Maddy's POV
The sound of my hand striking Max still rang faintly in my ears as I slipped back into the reception hall. My chest felt tight, my heartbeat out of rhythm with the soft thrum of music and laughter that filled the space. I'd told him to go to hell. I meant it, but the following ache almost made me doubt it.
The hall glowed with candlelight now, golden and deceptive. Couples filled the dance floor, twirling beneath the high ceiling as if the world outside didn't exist. I lingered at the edge, forcing my breathing to steady, trying to look like any other guest enjoying the evening.
"Where did you run off to?"
I didn't need to turn to know that voice. Nate's tone was smooth, unhurried — the kind that could make a question sound like a statement.
"Just needed some a
