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 4 What Ripped Piece Is Missing? Sophia
I've started to figure Maddox out. Maybe not completely—he's definitely holding back certain parts of his life—but I'm patient. With or without his explanations, I'll get those last few pieces of the puzzle. Over the past three weeks, I've been playing my little games, running my own quiet experiments, and I'm finally starting to get results. I've picked up enough of his personality, his likes and dislikes, to really excel at my job.
That's why, when Mateo walked past my desk toward Maddox's office, I didn't hesitate. I called out, "Stop."
He kept walking, barely glancing over his shoulder. So, I did the next best thing: I resorted to threats. "Take another step, and I'll personally make your schedule hell."
He froze. I knew he would. These men value their schedules like lifelines, and I know Mateo hates chaos. "You can't do that," he replied, turning to face me. His hazel eyes were hard, penetrating—eyes that could make anyone else shrink back. But I sat up straighter, meeting his gaze without flinching. I don't back down for anyone. I learned that lesson in the harshest ways, and I'm certainly not about to start now. Not even for the CEO of a Fortune 100 company. One who, if I'm being honest, is probably the most terrifying man I've ever encountered.
There's something about Mateo—a hardened edge that cuts across his face, casting his features into sharp, almost threatening angles. His hazel eyes have this cold intensity, a kind of warning that curls around the back of your mind, making you feel like just breathing too loudly in his direction might be enough to get you crushed under the soles of his expensive shoes. Yes, I was playing with fire here. But he's not my boss. He may be the most fearsome man in the building, but I'm not about to cave. My loyalty is to the man currently hiding out in his office, probably trying to find an excuse to escape into the IT department again.
So, I gave Mateo my best fearless, slick smile. "Are you sure?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because I do, in fact, have access to it. And considering how much your life revolves around Maddox, I happen to know you have a meeting with Botness at four p.m. today. Now, I could easily move that to six. Which begs the question—do you want to stay here until eight tonight, Mateo?"
Oh boy, I'm really out here threatening a man who could ruin my career. And I definitely shouldn't be doing it. This is a dangerous game to play, and I know it. But in the business world, it's all about games—and these men play the most ruthless kind. The only way I can stand at their level and get treated with respect is by stepping into the arena myself, playing alongside them. Even if it means facing down the kind of look that sends sweat up my spine. Even if it means standing toe-to-toe with a man who could crush my entire career with a single call.
Mateo's jaw ticked, a muscle flexing as he held his irritation in check. "Exactly why the hell can't I go in his office?" he snapped.
I pressed my lips together, fully aware that I was the cause of his anger. But I tipped my chin up anyway, refusing to let him intimidate me. "He's eating," I answered, glancing past him to see Maddox at his desk.
