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 19 Fifth Avenue Trips Sophia
"Hey, lovely assistant!"
I looked up from my computer, expecting Maddox's familiar voice but hearing a distinctly feminine one instead. Only he ever called me that, so it took a second for the switch to register. My surprise melted into a smile as I saw who was striding my way. "Well, don't you look stunning," I said, quickly hitting "send" on the email I was working on before giving Lily my full attention. And honestly, it wasn't hard to focus on her—she had this striking, dangerous beauty that practically demanded it. Fierce, stylish, and with a confidence that dared anyone to cross her. She was like a polished diamond with razor edges.
Everyone loved to call her "bitchy," but honestly? I'd never gotten that vibe. To me, Lily was more like a loaded gun—direct, unapologetic, and a hundred percent lethal if she wanted to be. The kind of woman who didn't need saving, who walked her own path and dared anyone to get in her way.
She was dressed like a threat, too. Worn blue jeans hugged her lean legs and curved hips, flaring out just above a pair of chunky white heels that clicked with each step. Her white lace top skimmed her shoulders, the back open and tied with just a single string. A black snake choker coiled around her neck, dipping down her chest as if to say, try me. She knew how to make an entrance, and the heels announced her arrival like a challenge.
"Lily, how do you not have a boyfriend?" I teased, smirking as she stopped in front of my desk. The girl was trouble for any guy who set his sights on her, and she knew it.
She gave me a mischievous wink. "Oh, I have plenty," she said, leaning on the counter with both elbows.
I laughed. "Do they know that?"
She shrugged, completely unbothered. "Why bother telling them? I'm not keeping them around long enough for it to matter. They all bore me eventually anyway."
Fair point.
I chuckled, my admiration for her growing. Lily was like a blast of fresh air in a room full of people holding their breath. Maddox had mentioned that some people couldn't handle her, but honestly? I loved it. She knew exactly what she wanted and let nothing stand in her way. If a fire broke out, I was pretty sure she'd be the first to step into it—and then command it to behave.
"Here to see your brother?" I asked, glancing at the clock. Maddox still had a few minutes before his next meeting.
A wicked grin curved across her face, making her cheekbones even sharper. "I'd much rather spend the day with his lovely assistant," she said.
I chuckled. "Pretty sure your brother wouldn't be thrilled to hear that."
She rolled her eyes. "He'll get over it." Then she straightened, giving me a conspiratorial look as she rounded the counter to stand beside me. "Come on. We're going shopping."
