Fight for love
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M.L Dallison
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141K
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68
Madison is an 18-year-old with a complicated life. After a nasty car accident she returns home, scarred in more ways than physical.
Grayson is a gorgeous, successful MMA fighter who always gets what he wants. He's set his eyes on forbidden fruit. Madison's the daughter of his coach and mentor, little sister to his best friends.
The sexual chemistry is off the charts, burning down to the bone with every heated gaze. Madison is broken and Grayson doesn't do relationships- that's what they keep telling themselves.
Being together won't be easy, there are monsters lurking in the darkness just waiting to attack. There are obstacles at every turn!
Especially when Hunter decides to throw a huge curveball and turns everything on its head!
Is love worth fighting for, even if it completely destroys you in the process?
Chapter 1
MADISON
I can’t help but smile as I look in the mirror of my vanity. Firstly, I’m having a pretty decent makeup and hair day and don’t cringe with disgust at my own reflection, but more importantly, I’m looking at the sight of my best friend Dylan lying across my bed casually spinning one of my bras around on his finger, grinning to himself like a Cheshire cat.
He catches me watching him and quickly places the lacy black bra back on the bed where I’d put it, looking slightly embarrassed by his actions.
“Dylan Barrett, what are you doing with my bra, you pervert?!” I giggle, unable to stay straight-faced as the blush of embarrassment creeps up his neck to his face.
“Sorry, shit, I’m so bored. You’ve been ages, and you don’t need all that makeup to look gorgeous,” Dylan says sincerely as I get off the stool and go to stand in front of him.
“You have to say that. You are my best friend,” I retort, rolling my eyes at his flattery before gathering my outfit and turning toward the bathroom.
“So who’s going to be at this party?” I call from the bathroom as I sort myself out.
“I don’t tell lies, Maddie. It’s just the usual crowd that goes to my brother’s parties. I know you just got back. Are you sure you’re still okay to go to this party?” He sighs, clearly having flashbacks of the last party we attended.
My stomach flips at the thought, making bile swell around and threaten to rise into my throat. I gulp deeply and push down the discomfort and take a deep breath.
“Truthfully? I’m terrified, but I can’t hide forever, and it’s about time I had some fun and get my life back on track.” I smile softly, feeling a little bit excited at the thought of having a life again.
“Plus, we need to make sure Emily knows what she’s got in you tonight, my beautiful boy.” I giggle at the thought before heading into the bathroom to change.
Who am I kidding, though? I’m terrified. Three months ago, I attended a party just like this one, and I nearly died at the hands of my ex-boyfriend.
His stupid drunken jealousy nearly killed me, and he’s still carrying on like nothing ever happened. I’m finally back home—after three months away recovering—but I’m carrying major scars both physically and mentally that have changed me forever.
But it’s true—I can’t hide forever. I can’t live my life like that, no matter how hard it’s going to be.
This is the first time people will be seeing me, and I know full well that gossip will be rife until something else happens that distracts them.
I hope that my efforts to look my best will make me appear strong and unfazed by the shit that has gone on, and just maybe, I can be happy again.
I take a final look in the full-length mirror in my bedroom and barely recognize the person looking back at me.
Loose blonde curls fall to the middle of my back. My blue eyes are framed with a sharp black winged eyeliner and brown and gold shimmery eyeshadows that bring out the color in my eyes.
A sweep of rosy pink blusher and a gold-toned highlighter complement my naturally tanned skin, and a soft red lipstick finishes my look.
I choose a black pencil skirt that finishes just above my knee that has a thigh-high split on one side and a black lace crop top and classic black open-toe heels and a black clutch to finish.
It’s my first time out socially since I got back, and although I want to look good, a small part of me wants to hide—hence the all-black outfit. I nervously tug at the hem of my top, questioning myself internally whether it’s showing too much flesh when in reality it only shows a tiny bit.
Two hands suddenly remove my hands from behind me, and a warm body envelops me in a reassuring hug.
