Hidden Motives

Bonding

Minutes later I heard screaming on the other side of the door. Someone was yelling. I heard gunshots. Then silence.  My heart was racing and I was extremely worried for Max.

That was until I heard the cell door open. Max was standing there and I felt overwhelmed. I ran to him and gave him a hug. His body was tense, but he loosened up. I wasn't foreign to him. I could tell he was more of a fight over flight guy and I had calmed him down upon touch. I looked up at him and he was already looking down at me with his enticing eyes. We stood there for minutes on minutes until he finally spoke, "Zara we should go" he whispered in my ear. His breath was warm and it sent shivers down my body.

"Wait. Um...thank you Max." I whispered.

He looked at me and that's when I noticed the gun he was trying to hide from me.

"Max. Did...did you ki...ll him? I asked.

"Zara I did it for you. I don't want you to be in danger." he spoke.

If only he knew how much danger I was already in. He didn't know my full story and I wasn't sure if he would ever find out.

"Let's go" I spoke softly.

We then walked out to his car. I was still in the dress and heels which were crazy uncomfortable. Max noticed this and said, "We don't have much time before someone sees us, but here's a sweater and some shoes you can wear." He handed me one of his sweaters and a new pair of shoes. 

"Max why do you have a random pair of shoes sitting back here in my size?" I asked laughing a bit.

"Umm maybe I was going to surprise you with them?" he spoke softly. It was obvious he was embarrassed. 

"I am not even going to ask" I laughed. "Thank you, I guess!"

"Hurry up!" he smiled.

"Ok ok!" I said while hurriedly throwing the sweater over my dress. It smelled like Max and the scent made me feel safe and at home. I threw off my heels and put on the shoes Max gave me before sitting in the car.

"Better" he asked.

"Yes" I responded.

"Good" he murmered starting the car. We were then on our way.

"Max how did you find me?" I asked about five minutes in. The silence was killing me and I had lots of questions that needed answering.

He sighed before saying "Zara. I'm not sure if you've noticed, but you intrigue me. I find myself lost in your eyes and obsessed with the way you speak. I knew something was wrong because I'm not all good. I.. I've killed some people who have crossed the line in the past. When I saw that man from the theaters at the party I assumed that I had seen wrong. When you didn't come back from the lady's room in 20 minutes Maddox began to worry. I sensed him panicking and I had to ask him what was wrong. He was a bit closed off at first because I haven't been the best friend lately, but the second he noticed I cared he told me what had happened. I then put two and two together.  The man kidnapped you. Do I know why? No. But will I keep you safe? Yes. I found a bag he had left in the room. For such a good criminal he wasn't that smart. He left your phone and his own phone on the dresser. I had my old friend print out his call logs and give me transcripts of what had been said. Zara, I don't know why someone wants you. But you are wanted alive by someone. I am not even sure if they were referring to you actually. Maybe there was a mistake? They were talking about some girl named Sierra. Do you know anything about that?"

My father. It was my father on the other end. Max was getting closer to finding out my truth. I had to do something. "Umm no I don't. That's really weird actually."

"Yeah it is" Max whispered while focusing on the road.

"Umm so you want to clarify what's happening between you and Scarlett?" I asked.

Max laughed and said "You know she's just a distraction right. Whenever I get worked up or frustrated I got to her and she doesn't care. No feelings just a distraction. It also works when I want to make people jealous. Seemed to have worked out on you"

I rolled my eyes and said, "Yeah the same way Maddox made you jealous!"

"You're not wrong. It did piss me off a bit. I guess you could say you won." Max replied.

"I always win" I smiled.

"We'll see about that" Max smirked.