Chapter 47
Maddox
I scoffed at how his mask cracked hard right in front of me and I was just about to give him a reply that would make his hand tighten into fists when Tiffany spoke first.
“Ever since I found Harper at your place back in San Francisco, I was so focused on getting back at her, but not anymore. Grayson told me to stop and I listened and you know what? I feel at peace.”
Everyone began to praise her with words of approval but I wasn’t buying it, not even for a second. I watched her closely. Even with that grin, something just didn’t feel right. There was something still calculating about her eyes.
“I know you two haven’t yet decided on a day when you can hang out and bond,” Margot began, “but I’m just glad that we are past this. It broke my heart to see you two drift apart.”
She placed a hand on her chest like she actually meant it.
“I think it’s time we all had something to drink!” She looked around like she owned the place.
I already wanted to get away from everyone and that was my chance, so I rose to my feet, glancing at Grayson one last time as I walked past him. He was still fuming.
When I came to the minibar, I paused before I could even reach for a bottle from one of the shelves.
I had always told Grayson that he wasn’t fooling me and he was now doing a terrible job at hiding what was really going on with him.
Then, I heard footsteps approaching from behind me and I slowly turned around. There was a small satisfied smirk at the corner of my mouth because it was exactly who I was expecting to see.
“You didn’t have to come all the way here. I was only going to take a minute to bring what everyone asked for. Well, I guess you can’t wait to have that drink.” I didn’t bother to hide the mockery in my tone.
He came real close as he scanned the shelf, his breath now a little heavy.
Reaching for a bottle of vodka, he said, “This thing with you and Harper-”
“Of course, that’s what you came for. I mean…why else would you come here so we can talk in private? Anyway, I told you before that I wasn’t leaving the fun behind. It’s coming to me. You had your fun, so let me have mine. It’s not my fault that it ended when it did for you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” He turned to face me while poking his cheek.
“Last night, you took Harper home and that was it.”
“I only told you that I was spending time with Harper, so how did you know that part?”
“She called me, you know. We had quite some interesting chats all night. She was drinking and celebrating the fact that she did something huge.”
I still wanted to tease him, so I took it a step further.
“Tiffany and I aren’t yet in good terms, but if you ever cheat on her-”
“Why would I cheat on her?” He lowered his voice.
“The only reason it didn’t happen with Harper was because she was able to resist.”
I was so blunt with it that I spotted his jaw clench.
“Harper’s just my friend.” He exhaled sharply.
“Guess who it is?”
“No. I haven’t had time.”
“That’s your new estate and it’s waiting for you, you know.”
“Yeah, I know.” I faced the floor, thinking about how Margot showed off that day in front of everyone.
Going around the motorbike so he could stand on the other side with me, he said, “I’ve been wanting to say this but stopped myself so many times. The truth is… I was jealous when Sebastian revealed your birthday present.”
My head shot up in surprise. “Really?”
He gave a half smile. “You were a million times happier than you were when you
received our present. It felt like I’d missed a mark. I just wanted to do something special for you. He beats me at everything and even came to your new home before I did. Well, on your next birthday, he won’t stand a chance against me.”
I chuckled with amusement.
“What?” he asked.
“Nothing…it’s just….nothing.”
Hearing him admit that, carried so much weight but just as I loosened up a bit, he said, “The food should be ready by now. I’m starving. We should go.”
I cleared my throat, my smile fading. “Yeah.”
I was just about to lead the way out when he said, “As a father and husband, I’m just trying to keep the peace in our family, but just give me some more time and I’ll make things right. I promise.”


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