Chapter 22
Skully
CHEERS FROM THE crowd erupt around me, and my eyes swing to the nearest television, despite the many times I’ve told myself not to pay attention.
I could just kick myself for agreeing to work today when I had already requested not to.
My manager was short staffed though for the night and I also couldn’t leave her in a bind.
Now I get to watch as Madden’s head bobs out of the water followed by his lean, muscled torso as he gets out of the pool.
He flips his goggles on top of his head, his eyes flashing while his time score gets read off.
Once again, he’s won an individual race for the day.
The bar is going crazy and has been since the meet started.
I’ve only worked here on Thursday meets, and usually do well for tips.
This Friday’s swim meet is going to easily give me half my rent for next month already.
Despite seeing my ex’s face on the jumbo-sized screen above the bar all day, it will be worth it for the extra cash I’m making.
“He’s so hot.” One of the girls at the table I’m serving practically melts in her chair watching the screen. Her friend shoots her a flirty smile. “All of the fierce four are.”
With a tight smile on my face, I set their drinks and basket of fries on the table, ignoring the stabs of jealousy in my gut.
It’s been almost a week since the Harvest Ball, and I haven’t heard from Madden since he walked away from me in the alcove.
I know I shouldn’t care; no promises were made, and he didn’t declare a truce.
As much as I wish things could be different sometimes, I know deep down they never will.
The rest of my shift stays busy, a steady stream of college students, families, and even faculty make it in to eat, drink and celebrate the overall success of the men’s swim team today.
Even though I get annoyed by all four of the guys, they’re magnificent to watch in the water.
I’ll never admit how entertaining it is watching them.
It’s a secret I’ll take to my grave. By the time the evening has settled down and the party crowd moves in, I’m ready to clock out.
My feet are killing me, my back hurts, and I’m sticky all up and down my arms from sloshed drinks.
Moving to the back area for staff, I’m stopped when there’s a sudden cheer from the crowd, coming from the front doors.
I don’t even have to guess who it is they’re cheering for.
I can feel him. I can sense his magic rippling toward me, caressing mine, once again.
My head tells me to keep moving, to get packed up and go home.
My heart screams at me to stop, turn, and let him see me.
My gut is twisted, reminding me of everything I have to lose, but I also know just how good it feels to be held in his arms. The choice is taken from me.
Time seems to slow with his powers in use and right as I turn, my chest collides with Madden’s much harder one.
My head snaps back, my eyes meeting his.
His gaze drops over me, taking in the plain Deck t-shirt and leggings I paired it with.
I don’t miss the lazy smirk on his lips either.
“You listen damn well when you want to, Angel.”
His large hands cradle my face, holding me so gently I’m afraid to open my mouth and ruin the moment.
Nerves rattle my bones and my tongue swipes over my bottom lip anxiously.
Madden’s eyes catch the movement, darkening to pools of gray.
He groans, and that’s the only warning I get before he leans down, bringing his mouth to mine.
This time his kiss is less urgent and rough.
It’s soft yet firm, consuming yet not enough at the same time.
He pulls me in, my body molding to his, while his hands move to my hair, tangling in my braid.
My hands grab his sides, fisting the material of his hooded sweatshirt and holding on when my knees start to feel weak.
There’s whistles and cheers around us, and I don’t mind.
I can’t even bring myself to care. All that matters is the way Madden takes control of my mouth, and lets me feel his desire flow between us.
Every muscle in his hard body pushes against mine, claiming me.
I whimper into his kiss and only then does he pull back, groaning like it took effort to part from me.
“I’m going to give you five minutes, Skully. Clock out, grab your jacket and meet me outside.”
I shake my head slightly, feeling the blush in my cheeks deepen. My fingers touch my lips, and I finally make myself glance up at him. “I’m not in the mood to party tonight, Madden.”
He smirks and brushes some of my hair back from my face. “Good thing we’re heading to the Gate then, Angel. That’s the only party we’re needed at.”
“Will you wait for me?” I raise my brow and see the flash of surprise in his eyes. He ends up nodding his head, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.
