Chapter 19: A Kiss is Just a Kiss

Madison composed herself, meeting Grayson's penetrating stare. "It's just a stomachache," she said, feigning nonchalance as she washed her face.

Grayson watched her silently. After what seemed like an eternity, he turned and left. Only when his gaze was gone did Madison allow herself a measured sigh of relief.

After washing up, she retrieved medication and retreated to the bedroom. She took the pills Amelia had prescribed, one by one. Just as she swallowed the last one, Grayson pushed the door open.

His eyes landed on the pillbox on the nightstand as he sauntered over, hand casually pocketed. He picked up the pillbox and examined it. "Where'd you get these meds?"

"Hospital."

"And when did you get them?"

Madison paused for a moment. "The night of the emergency hospital visit."

Grayson's eyes narrowed slightly. "How come I never knew you had stomach issues? And it's this bad all of a sudden?"

Madison offered a wry smile. "I've always had them, but I guess you never really noticed, Grayson."

True, Grayson had always paid her some mind—except that his concern was strictly limited to who she was seeing at the time. He never really paid any attention to her health.

"Really?" Grayson didn't press further. "If you're not feeling well, you should head to bed early."

"All right." Madison grabbed her pajamas and disappeared into the bathroom.

After showering, she found that Grayson was no longer in the room. As she dried her hair, a knock sounded at the door. Opening it, Madison found the delivery guy from Grayson's favorite diner, a place he frequented often.

"Grayson mentioned you skipped dinner because of your upset stomach, so he ordered you some corn chowder," the delivery guy said.

"Thanks," Madison replied, taking the soup.

She carried it back to her room. Though her stomach was empty, her appetite was nonexistent. But for the sake of the baby, she forced herself to finish the soup.

Lying down, she quickly drifted off to sleep.

The jarring ring of her cell phone woke her. When she looked at the caller ID, she saw that it was Owen.

"Owen, what's up? It's so late."

"Madison, my brother's had too much to drink. Could you come pick him up?"

Sitting up, Madison agreed and asked for the address. Once dressed, Owen texted her the details. She followed the address to the Royal Nightclub and headed to a private lounge.

Pushing through the door, she saw Grayson slumped on a couch, a cigarette dangling from his fingers. His mood seemingly foul, yet not a hint of drunkenness. She glanced at Owen, who was sitting beside him.

Owen offered an apologetic grin. "Sorry, Madison. I lost a bet and was tasked with calling you—any excuse would do. I swear, I didn't think you'd actually show up."

Madison stood still for a moment, then chuckled softly. "It's okay."

She finished speaking and turned her gaze to Grayson. His demeanor was relaxed, face impassive.

It was clear he didn't care that she was dragged out in the middle of the night while feeling under the weather. Bitterness spread in her chest; she closed her eyes briefly, suppressing the discomfort inside.

"Grayson, if there's nothing you need from me, I'll head back."

"Come over," Grayson said, tossing out the words as if they were nothing.

Madison hesitated, torn. The smell of smoke filled the private room, and she truly didn't want to stay there. But defying Grayson's command would make things worse for her.

"Seriously, Madison, now that you're here, stick around and have some fun," one of the others chimed in.

With Grayson's heavy gaze upon her, Madison had no choice but to take a seat. No sooner had she sat down than Grayson's arm was around her waist, his chin resting on her shoulder, and the warm breath of liquor washing over her.

"Why are you here?" he murmured.

Madison straightened, her back rigid. "I thought you'd had too much to drink, Grayson."

Grayson chuckled softly. "Ever seen me drunk, Madison?"

Madison fell silent. Grayson had never been drunk. He was always so cautious and composed. He would never allow himself to lose control; that included never getting drunk.

There have been many social events in the past. He drank, but he had never let himself get intoxicated.

"I'm sorry," Madison could only apologize.

Grayson's voice was lazy. "No need for apologies. I'm just curious if you would come running no matter who called tonight."

After a moment, Madison said, "If it has anything to do with you, Grayson, I'll be there."

Grayson gave a calm response. "Foolish."

Then, he leaned away.

Madison mulled over his single word. It was mostly mocking but a part of it was a genuine belief that she lacked intelligence.

"Madison, care to join the game?"

Madison declined. However, the group wasn't giving up on her.

"What's to be scared of, Madison? It's just a game."

"Yeah, we've known each other for so long but never played together. Don't tell us you would snub us like that."

The peers went back and forth. Madison glanced at Grayson. His expression was cold and distant.

"Why are you looking at my brother? Come and play!"

Grayson remained silent, and Madison reluctantly joined in.

It was the same old game of Truth or Dare.

In the first round, Madison was lucky not to be picked. But just as she breathed a sigh of relief, trouble found her. This round, the chosen one was Steven Jenner, one of Grayson's questionable friends.

Steven Jenner opted for a dare. He was tasked with kissing the closest member of the opposite sex. As fate would have it, Madison was perched right next to Steven Jenner.

The party room erupted in a chorus of hoots and jeers.

Madison sat there with a rigid expression. Lately, she was out of luck. Trouble had a knack for finding her.

Surrounded by a crowd egging him on, Steven turned to Madison.

Her face had turned ashen as her gaze shot over to Grayson. Grayson was sitting close by, his eyes heavily set on Madison.

"What are you looking at me for?" she said, retracting her gaze.

Steven chuckled, also glancing at Grayson. He hadn't forgotten what had happened with Nicholas that night. He did want to kiss Madison but felt he at least needed to check with Grayson.

"Grayson, is it okay if I kiss her?" Steven asked.

Grayson sat back, arms crossed, lounging on the couch.

"Don't mind me. It's just a game," he replied.

Madison felt her heart sink. She forced a tight smile toward Steven. "Go ahead."

Steven beamed. "Well, I won't hold back then!"

As he moved in to plant the kiss on Madison, Grayson's glass slammed down on the table with a thunderous crash. Steven stiffened and quickly retreated.

"Just kidding, I choose to drink!" he declared, lifting his glass to his lips.

The room was filled with a mix of expressions. Madison's eyes dropped as she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth.

After downing his drink, Steven looked at Madison. "Scared you, huh? Don't worry, I wouldn't dare actually kiss you."

He glanced at Grayson. "Otherwise, I'd be devoured whole by Grayson tonight."

Grayson lounged nearby, his unwavering focus on Madison. "Kiss her if you want; as long as she is willing, it makes no difference to me."