Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107115 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 536(@200wpm)___ 428(@250wpm)___ 357(@300wpm)
Didn’t he know how she felt? “No.”
“Since that morning in the motel, have you once wanted to undo it?”
“No.”
“Then you’re still mine.”
Madison should balk, but why fight something she craved to her very bones? “I am, but—”
“I’m not walking away, and I won’t let Todd come between us again. We’re going to do our damnedest to come out of this together.”
Emotion lumped in her throat. “I want that. More than anything.”
But after years of assuming she’d been nothing to Matt but a weekend fling and the seemingly endless pleasure he’d given her since coming to the swamp, it was hard not to question whether he wanted her for more than sex. On the other hand, he’d been a different man lately, more relaxed, more open and communicative. And his possessiveness seemed to be growing.
If he doesn’t love you, why?
Her hopeful heart kept asking that question. She had to stop fantasizing that, if not for everything he’d been through with his father, Matt would confess his feelings. Rationalizing that he simply needed more time to know how he felt wasn’t helpful, either. The ugly truth was, thinking about their future shouldn’t be her first priority. She stood a better chance of surviving Todd with Matt protecting her, period. When this ordeal was over, she would worry about whether he still wanted her.
Matt kissed her forehead. “Then that’s what we’ll do.”
Madison hoped their determination would be enough but swallowed her worries for now. Wordlessly, they worked together to empty the cooler. Matt grabbed the boxes of condoms, taking one into the bedroom, then dropping the rest in the dungeon.
She disappeared into the bathroom, her thoughts awhirl as she washed her hair. After twenty fruitless minutes of trying not to let Todd’s threats buckle her composure, she stepped into the hall with damp tresses braided, her towel wrapped around her, and her thoughts more confused than ever.
Matt waited in the bedroom, hair tamed, shirtless and motionless. He drilled her with his stare. At first glance, he looked something close to normal, but he was too still. Then she saw his eyes. They raged like a storm. His turbulence stirred the air.
“Is something wro—”
“Are you hungry?” he demanded.
“I’m okay. You?”
“I ate while you showered. Are you thirsty? Have a headache? Need the bathroom?”
In other words, did she have anything to address before he unpacked whatever was on his mind. “No.”
On slow footsteps, Matt closed in. “I don’t want you worrying about me. You’re my focus. So we’re going to get straight, you and I. If you think I’m being overprotective or controlling, I probably am. No apologies. I don’t like your husband near you, and I’m more concerned with your safety than stepping on your toes.”
Madison understood. “I don’t want to be around Todd, either. But he’s made sure we can’t avoid him. He knows we’re together, but like Deke pointed out, we can’t flaunt it and give him ammunition to use during the divorce.”
“We need to game plan how to handle the next three months. I’m already working on a strategy.”
“Like what? How do we function under his roof? Or even communicate? One of the best things about being here with you is the fact we’ve talked more. I don’t feel like you’re putting up emotional walls between us anymore.” She took a risk and grabbed his hand. “I feel closer to you.”
He squeezed her fingers in return. “Since coming here, I’m more comfortable with who I am and what we have. I’ll have to thank Jack in a big way when I’m able, but a huge part of the reason I’m in a better place is you.”
But once they left the swamp, she would have to do without the succor of Matt’s touch and pretend they didn’t have any connection. That had her reeling. “When we’re at Todd’s place, I know we can’t talk, but I don’t even think it’s safe to write notes or text. Surveillance will capture everything we say and do. So what are our options?”
“We’ll figure out something. We’ll devise hand gestures, or rely on the placement of items. Hell, maybe we’ll use smoke signals,” he tried to joke.
The last thing Madison felt like doing was laughing.
“And we’ll have our day away from his prying eyes each week,” Matt said reassuringly. “I’ll handle the rest.”
Though Louisiana sweltered in July, the thought of only being her real self with him once a week had her shivering. “I’m worried.”
“I am, too. It won’t be easy to hold myself back from comforting you after Todd has done his best to tear you down. And I have no idea how I’ll stop myself from wringing his worthless neck.”
“He’ll bait you and try to make you lose your temper so he can have you arrested and make a spectacle of you.”
“While he isolates you. Honey, I know.” He sidled closer. “But that’s not my biggest worry. It shouldn’t be yours, either.”