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6
MADISON
My head pounds as I pour myself coffee, knowing staying out at the bar with the girls until one o'clock in the morning was stupid. Not to mention I had about four or five glasses of wine too many. My head feels like it's about to split open.
And it's my first day working at the bookstore. My first day working for Dante.
Stepping out into the chill of the early morning, I zip up my coat, lock the front door and glance back at my quaint little cottage before walking toward town. It’s a two mile walk, which isn’t too bad. At least it’s not raining.
I don't get far when a car pulls up alongside me. I tense. It's a young man, someone I don't recognize. "Need a lift?" he asks, his voice friendly.
I hesitate, glancing down the road. "Are you going into town?" I ask.
"Yeah, heading there myself," he replies, flashing a warm smile. His demeanor is reassuring, so I nod and slide into the passenger seat.
"I'm Madison, by the way," I say as I buckle myself in.
He chuckles. "I know, Eva won't shut up about you. I'm friends with her." He holds out a hand. "Jack."
I take it and shake, feeling more at ease that this guy is Eva's friend. "Nice to meet you."
He pulls away from my cottage. "If you need a ride most mornings, I can help you since I'm passing. I live in the countryside a mile down the road."
I smile. "That would be great, thanks. I haven't got my own car yet." Despite having enough cash, I was never allowed to get my license. My parents didn't want me to have that kind of freedom.
We begin an easy conversation as he drives a few minutes into the center. Outside, the world is gradually waking up, the sun casting long shadows on the road, the golden fields seeming to stretch forever.
Before long, we slow down, the town coming into view. "You're working at Father Jensen's bookstore, right?" he asks, pulling up in front of the quaint little shop.
I nod, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and nervousness. "Yeah, today's my first day."
"Good luck, then." Jack gives me a quick, encouraging smile. "You'll do great," he says.
"Thanks." I get out of the car.
"See you tomorrow, same time?" he suggests.
I nod in response. "Sounds perfect. Thanks again!"
He salutes me and then drives off down the road. I glance at the bookstore, and my stomach tumbles when I see Dante staring at me through the window, a dark look in his eyes.
As I enter the bookstore, he’s already at the door waiting with a scowl on his face. He ushers me into the staff room, which is empty. "So," he begins with a tight voice, "why were you with Jack?"
I bite my lip. "Because Jack saw me walking the road to town and stopped. It's quite a walk and cold, so I accepted."
He growls. "I don't want you in any man's car other than mine, got it?"
"He's just being nice and offered me a lift. I agreed he can drive me every day."
He steps forward. "Like hell, he can." I notice the way a vein protrudes at his temple. "From now on, I'll drive you."
"That's not necessary," I object.
His eyes are dark and intense, not giving away any room for negotiation. "I insist," he asserts, his voice echoing through the empty room. Before I know it, Dante is closing the gap between us, his presence utterly overwhelming. "It's better this way, safer," he murmurs, his voice low.
Suddenly, he grabs my hips forcefully, his touch searing through the fabric of my skirt. He stares deep into my eyes as if trying to read the secrets buried in my soul.
"I appreciate that sentiment, but I won't blow him off. He wasn't interested in anything but friendship."
