Dirty Secrets {A Crash & Burn Novella}

Chapter 3

Max

I couldn't stop thinking about Stella. The way her lips felt against mine. The way she kissed me back. She wanted me. I know she did. But there was one thing stopping her. The man I loathed. The man I wanted to murder.

I shook my head.

He wasn't a man. Men don't put their hands on a woman the way he has with Stella. It seemed to me he needed a reminder of what happened at the party. But I couldn't do anything. Not yet. Not when he could hurt my Angel again. She wasn't mine. Not really.

But a man could hope, couldn't he?

Maybe soon she would be though.

If I play my cards right, she could be in my arms.

My door was shoved open by the police. "Max Spelling, you are under arrest."

"I haven't done anything." I hissed through clenched teeth.

"Not what we heard. Been to the woods lately?"

"Fucking Paul." I growled under my breath.

A bruised face and ego would be the least of Paul's worries when I get out of jail. When I get out, he's the first person I'm hunting down. I ran my hand through my hair and sighed. "Do what you gotta do."

I'd go willingly.

But only because I wanted to get out soon to kick Paul's ass.

Where was Stella?

Was he hurting her?

And most importantly, what did he have to gain by getting me arrested?

It didn't take me long to get bailed out by Anna. She happened to be in town. So, it was a win in my book. I'd pay her back just as soon as I could.

"You're gonna kick his ass, right?" Anna asked as she pulled to Stella's house.

"First, I'm gonna check on Stella. Then, I'm gonna tear the town apart until I find his pussy ass. And yes, I'm gonna give him a reason to call the cops."

"Max, maybe you should wait on that. You want to make sure she's safe, right?"

"Damn, you're right. Maybe I should wait and provoke him. Get him to throw the first punch."

Anna grinned. "That's the spirit. Now, get in there and check on your girl."

I smiled.

My girl.

I like the sound of it.

I stepped out of the car and watched Anna pull away. Walking onto the porch, I knocked on the door. Stella cracked the door open. "Max, you shouldn't be here."

"I had to make sure you were alright."

I gripped the door, but she pulled on it.

"Let me in." I murmured.

"Please, Max. I..."

I yanked on the door and the sight made my blood boil. "I'm gonna fucking kill the motherfucker."

"Please don't. It will only make it worse."

Stella's face was bruised, bloody, and swollen. I reached out only for her to back away.

"I'm not gonna hurt ya, babe." I whispered. "I'm not him."

"Max, I'm begging you. I need you to go."

"Why? Just let me help you. Then after, I'll go. I just need to make sure you're okay."