grimacing at the torn silk near my knees. “Maddox, I’m so sorry. I fell and ruined your beautiful dress.”

His brow pulls together. “…My dress?”

I blink at him. “Your gift?” I gesture downward. “I got your note about ‘wearing my power beautifully’.”

Confusion spreads across his face.

“No,” he shakes his head. “You said you were borrowing something from Holly. You look amazing, but I know how much you hate skirts and dresses, so…”

Icy dread slides down my spine. “No…”

Then I see it. A shimmering black note card sitting on the balcony railing like it were just waiting for me to find it. My pulse stops.

Slowly, I pick it up.

I knew it’d fit you perfectly.

— V

The blood drains from my face as I look around, panicked.

How did this note get here? Is he watching me right now?

“Arwen?” Maddox’s voice sharpens. “What is that?”

I take a step backward. “I have to get out of here.”

“What?”

“I need to change.” Panic claws up my throat hard enough to choke me. “I need this dress off right now.”

Maddox catches my wrist gently before I can bolt.

“Hey.” Concern replaces the irritation on his face. “Who gave that to you?”

“Who do you think?” I bite out. “Your psychotic brother is taunting me.”

I know it’s not fair to take this out on him, but after the invasion of my mind and constant violation of my privacy, I’m breaking a bit.

I wish I were invisible.

“Arwen.” My name comes out small as concern fills his face.

“Please… just let me go back to my dorm right now. I feel like I’m suffocating. I need to be alone.”

His gaze searches mine for a long moment.

“Please. I need you to trust me too,” I say desperately.

Eventually his grip loosens. “Find me first thing tomorrow,” he says.

I nod once. Then practically flee the balcony before he can ask anything else. I’m fooling myself if I think he won’t be sleeping outside my door tonight.

Chapter 49