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CHAPTER 81: LONG BURIED ANGER
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Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 82: I LOVE HIM
I didn't realize tears were about to fall until this moment, but Max understood that I would never forgive myself if I allowed that lowlife to witness my breakdown. That's precisely why he took the action he did.Max had intervened, knowing it was the only way to protect me at that moment. He spared me from yet another regret, and in my distress, I hadn't even stopped to consider how long he might have been standing behind that door or how much he might have heard. All that mattered was that he was there, serving as a shield between me and the unwelcome visitor."You've said enough," Max repeated to the stranger before us as he shielded my face even further in his back, concealing the tears that only he could see, for which I was grateful. "Now, I suggest you leave, because whether you perceive this as a threat or not, I won't ask you politely a second time.""I understand," I heard Lazzaro respond before he called out to me. "Isabella, I'm leaving, but the check isn't going anywhere.
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 83: TURTLENECK
The past few days have turned out much better than I initially anticipated. While I'm still receiving notes from Lazzaro at the bakery to accept the check, at least now I can say his name without it making me want to vomit all over the popcorn that Avery and I are about to enjoy.With the boys away in LA for the weekend and Avery and I choosing to stay behind for some much-needed quality time together (something we haven't done in a while), we've been asked to house-sit for them. Given that the guys have practically transformed their living room into a home theater, it was a no-brainer for us to binge-watch our 'Fast and Furious' marathon here tonight."Ready for thirteen hours and forty-seven minutes of handsome guys, strong female leads, and an epic collection of race cars?" Avery quips as I settle onto the couch beside her, wrapping myself in the cozy blanket she throws over us. "Absolutely," I respond, placing the popcorn between us as I grab my Sour Patch Kids. "Let's get this sh
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 84: QUEEN BITCH
My assumption was confirmed when she released a trembling breath, a solitary tear tracing down her beautifully pale face. Moments later, she settled on the porch swing, her defenses completely down as tears continued to stream."How... how did you know?" She croaked, using the back of her hand to wipe away the persistent tears."Let's just say I've known others who've suffered abuse," I replied honestly, recalling the times my mom had tried to conceal her own bruises beneath layers of clothing. "But remember, you can't change what's already happened to you," I added, moving closer to her. "However, you can choose how to overcome it. It won't be easy – in fact, that's an understatement – but it'll only get tougher if you let it consume you."I hesitated for a moment before placing my hand on hers, deciding to take the risk. She didn't pull her hand away, surprising me. Instead, she flipped her hand over, squeezing mine as a gesture of gratitude – or so I told myself – all while studyin
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 85: HONEST ANSWER
Later That EveningMax gently brushes his knuckles against my arm and asks, "Are you sure you're okay with us just hanging out here again? I had plans to make a reservation at a nice place, but I got caught up visiting Riley, and by the time I was heading back, it was too late."I retort, resting my chin on his chest as I look up at him, "Are you kidding? A Netflix and Chill night with my guy, complete with two large pizzas, a ton of Sour Patch Kids, and a six-pack of Corona...it doesn't get any better than this." He smirks and tucks a strand of my hair behind my ear before giving me a sweet kiss on the forehead."I'm just glad the house is empty again. With everything that's been going on lately, I've been craving some alone time with you," he admits. "Every day without seeing you makes me clingier.""I'd tease you for that," I confess, "but then I'd be a hypocrite." His hand cups my cheek, and I savor his touch."Yeah?" He smirks again, leaning in to peck my lips."Oh yeah," I murmu
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 86: YOU’RE MY WORLD
"Ignorance doesn't lead to happiness; it leads to helplessness, fear, and cruelty," Ingrid Holtby's words rang true that night:…Max leans against his desk, gesturing for me to take a seat. It instantly transports me back nine years to the day Mom and Alex shared the 'family secret' with me. Back then, I had some inkling of what the conversation would entail. But right now, I'm utterly clueless. All the cards are on the table, and anything seems possible.Max clears his throat, and I moisten mine with a single gulp, bracing myself for what he's about to say."Do you remember the morning after the first time we were intimate?" He begins, and I'm still in the dark about where this is going. "You asked if I had made a bet with my friends about you." Despite my bewilderment, I nod, recalling that day vividly. "I told you I had, but it was more of an arrangement, definitely not with someone I'd call a 'buddy.'" My brows furrow, and he continues to explain thankfully. "Now, remember the fi
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 87: NAKED BODIES ENTWINED
The numerous canceled dates, the unpredictable mood swings – it all starts to make sense. Considering the stressful situation he's been in, it's no wonder Max had difficulty trusting anyone. He's been navigating this turmoil largely on his own. And then it hits me."What if you can pay them off before graduation?" I suddenly blurt out, opening my eyes to meet his confused gaze."What do you mean?" he asks."You mentioned that Kalix's parents already helped you once, during the custody battle for Riley, right? What if—""Absolutely not," Max interjects firmly. "Kalix has offered before, and I already—""Let me finish first," I interrupt him in return. "You don't even know what I was going to suggest. I know you'd never ask him for something like that.""I'm sorry," he apologizes, brushing his thumb over my lower lip. "Go on.""The point I'm trying to make is that, just like back then, you don't have to face this alone. So, I have an idea.""Isabella, I swear if it involves you—""Just
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 88: OVER MY DEAD BODY
Five Days Later"Fuuuccckkk," Max groans as I take my final rides. "Baby," he pants out, his fingers digging in my thighs as I feel him just about ready to explode. "Baby, I can't hold it in any longer.""I'm so close. Just a few more seconds," I plead, panting along with him, my pace increasing with each one of his thrusts."Lolllaaa, I physically ca-" My climax cuts him off, the two of us instantly erupting inside each other -him in the condom and I all around him- at the exact same time. I slide off him and land right next to his short- winded body, my very own in no better state than his. "Fuck," Max breathes out. "That round's got to be in our top ten for sure.""I second that."Chuckling, we turn to our sides to face each other, his perfectly imperfect smile making me fucking swoon even more than his rasped morning voice has the capability of doing. He places a strand of my hair behind my ear, his pointer finger trailing down my face and neck to trace the outline of my left brea
Thrill of the Chase CHAPTER 89: NEVER LOOKING BACK
As I ascend the steps to one of UP's most renowned fraternity houses, there's no doubt as to why ATO consistently hosts the best parties on campus. It's not just their outstanding playlists, quality drinks, and spacious venue that make their gatherings a must-attend; it's the overall atmosphere. Some parts of the house are raucous, while others offer tranquility. For those seeking a middle ground, the wooden deck in the back is the perfect spot. This diversity ensures there's something for everyone, making it my favorite fraternity house for unwinding.Upon entering, I exchange greetings with familiar faces, including Ryder, and make my way to where Avery and the boys are hanging out. As the warm living room engulfs me, I'm relieved I opted for a crop top and skinny jeans instead of a sweater."There she is!" Ethan greets me as I approach the group of friends I've come to know as my own. "Clingy Clyde here was getting worried," he jests, nodding toward Max."Come on, Adams," Max retor
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