The Rewritten Love: A Second Beginning (Madelyn) novel Chapter 880

Fred slipped a cigar from his pocket and lit it up. "A bad guy, you say? What makes him so bad?"

"He..." Mya hesitated, her lips parting for a single word before she changed her mind. "Look, we hardly know each other. I'd rather keep it to myself and handle it my way."

A subtle softness crept into Fred's otherwise intimidating face. "How can I help if you don't share the details? If he's done something awful, I can take care of him for you."

Mya was still somewhat skeptical of him. She pursed her lips, uncertain whether to voice her concerns.

Perceiving Mya's dilemma, Fred switched gears. "What's your relationship with the person you're concerned about?"

"Madelyn's my best friend," Mya blurted out. "But she's miserable right now. That jerk has her all cooped up and won't even let her step out of the house."

Fred was intrigued. 'Zach Jardin, who runs the whole of Ventropolis, was unable to control a woman? That's interesting.'

Mya's words piqued Fred's curiosity. He wanted to see for himself what kind of woman Madelyn was.

Unaware, Mya found herself going along with Fred's agenda. She nodded. "Yeah."

"Tell me more. Maybe I can take him down a peg or two. No pressure, take your time to consider," Fred said.

Despite Fred's encouraging tone, Mya kept her lips sealed. She thought, 'Madelyn warned me that Fred isn't any better. I should get through this meal and then sever ties with him.'

A vast array of dishes covered the table, all to Mya's taste. As they began to eat, a waiter appeared. "Ms. Harper, you still have one dessert left. Shall I bring it now?"

Mya had been out and about all day and had hardly eaten anything. She had only snacked on some fried chicken and downed a couple of drinks, and now her stomach was beginning to protest its emptiness. Her words were muffled as she spoke with her mouth full of food, "Yes, please, bring it over."

"Right away, Ms. Harper," said the waiter.

Fred chuckled. He had never seen anyone so uninhibited in his presence before. Abandoning his cigar, he began to eat.

Mya offered Fred some carne frita. "You should try this. It's the best they offer. Almost as good as what Madelyn makes. Don't just look at me. Try it. It's delicious."

Mya thought Fred did not believe the food was delicious. She urged "Really, it's tasty, I'm not lying. I've been here many times before." As she said that, she crammed more carne fritas into her mouth. Her utensils glistened with saliva from her previous bites, and sauce smudged the corners of her mouth, completely disregarding her image.

Fred thought, 'This young lady's not afraid of me in the slightest. Even the women who were most intimate with me in bed never dared to approach me this closely.'