Page 118 of Maddox

While I’d been sleeping, the man had spent almost all night attempting to break the various secure codes protecting the files on the jump drive. Somehow, he’d managed to open one, but the information was less than exciting.

It held a message that made no sense.

For those who bask in the glory of the sun, remember the rays will eventually destroy. Protect yourself with the correct serum so you can bask in the joys of freedom every day.

“What does that even mean?” I asked, more frustrated than ever. Even if Kage managed to find someone to break the various encryptions, would they mean anything, or would they all contain gibberish?

“There are clues in the words. We just need to figure out what they mean.” I heard the exhaustion in his voice.

“Maybe we need a break.” I walked away from the desk, heading to the window.

“Maybe we do.”

The tingling sensations remained and were somehow comforting.

Swept off my feet.

Was there truly such a thing in romance? Maybe I was jaded given the ugly temperature of my former relationship, but I’d felt almost giddy from the moment I’d stepped foot into Maddox’s inviting house. While he certainly couldn’t be confused withunderstanding interior design, his home had instantly provided me with a sense of comfort and security.

Plus, there was something amazing about having his strong arms around me, holding me tightly against him as he finally opened up about the horrors he’d been through.

I’d sensed he’d remained on guard from the moment I’d walked in the door, constantly checking the locks on doors and windows, peering at his security cameras every so often. Instead of feeling additional anxiety, I’d felt peace, which was something I hadn’t felt since leaving home months before.

Colorado was beautiful, but I’d never felt as if I could relax. Always on guard. Always worried some monster would eventually find me.

What seemed so strange was that I hadn’t felt the same level of panic from the moment I’d walked in through Maddox’s door.

Seconds later, I pulled my phone into my hand, wishing there’d been a reply. I’d sent a text to the unknown source who’d warned me hours before. Nothing. I stared at the screen on my phone and for some insane reason I felt another rise of panic.

“What did you text earlier?” Maddox asked from across the room. We’d discussed luring the person who’d warned me out in the open. I’d been all for it, but after hitting send on the text, I was strangely out of sorts.

“That I had information that might interest him or her.”

“Good. Now, we wait. And that’s all you’re going to do.” His voice was quiet, the lack of any noise in the cabin as unnerving as baiting some jerk who didn’t have the balls to share his orher true identity. There was no reason to be frightened. We were doing nothing more than setting the stage.

Yet something continued to unnerve me.

What I hadn’t told Maddox was that I’d added a second line to my text.

Me:Threatening a reporter isn’t in your best interest. I will discover your identity and when I do, I’ll ensure there isn’t a member of law enforcement who isn’t made aware.

Nothing but silence.

Maybe I’d pushed a little far, but walking on eggshells for the rest of my life wasn’t something I was willing to do.

“I’m not very patient, Maddox. You should know that by now.”

“Hmmm… Why don’t I trust you?” he asked, the accusatory tone in his voice. He rose to his feet, stretching after being seated for so long.

“I don’t know,” I said coyly and shoved my phone into my back pocket. “Why don’t you?”

He took three long strides toward me, wrapping one arm around my waist while digging the hand of his other into the same pocket. “Because I know you too well.”

“Hey. That’s mine.” He held the cellphone high over my head as he backed away.

There was no sense in fighting the man. He would find a way to do what he wanted. The moment he stared at the screen, he issued a deep exhale. His jaw immediately clenched.

“Don’t be angry with me. I can’t stand waiting to see what will happen. That’s all we’ve done for four months. Wait. I feel like we’re sitting ducks.”

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