Chapter 004: Maddox

My eyes fluttered open, then closed again.

Then I opened them once more, staring up at the ceiling.

My eyes widened in shock.

I sat up straight on the bed. Where the fuck am I?

My head throbbed. My stomach twisted painfully.

I pulled the blanket from my body and froze. My dress was gone. I was left in just my bra and panties.

But… I wasn’t violated. How Weird.

I tried to piece the night together.

How did I even end up here?

I remembered being at the bar, then on stage… that was all I could recall.

Ouch. My head hurt like hell.

Kitten… Yes. I remembered being called “kitten,” but I couldn’t see the person’s face.

Menh, this is a lot. I can’t take all this shit much longer.

Ryder was right. Maybe it really was time to give up, to end it all.

I dropped my legs to the cold floor.

My balance wobbled, and everything felt like it was spinning again.

I staggered toward the door, my head still pounding. My hand reached for the knob when—

Boom.

A figure filled the doorway.

I froze completely, my heart jumping into my throat.

“Wh-who are you?” I snapped, taking a cautious step back. “Why am I here? I deserve answers!”

“Easy, kitten…” he said, his voice calm and deliberate.

Kitten? That name again.

So it was you. Why did you bring me here? Are you trying to kidnap me?

I tried to make my voice firm, but deep down I was scared as hell. “If yes, then you’re making a very big mistake.”

“Relax. You’re okay. You were drunk last night. You blacked out. I brought you here safely. Nothing happened. You’re completely safe.”

“I made you breakfast. There’s a bathroom to your left if you need a shower.”

He pointed to another sleek door. “Over there is the wardrobe. Take your time. Make yourself comfortable.”

I couldn’t say anything. I just nodded like an idiot, my mind still spinning with questions I didn’t have the courage to ask.

He left.

What the fucking hell was that?

That man… he’s fine as hell. His presence screams sex.

He talks so calmly, unlike that lousy ass of my husband.

And yet… he didn’t violate me? That’s insane. Really insane.

Look at his hair… damn. He looks so out of this world.

I couldn’t help but smile slightly to myself.

Then the door knob twisted again.

“Just decided to bring this here for you. You must be really tired,” he said softly, setting the tray gently beside me. “Enjoy.”

“Thank you, sir,” I muttered without thinking,

“Sir?” He smiled.

“Don’t call me sir. I’m Maddox Hart,” he said casually.

“Okay… Maddox,” I replied softly, almost shyly.

His smile… damn. His teeth were perfect, framed by those braces.

He turned toward the door. “I’ll give you some space. Catch you later, kitten.”

Kitten? That name again… I shivered a little.

I opened the tray beside me. French toast, steaming hot, and a cup of coffee—the vapor curling upward, perfect for the chilly weather.

I ate the toast slowly

I still couldn’t stop wondering how such a handsome, hot man didn’t take advantage of me last night. His whole appearance screamed temptation, desire… lust.

Now I really believe in that phrase: “DON’T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT’S COVER”.

I finished my breakfast, I set it aside carefully.

I went straight into the bathroom.

A hot shower helped wash away some of the fog in my head, though my thoughts still felt tangled and heavy.

I wrapped myself in a towel , I padded into the wardrobe he had directed me to.

My jaw literally dropped.

A walk-in wardrobe? I muttered in disbelief.

Not just any walk-in—this was straight out of a Vogue fantasy. Floor-to-ceiling shelves, glass display cases, coordinated racks everywhere.

Chanel. Dior. Off-White. Alexander McQueen. And so many more names I couldn’t even pronounce.

This is luxury… fuck, I whispered under my breath.

It felt like walking into a museum of fashion and wealth.

I reached for a burgundy silk corset dress with a perfect tight slit. Crazy! This is given modern day Bridgenton.

I dropped it back, shaking my head, and searched for something more basic.

I couldn’t find any outfit that felt simple enough.

Then my eyes caught an emerald green gown. It was basic, yet still gave everything it was supposed to.

I tried it on.

“Oh no… it doesn’t fit.” I checked the size—it was a 10.

Argh, fuck. I’m a size 12.

I scanned the rest of the racks. Sizes 8 and 10.

Tch.

Then I noticed some joggers and basic cropped tees. Uhmm… this isn’t bad, I guess?

Does it even matter? I’d be leaving in a bit anyway.

I slipped into the joggers and tee and stood in front of the mirror.

Oh no… oh, fucking no. This is so inappropriate for a stranger’s house—let alone a man’s.

Oh my days… What choice do I even have?

I tied my hair into a messy bun and took a deep, steadying breath.

I walked back into the bedroom and sat at the edge of the bed.

Now what?

An awkwardness settled over me like a thick fog.

How do I even go downstairs dressed like this? What if he has a girlfriend—or a wife?

God, what would she think? What if she tried to attack me?

I rolled my eyes at myself. “You’ve survived worse, Maya,” I whispered quietly, trying to calm my racing thoughts.

I stood and walked to the door, my hands trembling slightly as they touched the knob.

I pushed it open and stepped into a wide hallway. My eyes immediately caught a Mona Lisa portrait.

What the fuck? How is that even possible? It’s clearly a reproduction… hell nah, not real.

I kept walking and reached the stairs.

Damn… a Givenchy Royal Hanover German Silver Eight-Light Chandelier hung above me, sparkling. This literally cost over 9.6 million dollars.

These are the types of houses I used to dream about designing back when I was still an interior designer.

I walked down the stairs, looking around in quiet awe. I was in heaven—marble floors, gold-trimmed railings, tall windows framed with soft linen curtains. This wasn’t just luxury. This was old money luxury.

Then I saw him—Maddox. His hands rested casually in his pockets as he watched me descend.

The closer I got, the more his pupils dilated.

I hesitated as he stretched his hands toward me.

“Kitten… c’mon. I’m not a monster,” he said gently.

I giggled softly. Okay fine. I extended my hands toward his, letting our palms meet.

His gaze traveled slowly, lingering on my legs before returning to my face. He swallowed.

I looked away first.

Butterflies

God… it had been years since a man had looked at me like this. Not with judgment, not with entitlement… just… stunned.

I cleared my throat. “Sir—uh, Maddox… I’m sorry. This was the only outfit that still kind of fit. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. I’ll leave before anyone—uh… before your wife gets the wrong idea.”

He blinked once, then smiled like I had just said something ridiculously adorable.

“Oh, kitten… calm your clitoris,” he said calmly.

I choked, blinking. “Excuse me?”

He smirked, teasing. “There’s no wife. No girlfriend. Relax. You’re in completely safe hands, trust me. You can dress however you want here. I won’t judge you.”

Then, with that gentle, easy confidence that made my chest flutter, he added, “And now… since I’m a gentleman, I made you something better. Come see.”

My eyes widened, my heart skipping a beat.

Better? My thoughts raced… something better?

I followed him.