Chapter 119

MADDISON

“Can we chat, Maddy?” Atticus’s voice rings out as I’m at the front desk, welcoming some high-profile clients. The role Zach has given me is pretty similar to the one I had with Mr. Fennick.

I’m working closely with both Zach and Atticus, not quite a personal assistant but a liaison of sorts for their top-tier clients, ensuring their every need is met during their stay. They’ve promised me opportunities for growth within the company, allowing me to choose my own path while they support me in any way possible.

Working with Atticus is definitely less of a mental challenge than working with Zach, but it seems I’ll be stuck with Zach for a while. Asher’s younger sister, Antalya, is set to take over from her father eventually.

While I’d probably prefer working with her, it’s not an option since she’s too young to take over the family businesses just yet. I’m still figuring out what I want, but the possibilities are exciting, and the chance to grow within their company is just around the corner.

The thought of being financially secure while standing beside Asher, who’s never wanted for anything, thrills me. Being his equal is more than I could ask for; contributing to our future home is nothing short of exhilarating.

I don’t want to be a burden Asher has to bear, nor do I want to be the kind of woman who takes more than she gives. Despite the chaos of my life, I’ve learned some valuable lessons.

Ambition and determination are just a couple of the qualities I strive for. So yes, this job makes me feel like I might just have a shot at being Asher’s equal—of us being the team I’ve always wanted.

But I may have jeopardized that the other day when I let my anger get the best of me. My mood has been on a downward spiral all week, and I’m pretty sure my period is on its way because I’m irritable, having hot flashes, and feeling bloated.

And being the typical me, I started the day by snapping at Asher for pleasuring himself when I flat out refused to even hold his hand. I don’t want to be mean, but I just don’t feel like being touched, and he seems to want to touch me every second of the day.

Or maybe it’s more accurate to say I don’t want to be touched the way he wants to touch me? I crave something darker, something more intense, which is why I’ve been denying myself sex.

How could I have wanted to escape that life, even committing murder, only to crave it again just a few months later? And how do I tell Asher that his lovemaking is nothing like the fantasies constantly running through my mind?

I hate to admit it, but I miss Mr. Fennick and his rough ways. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ll blame it on the impending period that has always triggered this moodiness since it started when I was just nine.

I haven’t had one since starting birth control, so maybe that’s why I’m feeling so off? Regardless, I have a lot to apologize for, especially for slapping him when it was uncalled for.

I trail behind Atticus as he leads me back to his office; his walk and overall resemblance to Asher are striking. A sudden longing to be in Asher’s arms washes over me, my emotions as unpredictable as a feather in the wind.

God, I’m a mess.

Atticus guides me into his office, pulling out a chair for me before taking his own seat behind the desk. As I take the offered seat, I look at him with wide eyes, wondering what this is all about.

“Before I ask my question, I want to make it clear that you’re under no obligation to agree or take on the role I’m proposing. And I absolutely do not expect you to join the club or have relations with anyone, okay?” he says.

I nod, my eyes growing wider at the mention of ~club~, my stomach churning with unease. I feel like I might throw up.

“I want you to be the face of our club, Maddy. A point of contact for our members, someone who embodies our brand and listens to their feedback. We’re evolving, and I believe you’re the perfect person to help us do that. Your understanding of our clientele is invaluable. I think you could bring a new level of strength to our business, particularly with the new dating matches. Your role would involve greeting members, hosting events, conducting interviews, and enforcing rules. There’s more to it, but those are the main responsibilities. And remember, Maddy, there’s no rush for an answer. Take a few weeks if you need to. I want you to really consider this and trust your instincts. But I’d be thrilled to have you as the face of our club during this rebranding phase.”

I swallow hard, my mouth filled with a bitter taste. He’s essentially asking me to do the same job I had at Sanctum.

“I’m with Asher now… I can’t—”

“That’s not what we’re asking of you. We would never expect that.” He interrupts, his face twisting in distaste as he seems to grasp my line of thinking.

“So no sex, no…”

“Absolutely not. You’re safe here, Maddy. This is a regular job, no strings attached.”

“Okay, I. Um. Can I think about this and come back to you?” I ask.

“Of course, take all the time you need. You know where to find me.” He smiles, a familiar smile that he shares with his brother and father.

I quickly make my exit from his office, fleeing from the opportunities he’s presented. Running from my past and the trauma that comes with it.

The job sounds exciting, and it has all the key elements of the job I actually enjoyed at Sanctum. But that’s the problem—my past keeps coming back to haunt me. I’m scared as hell.

“Maddison?” Zach calls as I walk past his open office door.

“Shit,” I mutter under my breath. I need space to think, but I can’t just ignore the CEO.

“Yes, Zach?” I ask, poking my head into his office.

“Come in, shut the door. We need to talk,” he says.

My heart tightens, and I’m not sure I can handle any more information or job offers, but I comply, sitting across from him just like I did with Atticus.

“How are you?” he asks me.

“Okay, I guess. It’ll take some time to adjust, I think.”

“Mm-hmm,” he mumbles, looking at me with his hands folded in front of him, his fingers touching his pursed lips.

I can’t decipher his gaze, but I can feel his disappointment—his disapproval of something I did, I suppose; thankfully, he gets straight to the point.

“I hear you have a temper,” he sighs, rubbing his face before placing his hands on the desk. “I don’t like hearing you’ve put your hands on my son, Maddy.”

I swallow hard, guilt washing over me as I meet Zach’s gaze. “Zach, I—”

He cuts me off with a wave of his hand, leaning back in his chair and spreading his legs as if preparing to stand. “Save it, Maddy. Asher told me himself. Look, I get it, okay? I understand the emotions you’re dealing with—more than you might think. But violence is not the answer. Hurting my son is unacceptable…”

His words carry a warning, and I’m scared. I realize that Zach is more dangerous than I ever imagined.

“It was a mistake—”

“I’d say. Don’t let me hear of another incident, Maddy.”

“Of course. I’m so sorry, Zach.”

“It’s not me you should be apologizing to. Asher doesn’t deserve to be treated that way. You owe him an apology.”

“Right. Yes, I know. I’ve already planned to apologize for my behavior,” I admit, knowing that it’s the truth.

“Good, that’s a start.”