Chapter Forty-Four: Uninvited Guests
Maxx stepped out of the hospital doors and dragged a tired hand through his tangled hair.
The guilt looked heavier than the bruises on his face. For the first time in a long while, Maxx didn't want to joke, flirt, or tease. He just wanted to disappear from this place.
But he didn't get far before someone wrapped their arms tightly around him.
"Maxx," Violet whispered into his shoulder.
He blinked, surprised, and slowly hugged her back.
"I'm sorry," he muttered.
"Don't be," Violet replied while shaking her head, pulling back to look at him. "It wasn't your fault. I heard what happened. You didn't crash on purpose."
"I was driving."
"You were ambushed."
"I still feel like trash."
"You always feel like trash. That's your default."
Maxx cracked a small smile. "I missed you."
"I missed you too, greaseball."
They were alone quietly for a second, and then they heard the footsteps.
"Wow," said a cold voice. "Touching reunion."
