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“I have to go,” I state, slipping my phone into my back pocket.
“Dix!” Hunter scolds. “Do not go to her.”
Ignoring him, I butt out my smoke and turn to look at Finch. “Thanks for having me, Finch.”
“You’re really going? We haven’t even had dessert yet. And what about Maddy? What are you going to tell her?”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s under control.”
Hunter angrily states, “No, it’s not under control. What does she want from you? I mean, you say you’re not sleeping with her.So why are you going over there? I doubt it’s to play a game of Yahtzee!”
I run my hands down my face. “She wants to win.”
“Win what?”
“Me!” I heatedly spit, poking myself in the chest. “Don’t you get it? This has never been about sex. It’s always been about control. And power. And now that she’s lost that, she wants it back. She can’t stand that I’m happy when she’s not. I have to allow her to believe that she’s winning. That she’s in control, as it’s the only way I can get out of this. It’s the only way I can keep Madison safe! If you only knew what she did to Madison, you wouldn’t be so quick to disapprove. She deserves this. Every single thing I plan on doing to her, she fucking deserves.”
Hunter’s face drops when he reads my frustration loud and clear. “Dix—” But he stops when the balcony door opens.
We all turn our attention to Maddy, who is standing before us. By her slightly narrowed gaze, she knows something is up, but she chooses to ignore it. “So Mary will be here in around forty-five minutes. She’s just finished work, so she’ll shower and come straight over. I hope that’s okay.” Her gaze bounces between us. I bottle my anger because I need to get a grip.
“That’s fine,” Finch nervously replies.
I hate that I’ve put him in this position, but I can deal with my guilt tomorrow. “Actually, I’ve got to go,” I reveal, thankful I sound composed.
“Go? Go where?” Madison asks, her brows furrowing in confusion.
“There’s been an emergency at work that I have to deal with.”
“Oh? But it’s Saturday.”
“I know. But my patients don’t care what day it is. I’m sorry.” I walk over to her, giving her a gentle smile. “But you stay.”
She sighs, looking disappointed. “It’s okay. You can just drop me off at home on the way.”
That’s the first time she’s suggested going back there. But that won’t happen. It can’t. Seeing as that’s my stop, too.
I shake my head. “No. Stay. I won’t be long. And besides, I think Hunter just may cry if he doesn’t get to see his girlfriend.” I turn to look at Hunter, who smiles half-heartedly. He’s so not impressed with me right now.
As she works her lip, she finally agrees. “Okay.” But I can see the hint of doubt behind her eyes.
Needing to erase that look, I reach into my pocket and pull out my wallet. Searching inside, I pull out my spare key. “Just in case you want to go, and I’m not back in time. Get Hunter to drive you back to my place, and I’ll meet you there.” I open up her hand and place my key into her palm.
“Okay. Thanks. I’ll give it back to you.”
Brushing my knuckle down her cheek, I shake my head. “Keep it. It’s yours.”
Her eyes widen. “W-What?”
I can’t help but smile at her response. “You heard me. Keep it.”
She holds up the key, waving it in my face. “This is a key. To your home,” she states, appearing stunned that I would give this to her.
“I know what it is,” I reply calmly.
“And you’re giving it to me? To keep?” she clarifies, still watching me closely.
I nod with a grin. “But if you don’t want it…” I reach for it teasingly.
