Page 27 of Mad for Madison

I shook my head, trying to silence the doubt. This was supposed to be simple—an afternoon outing, not a life-altering decision. But every step I took toward the door felt monumental, as if I was crossing a line I couldn’t retreat from.

Pausing, I pulled out my phone again, scrolling through Bradley’s messages for the millionth time. There was a lightness in the way he texted, like he didn’t carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Unlike me.

I closed my eyes, gripping the phone tightly. Maybe I didn’t have to carry that weight alone.

But what if I dragged him down with me?

Stop it, I told myself. Bradley wasn’t asking for a declaration or a lifelong promise. He was asking me to spend time with him and his daughter. That was it.

The cold air bit at my cheeks as I stepped outside, snow crunching underfoot. I adjusted my scarf and tucked my hands into my pockets, trying to focus on the simple joy of the moment.

You’re not damaged goods, I repeated silently, like a mantra. Maybe if I said it enough, I’d believe it.

Maybe if I said it enough, I’d finally allow myself to be happy.

I took the subway to the park and got out in a flurry of Sunday activity. Families were everywhere around me. Young couples, singles, elderly couples, kids, and grandkids, it was like visiting a fair.

My phone buzzed, and my heart skipped a beat. I pulled it out of my pocket to see if Bradley had arrived with Lily. Instead, my screen displayed a text message from Dane. It was just a link, and all the hope that had been in my heart a moment ago faded.

Nico Hart debuts a new look and a brand-new boy toy! (See Photos)

The headline from theNew York Observer, a yellow-page, crap-pushing tabloid, wasn’t so terrible. Bradley and I had expected something along these lines. But Dane was still meddling, and I had no more patience for him.

Before I knew what I was doing, the phone was pressed against my ear, and I was waiting for Dane to pick up.

“Hello, love,” he said cheerfully.

“I thought you’d be in jail, sobering up,” I snapped.

He snorted. “Nobody called the cops.”

“They should have,” I said.

“I’m sure they thought about it,” Dane replied, his voice tinged with amusement. “But you know how it is. I’m charming when I want to be.”

“Charming? Is that what you call it?” I paced along the park’s edge, keeping my tone low despite the fire bubbling in my chest. “You’re unbelievable.”

“You’re upset. I can tell.” Dane’s words were slow and deliberate, like he was savoring my reaction. “Is it the article? You’re welcome, by the way. That was me keeping things clean. You should see the pictures they didn’t use.”

“Stop meddling in my life, Dane.” My grip on the phone tightened. “Bradley doesn’t deserve to be dragged into your games.”

“Bradley, Bradley, Bradley,” he singsonged. “I’m starting to think this guy’s more than just a convenient lay. What’s the matter, Nico? Falling for the daddy next door?”

“It’sMadison. And don’t say his name like that,” I growled, the name Nico Hart coiling in my stomach like a venomous snake. “You don’t get to comment on him or his life. Or mine, for that matter. And why the fuck are you digging info about Bradley?”

“Touchy.” Dane clicked his tongue, the sound grating through the receiver. “You know, I’ve always admired your ability to play the victim so convincingly. But we both know how this story ends, don’t we? You’ll get bored, or he’ll get scared. It’s what you do, darling.”

His words hit too close to home, and I hated how much they stung. I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. “Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, it’s not going to work. I’m done playing your games.”

“Sure you are.” Dane’s tone was dismissive. “But before you hang up, think about this: What happens when his little girlgoogles her daddy’s friend and stumbles across all those videos? Do you think he’s prepared for that? Are you?”

I ended the call without another word, shoving the phone back into my pocket. My pulse raced, not from anger but from something deeper, something more painful. Dane’s words echoed in my mind, each one cutting like glass.

What happens when Lily googles you?

The thought churned in my stomach as I walked toward the playground where Bradley and Lily were supposed to meet me. The sight of kids running around, laughing and playing, only made the ache worse. What kind of influence could I possibly be in a life like that?

Bradley wanted me to meet his daughter. That was a big deal. A step forward. But was it the right step? Or was I about to drag them into something they didn’t deserve?

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