Play with the Phantom (Midnight, #2)

by Amanda Richardson

“What is it, little warrior?” His voice is quiet, but edged with something sharp, like he already knows the answer. How does he always know what I’m thinking? I close my eyes, pressing my back against his chest, letting the steady beat of his heart soothe me. “I’m worried I don’t know how to do this,” I admit, curling my fingers against his hands resting on my stomach. Maddox doesn't hesitate. “Yeah, you do.” I turn slightly to glance at him over my shoulder, searching for some sort of reassurance in his eyes. “I don’t. I’ve always just… settled. Done what was expected. Been the good daughter. The easygoing girlfriend. The one who never needed too much. And even with Asher…” I trail off, heat rising in my cheeks. “Even with him, I never felt this close to him. Not even half. It’s terrifying, because I’ve never been able to trust anyone but myself. Yet… three weeks in with you and I feel like I’ve known you forever.” His jaw tics, but his thumb stays soft as it traces the edge of my jaw. His eyes search mine like he’s piecing it together, like he’s seeing every part of me that I try so hard to keep hidden. “That’s because you never held back with me.” His voice is low, steady, edged with something darker. “Not once.” His thumb presses gently against my pulse. “You’ve given me every version of you—the good, the scared, the stubborn. All of it. You haven’t played it safe, not for a second.” The words make me ache. It’s true. I’ve told Maddox more in these past few days than I...