Page 116 of Ravaged For You

“Yes.”

“Did Lucas and Axel tell you?”

Astrid shakes her head. “I didn’t need anyone to tell me, Maddie. I’m a mom, and I know my own son. I knew what the situation was the minute I met you.”

“Oh.”

“But I also knew something had to be done about Axel. I knew his nickname. I knew his reputation. I know what my son needs. He needs a girl. I knew it would take time and a strong woman to break through into his heart, and it turns out that you are just the strong woman needed. Just as I suspected the first time I met you in that ridiculous nightclub.”

Now it’s my turn to shake my head. “I don’t know if that’s the case, Astrid. I don’t know if I’m the girl Axel needs or wants.”

There’s a long pause as Astrid thinks about my comment. She doesn’t seem surprised at all by my confession. She’s not angry at me.

She’s complimenting me.

Her eyes flicker towards the private plane behind me. Towards Axel. None of the band can hear our little interaction.

Finally, she speaks.

“Time will tell, Maddie. Time will tell.”

51

MADDIE

I don’t get to see Axel all day once we’re driven away from the airport in separate cars. Boom. He’s gone just like that. Lucas tells me that he’s off doing a whole round of press interviews for the new album whilst I’m taken to my new condo. Lucas had the storage unit guys send all my stuff here already. Everything’s neatly unpacked by the time I arrive at the place.

I walk in and stand in the middle of the spacious living room and let out a sigh. At least I can afford this place now, thanks to all the money I’ve earned being a rockstar’s fake girlfriend.

But everything feels so empty. There’s no Axel here. I’ve literally been dropped off without even a goodbye.

Time to start the rest of your life, Maddie Leaver.

I start to unpack my bags from the tour, but I give up pretty quickly. I have no energy for this just yet.

I just need time.

Time to get over what were the unexpectedly best weeks of my life. Time to move on past Axel Stoll. Time to be a normal human being again, no longer on the front pages of newspapers and social media feeds.

Instead of unpacking, I simply take a shower. One of my long-ass ones, as Axel would say.

Oh, Axel.

How can I already be missing that man?

That man I once despised, but who showed me his vulnerable side. The man who would go to any lengths to protect me. Make me feel special. Who cared for me.

I miss him so much.

I cry in the shower thinking of how it’s all coming to an end.

After tonight, it certainly will. I just have to get through this damn talk show. Another fake situation where I have to act like nothing is wrong sitting next to Axel when actually my insides spin around in agony. Tonight will be the last time I see the man in person. From now on, I’ll only be seeing him in advertising, and on social media. I will hear his voice, but he won’t be talking to me. He’ll be on the radio; a rockstar talking to his fans.

I will become nothing but a footnote on Axel Stoll’s Wikipedia page.

I have only myself to blame. I was the one who allowed my heart to be put on the line. Axel seems to be coping perfectly fine without me. He’s not the one who allowed feelings to develop.

I’m the one getting hurt here.