Latte Darling: Book Two of The Darling Series

Maddie does as she’s told and stays quiet for the duration of the drive. Not acting the least bit surprised when I pull up to her house and park in the driveway.

“Out,” I tell her, grabbing her bag from the backseat before climbing out of the car.

I know I could just put my hand on her back and walk her to the house. But when I reach her, I know that won’t be enough.

So, without warning, I bend and hoist Maddie back up over my shoulder.

“Axel!”

Hearing her say my name is a balm to my damn soul, but I slap her ass anyways.

“Hush,” I kick the car door shut. “And don’t think I haven’t noticed what you’re wearing.”

When I saw her drop down behind the counter, I felt a small amount of doubt in my ability to win her back. Then I saw her closer and all that doubt left. Because she was sitting there, refusing to look at me, wearing my sweatshirt.

I smack her ass again, just because, making her yelp.

As I round the sidewalk to her front door, I realize that the neighbor guys are sitting on their front steps again.

The one with the shaggy hair starts to rise, but I hold up a hand. “She’s fine.”

His eyes dart between me and Maddie’s captive form before he shrugs and sits back down.

A smirk pulls at my lips.

Everyone else seems to understand that this girl is mine.

Time for Maddie to understand it too.