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 23 Freed of Lies Maddox
"Joel called. He should be here with the bodyguards within the hour," Mateo said without looking up, his hand gliding across yet another contract from the mountainous stack in front of him. I don't know how his hand doesn't cramp after signing so many. I wouldn't know, though—I've been sitting here for the past forty minutes doing absolutely nothing, watching him work for my own entertainment.
He doesn't find it funny.
But if I'm honest, I'm here because lately I've been spending less time with him, and the distance is starting to get to me. These attachment issues are no joke. My mood's been spiraling, making me snippy and restless, to the point where Sophia's already had to drag me out of the IT department eight times this week alone after I skipped meetings just to avoid my responsibilities. I've been pathetic. Irritating, even. So, here I am—trying to curb the withdrawal symptoms by soaking up some time with my best friend in the whole universe before I lose my damn mind.
I kicked one leg over the other and leaned back, shutting my eyes. "Orale," I said lazily. "Can I have the pretty one?"
"Of course, Madds. I'll personally make sure you get the bodyguard that won a fucken beauty pageant," he deadpanned.
I grinned, keeping my eyes closed. "Love that. Always the supportive best friend, huh?"
That earned me the faintest smirk, maybe even an eye roll. I didn't need to see it to know it.
"Maddox," he said after flipping to yet another contract. "How've you been?" His tone was neutral, casual—but Mateo doesn't ask questions without intent. "You've been MIA from the apartment lately. Lina's starting to think it's because of the damn cat."
I stilled for a moment, trying to keep my expression from betraying anything, hoping he hadn't caught on—but deep down, I almost wanted him to.
Because the truth was, I hadn't really been to the apartment in weeks. Since the charity event three weeks ago, Sophia and I had been living in a delicate, blissful bubble of secrecy. And maybe I should feel guilty for not telling Mateo—hell, I should definitely feel guilty. We don't keep secrets from each other. We never have. But the truth is, I like keeping this one part of my life to myself. For once, I finally have something that's just mine.
She's mine.
I've been spending most evenings at Sophia's place, and although we haven't gone on a formal date yet—despite my shameless begging—I can't say I'm not loving the domestic routine she's offering me. The woman has me racing through my workday just so I can show up on her porch, grinning like an idiot, feeling something I haven't felt in years: a sense of home.
And Jax? That kid is a riot. My adoration for him grows by the day. Sophia doesn't usually leave us alone together, but the other day she didn't have much of a choice, and I practically shoved her out the door so I could babysit him. While she was grocery shopping, Jax and I spent the afternoon building a massive racecar set in the living room. He wore his Deadpool pajamas the entire time and asked if I had any to match. When I told him no, he convinced me—easily—to order a set. He even picked them out. My Batman pajamas are scheduled to arrive by the end of the day.
