Back in Time to Fall for Him novel Chapter 8

Madison's breath caught. One look at Sam's red-rimmed eyes and the strained way he held himself sent a dull ache through her chest.

How much pain had she caused him for him to believe she had done this just to humiliate him?

"Sam," Madison said, reaching for his hand.

He brushed her aside and turned away, as if he couldn't stand to look at her again. "You can hate me. That's fine. But that loser doesn't deserve you. I won't let you be with him."

Madison managed a wry smile. Even now, Sam was still looking out for her. She fought back her tears, then threw herself into his arms.

"Maddie…"

Sam went rigid. She was soft in his arms, and her chin was tilted up. Her eyes were red-rimmed and wet, her gaze raw with hurt.

"Sam, if I'm going to do this, I want it with you and no one else."

His breath hitched.

Madison looped her arms around his neck and leaned into him. He met her eyes, and before he realized it, his hands settled at her waist.

A moment later, Sam snapped back. "Madison, what are you trying to do?"

She had strung him along too many times for Johnny's sake. What did she want from him now?

Madison hesitated. The suspicion in Sam's eyes silenced her, and a tight ache spread under her ribs until it hurt.

A barked order cut through the moment. "Don't move! Hands on your head! Get down!"

Madison glanced over her shoulder. The police had arrived and started to corner the people in the pool. Instead of stopping, the crowd grew even more agitated.

The officers' faces tightened with frustration. They stepped forward to restrain the group.

The lead officer, Greg Walker, walked up to Madison, frowning. "Did you report this?"

His gaze swept over Sam and Madison, who were still standing a little too close.

Sam's expression went cold, and he let go of her.

But Madison tightened her grip on his hand and nodded to Greg. "Yes. I own this place. He's my boyfriend."

Sam shot her a look, his gaze unreadable.

Greg's expression hardened. He met Madison's gaze, then picked up the empty glass. "Ms. Quinn, would you mind if we took this for testing?"

"Help yourself," she replied.

After a moment, she asked, "Officer, if the water has been spiked, what would… happen to him?"

Contempt flashed in Greg's eyes. "He'll be charged, and he'll be sent to prison. He's not getting off!"

Then, he barked an order. Officers cuffed Johnny and the others, hauling them away.

Madison breathed out slowly. She hadn't expected it to go this smoothly. Even so, prison still felt too easy for Johnny.

Hatred flashed in Madison's eyes.

Suddenly, Sam flung off her hand. She looked up, dazed, into his self-mocking gaze.

"Madison, you're still worried about him even though he spiked your drink and brought a crowd in here to mess around in the house your parents left you?"

Sam was seething. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was clenching and unclenching his fists. He shot Madison one last icy look before walking away.