out, quickly dropping her gaze an

and the car trudged at a painful

he had classes today and she would undoubtedly be

g in the air of the back seat, sendin

. As they approached the school, he asked

dison bit her lip and suddenly lifted her hea

t to break the silence,

e to broach the topic, not even

Chris remarked bluntly, his offhand

the sleek, luxurious packa

someone was truly selling that video, they'd sh

on-Chris had been talking about somethin

night before, leaving her craving more, now

an insider's recording. Whatever you decide to do n

rmth within her heart and her gaze i

s expression unaltered-indif

lone had been left troubled by t

, but he was, after all, 32 years old. Sure

owning in a sea of her o

e received the USB drive from him, offered her thanks, and mad

itory had dwindled to just herself and t

ck to find Josie still positioned before her

you just now getting out of bed?" Ma

yes red and weary, then rushed over t

voice raspy with both concern and fury. "

patting Josie's back. "Arguing with

as she caught a faint scent. "Madison, where were you last night

quickly stepped back from Josie. "I picke

eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow, did you win the lottery or something? I can'

's mind to notice which place

e nearby, so I t

pression turned to one of dismay

t tooth, Josie couldn't

kfast to share with Josie, it certain

l and curious gaze, Madison found herself

pocket. She exhaled a soft, grateful sigh and answered it, not bothering to

u have my watch

e typical conversation excha

was as if a husband casually inquire

ons began to flutter wildly agai

et and clasped the cool metal o

uncomfortable, so I took it

he disconnected the call

ou said it was

mind like a relentless echo. The harder she tried to

, she braced herself, gasping as

r with each moment, while the chill of the watch band against her

ion, Madison lifted her ha

ave to bring

g Madison's hand away fro

, like a parent grappling with unexpecte