“You need to get back to work.”
I turn and face my window, waiting for her heels to click away and the door to close. But all I hear is her small nervous breaths. If I turn now, I’ll see it in her eyes. The rejection, the guilt, the sadness.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, Skully. I’m sorry if I said something wrong.”
She doesn’t need to apologize. This isn’t her fault. She didn’t mean any harm, but I need her to leave.
“I don’t want an apology. I want you to go.”
When the door closes, my fist slams into the wall, putting a hole right in the sheetrock. The pain radiates up my arm, giving me a reprieve from the pain that’s closing in on my thoughts. I should’ve stayed away from her. I should never have given in. It’s time to put a stop to the hope that I’ve been feeding her because there’s never going to be anything between us. I want better for her, which is why I have to get her over me.
16
Madison
As soon as the package arrives for him, I’m out of my chair. Rushing down the hall to his room. I’ve been wanting to see him all day so I could apologize again for last night. I didn’t mean to invade his privacy or make him uncomfortable. I was turned on and wasn’t thinking beyond my need. I wanted to rub my hands over him, show him how sexy I think he is. But asking to see his legs was so stupid. I didn’t even think how it would make him feel.
“Skully, it’s Maddy. I have your package.”
Another package. Every day something comes for him. But he never leaves the clubhouse, so that makes sense.
“You gonna stand out there all day or bring it in?”
The gruffness is back in his voice. I’d finally gotten through to him and now I’ve messed it all up. I slowly turn the knob, steadying my nerves so I don’t trip as I walk through the door. Just like usual, he’s sitting by his table. His hand covered inink. All of his incredible drawings scattered everywhere. He’s amazingly talented. Ripper said he was going to have him give him a tattoo, hence all the boxes from the tattoo supply company. The one I’m holding though is from P Holdings. And there’s a sticker on it that says, “same day delivery.” So it must’ve been a rush order.
“Where do you want me to put it?”
He places his pen down and folds his hands over his lap.
“That one’s for you.”
For me? A tingle of excitement sweeps through my stomach, and now I’m filled with little flutters. He got me a present. After what happened last night, I wasn’t sure he’d even talk to me. But he had this rushed for me. Maybe he feels bad for sending me away. He didn’t need to get me anything. I was the one in the wrong.
I walk over to his table and place it down, anxious to know what’s inside. The tape gives me a challenge, but I finally get it open.
“I take it, it’s not a giant bear,” I tease. That was the first present he got me. The second present he gave me was a motorcycle helmet with the words Skully’s Property written on the side. He brought me roses almost every day. And lots of cotton candy. But my favorite out of all the gifts he gave me was the anklet. The one that’s tucked inside my jewelry box. Two little hearts hooked together like handcuffs. I wore it every day until the day he told me never to come back. Then I couldn’t handle the sight of it. It would make me cry every time I looked at it.
I weed through the packaging peanuts and pull out a long slender box. The words “King Rabbit” are written on the side. When I turn it around, I see the contents inside. My heart starts to race. Little tingles spark across my skin as my panties start to grow damp. It’s a dildo. Long and thick, close in size to Skully.The anticipation of what he wants to do with it has me swaying. Thankfully, the table catches my weight.
“Are you going to show me how this works?” The question comes out like a purr. I’m already out of breath with excitement.
“No. That’s for you. If you’re feeling horny and need some action, that’s what you can use. I don’t want you knocking on my door anymore. In fact, I want you to get someone else to start delivering my packages. It’s over, Madison. Told you that before and I should’ve stuck to my guns. This time, I’ll make sure to keep my distance.”
Is he kidding me? After what happened between us, he’s going to pull the plug again? Push me away? Pretend like I don’t exist? He can’t tell me he didn’t feel it. It’s never been that intense between us. It was wild and unhinged, and so fucking good. But now, he’s breaking up with me again. And he bought me a fucking dildo as a parting gift. What the fuck is that?
“If this is because of what I said, I’m sorry. I was turned on and wanted to see you. I didn’t mean any harm.”
“This isn’t because of that. This is because nothing’s going to happen between us, and I don’t want to lead you into thinking there is.”
“Tell me why not.” I don’t understand why he’s so resistant to the idea. If there’s something wrong with me, I’d really like to know.
He shakes his head, and the coldness in his glare sends a chill down my spine. I feel like my emotions have been in a tug-of-war. He wants me then he doesn’t. He’s hot, flaming hot, and then he’s ice cold. I know deep down he wants me, but for some reason he won’t let himself, and I want to know why. He’s not a danger.
“It’s for the best.”
That’s it? That’s all he’s going to give me? He sounds like my father. No real explanation, always assuming he knows what’sbest for me. I’d love it if for once in my life people would let me decide for myself what I think is best.
“You should probably start looking for employment elsewhere. I think it’s time for both of us to move on with our lives.”
