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Maddox told me his dad thinks I killed the governor and Zeke. He’s right about one, but he doesn’t know the details of why I did it. Let’s hope I never have to explain my reasoning to him, or anyone else.
“So what’s next? You said they’re looking for fingerprints on Zeke’s body? Which we know mine will exist, considering he came into my room and drugged me.”
“I’m sure yours will be there, but we’re searching for other prints, too. One way or another, we’ll get to the bottom of this.”
Maddox has a way of making me feel better about all the terrible things happening in my life. I nudge his side, grinning. “Thanks for walking with me.”
“Of course.” His fingers run through my hair as we walk down the sidewalk to the stadium. “How’s your head?”
“It’s fine. Just a small bump. I still can’t believe Ridge came into my room and did that. Everyone just needs to stop showing up in my room.” I laugh, even if it’s really not funny at all.
“I can believe it. I told you, Ridge loves you.”
“You keep saying that, but I’m starting to wonder if Ridge even knows what love is. Because if his actions say anything about how he feels, I wouldn’t call it love. It’s more like obsessive fixation.”
“Look, Riley.” Maddox stops walking in front of the stadium entrance and scrapes his fingers through his hair, eyes downcast. “I know I said I’d help you, but after last night, I’m starting to think whatever is happening between us is a bad idea. Ridge is my best friend and when it comes down to it—”
“No, Maddox.” I tip his chin up with my index finger. “Look at me. Ridge is unhinged. You’re not doing anything wrong.”
“You don’t understand, and I don’t expect you to. But I think it’s best if we’re just friends. I’ll still help you with this Zeke bullshit, but nothing more can happen between us.”
I take his hand in mine, my thumb sweeping over his knuckles. “I like you, Maddox. You make me laugh more than I have in months. I enjoy your company. And you’re a really good kisser, too.” He cracks a smile, so I keep going, putting my heart on the line. “I’m not asking you to choose. I’m just asking for a chance. And I don’t mean a chance to clear my name. I mean, a chance for us.”
Talk about vulnerability. I’m not even sure I took in any air during that confession. And now, as he stands here silent, I’m certain I’m going to pass out from humiliation.
“Please say something,” I beg. “Anything. Tell me to eat rocks. Get lost. Just say something.”
Biting his lip, he lifts his chin. “I like you, too, Riley. I enjoy your company and you’re a damn good kisser, too. The thing is. Ridge, Lev, and I…we go way back. Before crushes and booze and stealing and sex. Not that I ever stole or did drugs. Anyways, that’s beside the point. The guys and I have a pact. My loyalty to them has to come first, and I guess…my heart gets second place.”
“That’s not fair to you.”
“And going back on my pact wouldn’t be fair to them either.”
I swallow hard, nodding in agreement, even when I want to scream that he’s making the wrong choice. “Okay. I guess when you satisfy your pact then maybe come find me.” I push myself up on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek. “I’ll be around.”
* * *
“I was thinking,” Carly beams, clasping her hands together. “We could decorate with a horror movie theme. Different villains displayed around campus. Then everyone can dress up as their favorite psycho for the party.”
It’s almost laughable that Ridge pops into my mind at the mention of the word psycho. I wonder how long he’ll linger in my brain this time. Seems like the guy never leaves. He’s sunk his claws into me, without me even knowing it.
I remember seeing him for the first time in that tree, and thinking, ‘that guy is a gorgeous mess of trouble that I wanna get into.’ Then the evil grin on his face spooked me and I took off, unsure if he was going to follow—but I was sort of hoping he would.
Now, I can't seem to get away from him. Can’t stop thinking about him. He’s wreaking havoc on my life in ways I’m not even aware of.
Except, he’s not there anymore. I haven’t seen him all day, and it feels…weird. Like something is missing. I guess I’m just so used to him being around.
After he left last night, I was lying on the floor with my head against my dresser and all I could think about were his last words.You are the only star in my sky, Angel. Guess I didn’t realize you were also shining in someone else’s.
Maybe Ridge does love me. No one does the insane shit he does for anything but love. I hate him for everything he’s done. But there’s also a part of me who basks in the idea of someone being that hopelessly devoted to me.Me. Riley Cross. I’m nobody to everybody, but everything to him.
I’m everything to him.My heart swells at the realization.
All this time I’ve been so down on myself, feeling so unwanted and unloved, and he’s been right there. Watching. Waiting. Longing…for me.
“What do you think, Riley?”
My ears perk up and I drop my fist from my cheek. “I love that idea.”