“You look stunning,” Dylan assures me, kissing the back of my head softly. His light stubble tickles my neck as he rests his head on me. “Let’s go.”
***
As soon as Dylan turns the car onto the street where our destination sits, the loud pumping music can be heard, and the bass rocks the car, sending vibrations through the seats.
Expensive-looking cars are littered everywhere. Luckily for my feet (that are not on the best terms with high-heeled shoes), he pulls straight into the driveway into his designated space, and we quickly jump out, slamming the car doors shut.
We then proceed to push our way through the crowd of smokers, drunks, and couples making out in front of the house and go inside.
Someone reaches out of the crowd and pulls me into a hug, screaming my name at the top of her lungs.
“Maddie, I’m so glad you are home! I’ve missed you so much,” my friend from high school Sammie squeals with joy at the mere sight of me. I embrace her and grab her red cup of alcohol and take a huge swig for bravery.
“Jesus, Sammie, what’s in that? It’s like gasoline!” I question, coughing as the liquid’s aftertaste burns my throat like fuel on a fire.
Sammie throws her head back and laughs until she snorts as her long black locks whip her butt.
“Oh, Maddie, you’ve been out of action way too long. Dylan, you need to get our girl a drink stat,” Sammie orders, pointing into the house.
“Yeah, I couldn’t agree more. I need some Dutch courage ASAP.” I sigh, looking at the crowds surrounding the house.
“Looking like that? I don’t think you need anything, babes—you look so hot!” Sweetly, Sammie gives me the once-over and gives a thumbs-up in approval.
“I think you win the hotness stakes as usual, Sam.” I chuckle, smacking her playfully on her pert little butt. She shakes it teasingly, and her red bondage dress barely contains her butt cheeks, but she rocks it.
“Save me a dance.” Sammie winks as we give each other a quick peck on the cheek before I let Dylan lead me farther into the house.
***
People are everywhere, and the music is deafening. The smell of alcohol overwhelms the place. My eyes sweep across the makeshift dance floor in the front room to see people grinding against one another in a drunken haze.
I can’t help but notice the stares and comments that are being made in my direction, which Dylan notices too because he squeezes my hand a little tighter and pulls me into his side, wrapping his arm around my waist to make me feel better.
The familiar warmth of his body offers me instant protection and relaxes my tense body.
“Don’t let it get to you, Maddie. They are just surprised to see you back home,” Dylan assures me.
“I know, I know.” I nod gently, agreeing with his words, trying not to let it affect me.
“Drink?” He smirks playfully as we head toward the kitchen. After silently studying the copious amount of alcohol and mixers on offer, I smile and put in my order.
“Vodka and lemonade, please, waiter.” Simple but still delicious. God, I’ve missed alcohol these last few months. I mean, granted, it was a huge factor in getting me in trouble in the first place, but that wasn’t my doing. I liked a few drinks but knew when to stop—well, most of the time.
Occasionally, it is fun to get shitfaced and just let go and have fun!
“Good choice, madam. Ice?” He puts on a random French accent and acts like a waiter, bowing slightly, making me laugh loudly.
“Definitely,” I giggle, then wince as he places the glass with the ice-cold contents on the bare flesh of my leg that peeks out from the slit on my skirt.
“Arsehole,” I hiss, scowling at him as he chuckles that boyish laugh and throws his head back, making his dark-brown wavy hair fall backward, revealing the twinkle in his bright-green eyes.
Not much later, I’m on my fourth drink, yet I’m still feeling awkward. I knock my drink back, downing it in one as the bitter liquid coats my throat with a layer of courage.
“Easy, Maddie, your dad will kill me if I take you home drunk out of your face.” Dylan’s smile turns to fear at the thought of my dad peering down at him full of anger.
I go to reply, but as I open my mouth, someone speaks from behind me.
“That won’t be a problem because she’s staying here tonight. I’ve already cleared it with Elijah,” a deep, strong voice comments calmly as I turn my head to find the body it belongs to.
Not that I need to see him to know exactly who it is.
