Once Upon A Half-Time 2(133)

Bob sneered, staggering as whatever he drank finally caught up to him. “Cracked a rib. Shoulda sent him the medical bill, but he got his time in jail. Asshole.” He flipped me off. “Keep your damn property. Ain’t giving you or your family a dime.”

“We never asked for—”

“Christ, had I known Matthias would have blown through the insurance money and been strapped to a hospital bed, I’d have lit the match years ago.”

Holy shit.

Every muscle in my body rent, and I tasted bile. Bob tripped over his feet, stalking away.

That son of a bitch wasn’t getting far.

I raced after him, but Josie caught my arm. She spun me back, but she hadn’t heard the spiteful, vile truth of Bob Ragen’s words.

I knew the racist prick would one day cause trouble for Josie and her family. But was he just threatening us? Or did he admit his fucking guilt?

Hell if I knew, but I couldn’t find out if Josie didn’t let me go.

Her words punched through me.

“Did you…did you assault him?” She already knew the answer. “I can’t believe this! Why the hell would you attack him for offering on my property?”

“Josie—”

“Don’t.” She pointed at me. “Maddox, I knew you were trouble when I started dating you. I knew your history, and I knew you were dangerous…but this?” She stepped away, every inch separating us ripping through my heart. “This is why we can’t be together. I can’t do this anymore.”

“Let me explain.”

She shook her head. Her voice wavered.

Fuck. I made her cry.

“I’m sorry, Maddox. This is over.”

“I’m sorry too…because you’re not leaving me.” I grabbed her hand before she could escape. She struggled, but my grip tightened. “I’m not letting you go until you understand why I did what I did.”

“Why would I even listen?”

“Because you know you’re in danger.” I held her gaze. “And I’m the only one who can protect you.”





11





Josie





“Let go of me!”

It wasn’t the first time Maddox carried me home, but this wasn’t like the time he accidentally got me drunk on an iced tea that was a little too long-island for my tolerances. He hauled me over his shoulders. When I tried to wiggle away, he smacked my behind.

Hard.

Then he threatened to carry me all the way to his motel room.

I never feared Maddox before, but I had every reason to get pissed at him. Assaulting Bob Ragen? Was he insane?

And he wondered why I said he was bad for me. Why the town thought he was dangerous.

No wonder Chief Craig had searched for a way to put him behind bars. Maddox lived on the wrong side of the law, never responding to a conflict like a reasonable person. He didn’t look for trouble, but he never hid from it either. And every time he came home with a black eye or busted lip, he asked me for forgiveness.

I couldn’t pardon his crimes, but I’d take responsibility for them, for what would happen if we stayed together. I couldn’t handle blood on our hands, and I was running out of ways to prevent it from spilling.

Maddox’s rented room stank of cigarettes, but he didn’t smoke. He set me on the bed next to a scorch mark. I ignored it and picked up the glass on the nightstand.

Lipstick prints.

My imagination was pretty vivid, but Maddox shook his head.

“Chelsea’s been staying here. It’s hers.” He held his arms out. “You know I’m faithful.”

“It doesn’t matter, Maddox.”

“Bullshit.”

Maddox spun the chair out from under the desk and sat. He stared at me, unashamed that he just dragged me through town. He’d never apologize. It wasn’t his style. Wasn’t how our relationship worked. He used his strength and stubbornness to get what he wanted.

Well, it wasn’t working this time. The entire town saw him with me at the meeting. Nolan especially. I endured most people’s judgments, but Nolan’s grimace wasn’t meant to shame me. It was a warning for me to stay away from Maddox.

And maybe he was right. If Maddox stayed, Nolan would hurt him. At least the decision was made easier knowing that Maddox was as dangerous as Nolan.

“This is the last time we do this.” I suppressed the indignation. I couldn’t out-attitude Maddox, but I’d make him listen. “I need you to respect what I’m about to say.”

“I always do…when you’re right.”

“I’m right in this.” I didn’t look at him. “A year ago, I broke up with you. I did it for a reason, and you proved it was the right one today. I want you out of my life.”