Chapter 9 Stay With Me

Madison felt her heart lurch. When she saw Sam's back, distant and alone, a bitter burn rose in her throat. She rushed after him and pulled him into a tight hug. "Sam… you've got it wrong." Sam froze. He started to pull away, but when he saw her arms around him, his grip loosened. He sounded defeated as he said, "Stop lying to me." Madison's eyes burned. Sam's words hit so hard that pressure surged under her ribs, knocking the air out of her. He caught the tear at the corner of her eye and went still. Pain flashed in his eyes. "Let go," Sam said. "Not happening!" Madison said through gritted teeth. In her last life, she'd watched Sam die in front of her. This time, she refused to let him go, no matter what. She tightened her arms around Sam's waist, her throat closing up. "I finally understand what kind of person Johnny really is. I won't do anything stupid to hurt you again. "There's a lot I can't explain right now, but Sam, can you trust me? Please?" Madison's vision blurr