Page 48 of Billionaire's Desire
Maggie is curled up, already asleep.
I take off her shoes then I grab a soft blanket and gently drape it over her, tucking it in around her shoulders.
I take a step back and look at her, feeling a sense of protectiveness wash over me. She looks so small and vulnerable, and I want to make sure she’s safe and comfortable.
Then I lie down at the foot of the table, letting thoughts of today’s events play on a reel in my head. This has been a long day.
I pick up my phone and find a couple of texts from my brother.
Finn: I know I would have been married to her by now.
Finn: I miss her.
Finn: She should not have died.
Finn: Fuck!
Finn: I took flowers to her today.
Finn: Wish you were here, bro.
Fuck! Today was the anniversary of Penelope’s death and I was so preoccupied with the Wheeler deal and then Maggie that I completely forgot to call him.
I walk over to the bathroom and close the door behind me.
The call goes straight to voicemail so I call my assistant instead. She informs me that Finn left work for a little bit then came straight back to the office.
I thank her and hang up, before calling his chauffeur. He informs me that Finn has been home all evening.
I try him once again but he is still unreachable so I shoot him a text instead.
Max: I miss her too. I know she is watching over you. She loved you too, so much. Call me as soon as you get this. I wish I was there too.
Then I lie back down and watch the slow rise and fall of Maggie’s body as I slowly but surely join her in slumberland.
As I’m dozing off, I’m jolted awake by a knock at the door. I glance at the clock on my nightstand and see that it’s nearly midnight.
Who could be coming by at this hour?
I slip out of bed and make my way to the door.
“Hi, sorry to bother you so late,” Hilda says. “I have been trying to reach her, but Zach told me he saw you two leave together. I just wanted to check in.”
“Zach?”
I’m so confused.
“Is she okay? She was in a bad way all afternoon.” Hilda asks.
I feel a sense of relief wash over me as I realize that Hilda is here to help. “Oh, of course,” I say, stepping back to let her in. “Come on in.”
Hilda walks past me and into the living room where Maggie is still sleeping on the bed. She takes one look at her and her face falls.
“Oh, Maggie,” she says softly, walking over to the couch and gently touching her friend’s arm. “I’m so sorry I was late.”
I stand back, feeling like I’m intruding on a private moment. But at the same time, I’m grateful that Maggie has someone who cares enough to come and check on her.
“Do you mind if I wake her?”
