Cursing myself the whole way, I drive to Maddie’s house in a matter of minutes.
But, as I feared, she’s not here.
And after the third call that she sends to voicemail I slump down on her front step.
This isn’t over and I sure as hell am not giving up.
My Maddie can try to run, but she can’t hide forever.
And when I find her…
The smallest amount of tension leaves my bunched shoulders.
When I find her, I’m going to make sure she understands just how much she belongs to me.
And how much I belong to her.
Chapter77
Maddie
I’m sosick of trembling fingers. Trembling lips. Tears.
All the fucking tears.
I use my left hand to hold my right wrist steady as I enter the code on Elouise’s front door, and on the second try I get it right.
There’s a beep, then I turn the deadbolt and walk into the cool interior. The curtains are all pulled closed, leaving the house dim with filtered sunlight.
Not too long ago my best friend hid out at my house to keep away from the man she was seeing, and now here I am. Hiding in her house so I don’t have to talk to Axel.
Axel.
Inhale – 1, 2, 3, 4.
I try to find my happy place.
I try to breathe.
Exhale – 1, 2, 3, 4.
My purse drops off my shoulder and I don’t bother catching it, letting it fall to the floor.
The thud is barely audible over the memories racing through my mind.
“Are you Maddie?”
Hearing Axel’s voice for the first time will forever be etched onto my soul. The deep gravelly sound of it. Like he doesn’t use it much. Doesn’t talk to other people much.
But he talked to me.
My next inhale is interrupted with a keening sound.
“Maddie.” His hands squeeze gently around mine. “Baby Doll, look at me.”
Slowly, I bring my gaze up to meet his.
His head gives the smallest shake, “Don’t you dare be sad over this.”