34: I AM NOT SLEEPING WITH YOU

MEREDITH'S POV

Not a single ounce of emotion existed in those blue orbs. My heart ached, because the way Max was looking at me was nothing close to how he did when we first met. Everything about him now was dark and cold. He was exuding a sense of danger that sent even more chills down my bones.

"That's what I am to you, a toy?" I spat.

He lit up his cigar and took a puff from it. He narrowed his eyes while observing me. He took a few more puffs before putting the cigar in the ashtray.

"Come here," he beckoned me closer, slapping his thigh to suggest I take a seat on his lap.

I trembled and felt goosebumps forming on my skin. When I first encountered Max, I believed he was a kind-hearted angel. Gazing at him now, I recognized the devil lurking beneath his charming exterior, with his malicious intentions shining through.

"No," I said, folding my arms across my chest and staying rooted in my place.

"No!" He cackled. "I'm sorry, love, but I don't know what that word me