Page 45 of Before the Encore

Her mum’s words nibbled at her. “You’re just like your father, Madison.”

Bonnie’s hand brushed against hers, shooting sparks through the contact. “What’s your relationship with your mum like now?” Bonnie linked their fingers, warm and soft, but Madison didn’t pull away.

“We haven’t spoken in months. Ruby acts as a bit of a mediator between us.”

“I’m sorry.” Bonnie’s whisper tickled her cheek.

She gave a small shrug. “It’s fine.”

“You shouldn’t have had to deal with so much at such a young age.”

A blinking plane passed overhead. “It was better than being in the system.”

Madison’s breathing sounded loud to her ears. Being separated from Ruby had been her biggest fear growing up. Now she was older, she wondered how different things could have been if they’d had someone looking out for them.

“You care so much.” Bonnie’s voice packed a punch to her chest. “You pretend that you don’t, but you do.” Bonnie’s focus flitted over her face, those big eyes searching. “Why do you pretend you don’t care?”

Madison stilled, caught between pushing back and being honest. In the darkness, with the eerie comfort of the still and the caress of Bonnie’s fingers between her own, she sighed. “It’s easier.”

When Bonnie didn’t say anything, Madison rolled onto her side, their faces inches apart. Bonnie’s perfume mingled with a sweet smell, like strawberry, those plump lips slightly parted.

“I deal with things better on my own,” Madison admitted quietly.

A look flashed across Bonnie’s features, her brows drawing together. She blinked.

“Isn’t that lonely?”

“It can be.”

“I…” Her bottom lip wobbled, and her eyes watered, glossing over. “I can be lonely too.”

The soft confession tugged at Madison’s heart. It was wrong. This amazing, kind, talented woman deserved more. The pull urged her closer; the feeling amplified. She slid her hand over Bonnie’s cheek.

“Madison.” The word left Bonnie in a whisper, caught between a question and accusation. Madison held perfectly still, but Bonnie didn’t pull away.

Her thumb brushed slowly over Bonnie’s cheek, warm beneath her fingertips. Bonnie’s breath hitched, eyes fluttering closed before landing back on her. Madison’s fingers curled around the back of Bonnie’s neck, holding her there without pulling her closer.

She shouldn’t do this. She really shouldn’t.

But the air charged, measured by Bonnie’s shallow breaths tickling Madison’s face. She swallowed, her throat suddenly tight as she lingered on Bonnie’s lips. Full. Slightly parted. Too close.

Then Bonnie’s gaze dropped to her mouth.

Fuck it.

She leaned in and pulled her close, brushing her lips against hers. Soft and warm and drawing her deeper. Bonnie gasped into her mouth, kissing her back, and the heat sent a rush through her. Her fingers tightened at the nape of her neck before sliding into her silky hair. Bonnie’s mouth parted, a soft moan leaving her lips. The sound stuck Madison’s clit with a fierce ache. Fuck.

She kissed her harder, urgent, crushing her mouth to hers. Bonnie’s hands gripped her waist, fingertips twisting into her cotton vest and brushing the bare skin underneath. Madison’s stomach swooped.

She needed to stop. She had to stop. Otherwise, she was going to fuck Bonnie, and that couldn’t be undone. But her lips wouldn’t obey. She tasted too good. Her hands burned, caressing the swell of her glorious thighs and rocking into her hips. Madison swallowed a groan as she ground against her, Bonnie’s teeth nipping her lip.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

Madison pulled back, chest heaving. Her hands curled into Bonnie’s shirt, tightening it over her nipples.

“Madison.” Bonnie looked back at her, eyes ablaze. “Don’t you dare stop kissing me.”

Chapter Twelve