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 40 Shower Me With Lust Sophia
"Thanks, Lily, I appreciate the offer, but I already ordered everything I'll need," I answered, glancing over at Jax to make sure he was still playing nicely with Alvin. The two had been inseparable all morning.
Watching Jax settle in here so comfortably was a relief. It took at least one problem off my growing list, leaving me free to focus on the others—like me. I was still unsure of my place here. Who am I in Maddox's house? In his arms? In his life? Am I still the same Sophia he met months ago, or someone else entirely? Someone new—someone I don't fully know yet, but maybe... kind of like.
Right now, I was at the kitchen counter, phone pressed to my ear while Lily filled the other end with effortless warmth. She'd been kind enough to offer up her entire closet, given that, technically, I didn't have anything to wear other than what I had on last night. But I'd already thought ahead. If we were leaving for the weekend, I'd need outfits, so I placed an order at Nordstrom for both Jax and me.
Of course, Maddox—being Maddox—refused to let me pay. When I told him he wasn't covering it, he called the store himself and demanded they charge his card instead. And what do you know? I ended up with a $2,000 charge on his credit card. Maddox's only response? A wicked grin and a smug "Why not more?"
Do I feel bad? No.
My options were limited, considering the paparazzi had been staked outside my house all night. And, honestly? The way Maddox looked when he won that little argument made me forget why I even cared to begin with.
The media had blown our relationship completely out of proportion. And, if I'm being honest, I was grateful to be getting away for a few days. Probably why I agreed so fast. I needed more time—just Maddox and me—before the world had an opinion on everything we did.
On Lily's end, the background noise of the paddock buzzed through the line—shuffling feet, loud engines roaring to life, mechanics shouting orders over the chaos. She was already in Abu Dhabi, supporting Ash like the number-one fan she was.
"Yeah, of course," she replied over the noise. "Just putting the offer out there."
It was kind. Almost unbelievably kind. But Lily had become something of a friend lately. After the breakup, she checked in on me, kept me updated on Maddox's mental health, and even came over to meet Jax. It had taken him a second, but he warmed up to her soon enough. The bags upon bags of toys she brought definitely helped. We'd gone on a few coffee dates and even a shopping spree.
Safe to say, Lily was my first real friend.
"Thanks," I said, unsure how else to put it. How do you thank someone who, without even realizing it, kept you going? Thanks felt... insufficient.
"Aster just texted me," she added. "She can grab your order, so you don't have to stress about the media. Just send her the order numbers—I'll text you her info now. Anyway, I gotta go! Ash is waving me over so I can wish him luck before his final practice."