“Sure. I can do that.”
Ignoring the jealous looks from the other women around me and the catcalls, I push my way back to the staff room.
Quickly, I stash my apron and note pad, count my tips and pay the bartender before pocketing the rest. One look in the mirror and I’m regretting my rash decision to just go along.
My hair is now loose, my usual braid is messy, and little hairs are winging out around my temples.
I look sweaty, tired, and ready for bed rather than surveilling a cemetery.
Grunting, I grab the extra deodorant from my bag and freshen up before running cold water over my face.
It takes me all of five minutes just to admit defeat. This is as good as it’s going to get.
By the time I step out of the room, I’m surprised to see Madden, waiting. I wasn’t sure if he meant it when he said he’d wait and a tiny slither of guilt for doubting him makes its way through my gut. Madden runs his gaze over me from head to toe, a frown creeping over his face.
“Don’t you have a jacket or anything?”
I roll my eyes, my arms wrapping self-consciously around my middle. “I didn’t think I had plans after my shift. My ride was going to pick me up and bring me right home.”
Madden’s jaw closes, his teeth clenching lightly before he looks at me again. He moves, lifting his hoodie off and over his head, before his hands push it down over me. “There. Now I don’t have to worry about you getting pneumonia.”
“What about you? It’s okay for you to get it?”
He chuckles, taking my hand in his. “I have another in my car. But good to know you would be worried about me, Angel.”
“I’m not worried.” I shake my head in denial, which just earns me a knowing grin. I don’t know why I’m even denying what he’s saying when I just had his lips on mine and now I’m following him out of here, through the crowd of people.
Madden guides me behind him, keeping my hand pressed to his back in a way that means my arm is also against it, close, protected.
The crowd parts for us when we get closer to the door, and for the first time I realize that Aero and Heath are waiting.
My cheeks heat, thinking about them being here the whole time.
As if sensing my mortification, Madden glances at me over his shoulder.
“Don’t panic, Skully. They’ve seen it before.” He winks and keeps us moving.
My mind loops around his words. Is he talking about us?
Have they seen us kiss before? Or is he just talking about in general?
My stomach sinks lower when I think of the other assumption that they’ve seen Madden kiss other women before.
Because why wouldn’t he? For the last few years, he’s been single.
We broke up, even though I don’t remember.
I also don’t remember what Madden was like before I was dropped into his family.
Which means that last week may or may not have been my first kiss.
I still have no idea if I have, in fact, kissed Madden before.
Lost in my own thoughts, I follow them out the door and over to Madden’s car.
Heath and Aero choose to use the more practical reaper sense of travel and vanish right before my eyes.
“Skully,” Madden calls my name lightly, getting my attention.
My eyes snap to his and find he does, in fact, have another hooded sweatshirt on, and he’s holding the passenger door open for me.
My legs move quickly, and I slide in. He closes my door and moves at unhuman speed back to the driver side and gets behind the wheel.
Madden drives us out of town and up winding roads along the coast until we reach the cemetery.
We don’t talk on the way. Music plays in the background, but the silence between us stretches.
I can’t tell if Madden is doing it on purpose or if he just doesn’t care.
My own mind is an endless loop of questions about myself, our past, and where things are heading now.
We’ve kissed twice after beginning the year as enemies.
It feels like utter betrayal to myself after what he’s done to make college difficult for me; yet, my stupid heart leaps in my chest any time he’s around.
It’s confusing. All these unknowns are causing the slight pounding of a headache in my temples.
By the time we get to the gravel road that leads to the cemetery, my nerves are shot, and I’m ready to get out of the car.
The moon is bright tonight and hangs low enough to cast a glow around the open space.
We park, and Madden gets my door for me before, once again, taking my hand in his.
My fingers flex in his hold, but he doesn’t let go, if anything he holds on tighter.
Aero and Heath are waiting, both leaning against the iron fence.
“Took you long enough,” Heath jokes then laughs at himself. Aero rolls his eyes, but his mouth turns up in a smile nonetheless.