Fated Series. Book #2
"Be possessive of me, own me, keep me, because if you do then nothing and no one else can." - Maddox.
My name is Maddox Vallero, and I'm dead.
Well, that's not quite true. I'm alive in the breathing, walking, talking sense-but...
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Chapter 8 Unhinging Thoughts Sophia
"Sophia, could you pull up the NDA we have on file? I have a date tonight; I'll need you to have her sign it before I leave," Maddox called, not even looking up from his laptop. He's been acting a bit off all morning—more distant than usual. I can't pinpoint exactly what's wrong, and it's driving me nuts. To the point where I swear I've been glancing at him more than I've been paying attention to my own work.
"Got it, boss," I called back, trying to keep my tone steady, even as a tiny flicker of jealousy twisted in my chest.
He sighed at the nickname—still not a fan—but didn't comment, just went back to whatever he was working on. His black-and-white dog wandered around the office, peering out the doorway every few minutes to watch people pass in the hallway. He never stepped a foot outside, though, which honestly impressed me. I even tried coaxing him out with part of my lunch, but he didn't budge. Maddox must have trained him well.
It only took a second to search through Maddox's files until I found a folder labeled Maddox's Personal Shit. I clicked on it, scanned until I found the right document, and hit print. Of course, I told myself I'd give it a closer look once it was in front of me. Technically, it was part of my job to be aware of everything going on with this man, but I couldn't deny the tug of curiosity. And maybe, if I was being honest with myself, a shimmer of jealousy. Which was ridiculous. Maddox is allowed to date. I know he dates—hell, the media loves to report on it. But seeing it up close, in real time, feels... different.
There's this pinching feeling in my gut, like I want to rip the contract apart and tell him no. Except, why would I do that? He's my boss, and to him, I'm his assistant. Sure, we flirt, but that's where it stops. There are lines, and we both know it. Even if those lines are starting to blur.
I grabbed the contract off the printer and walked back to my desk, scanning through it even though I knew I probably shouldn't. I only got a few pages in before I felt my eyes widen. Shock didn't even begin to cover what I was feeling.
This contract was a whole new level of messed up. Who in the world would sign this just to date a guy?
By the time I hit the first bullet point, I already knew: it would never be me. Then again, I've never had an employer who required NDAs for dating, so maybe this was just a rich-people thing. Even if it was, Maddox would have to be the last man on earth for me to consider signing this. And even then, I'd think twice.
Bullet point six: Keep your relationship with Maddox Vallero off all social media listed in Section A.6.
Bullet point seven: No photos, audio recordings, video recordings, or any other form of technology that shows Maddox Vallero's presence, or your relationship with him.
Bullet point eight: Do not communicate in any form with the media, or with family and friends, regarding your relationship with Maddox Vallero. Do not discuss any information or events that occurred while you were with him.
