𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 ✓

11

I nod. "Okay, when would you like to start?" I say quietly, feeling uncomfortable telling him that I'm not technically in first-year, although it is only my first week in University.

"Now." His voice is so deep that it sending chills through me as it vibrates through the kitchen. Lexi and Chase must be used to it by now because they don't react the same way I do. He gestures for me to lead the way and I do after waving goodbye to Lexi and Chase. Maddox walks past me and into his room, so I make quick work of grabbing my books from my room, along with my backpack and laptop before carrying it all over to Maddox's.

When I open the door, I look around curiously and blush when I think about the first and last time I was in here. Now actually looking at his room, I notice the all-black walls and dark grey bedding. Not an ounce of color anywhere but in the few pictures on his desk. His back is facing me so I walk over and pick one of them up. Possibly taken a few years ago, the photo contains Maddox with no visible tattoos holding a baby who can't be older than two years old in his arms. He has a large, genuine smile on his face and his nose is rubbing against the baby's cheek adorably. His hair is different and he looks so much happier than he ever has this past week.

Smiling myself, I brush my fingers over the frame. "That's Penelope, my little sister." He says from right behind me, making me jump at his proximity, not aware of how close he had gotten; I can practically feel his breath on my neck. He lingers behind me for a moment, our bodies close enough to feel the energy between them but far enough not to have any actual contact.

As soon as he walks away, I let out the breath I didn't realize I was holding and turn around to follow him. He sits on his bed and I move to sit on his floor, spreading out my books and notes. Walking over to a shelf with black binders on it, Maddox takes one out and shuffles through it, causing his muscular back to tense from the movement. I make myself comfortable and lift up, to move my legs back and flatten onto my stomach.

Maddox turns around, still looking at his open book as he walks over to me. Making myself busy with my pencils and colorful pens, I try to ignore the fuzzy feeling I get around him. He pauses when he looks up, nostrils flaring as he looks at me, but he blinks whatever emotions he was feeling away and goes to sit on the bed. I start talking. "Well, most of what I need help on revolves around American History. Mainly gender, sexuality, politics, economy, and space. To be honest, I'm just unprepared and I could barely hear a thing the professor was saying because her accent was horrid." I ramble out quietly to a surprised but amused looking, Maddox.

"That's all, huh?" He chuckles and I find that I'm delighted by the sound. "First of all, I don't think I'll be of much help to you considering it sounds like I'm in the same course as you. Second, you didn't mention that you were in second-year lit, what are you, seventeen?" He asks disbelievingly.

"Oh bugger, did I not? I'm so sorry. This is probably a waste of your time." I say, about to gather my materials when he stops me with his hand on mine. "You're not a waste of anyone's time, Princess, now let me explain what I know. Do you by have professor Frederick by any chance? Boston accent?" He asks with a laugh.

I nod my head rapidly. "That's her! I couldn't understand a single bleeding word she said!" I yell exasperated at the thought of sitting through another class with her.

"Well I'm in the same class, so I could translate." He offers and I nod way too many times.

"That would be wonderful." Happily kicking my legs together in the air while I lie on my stomach, drawing Maddox's attention. He does his best to explain, thoughtfully and slowly, constantly asking if I understand the topic before moving on. A few times, I correct him on a date or fact that I'd had memorized and each time it makes him smile. I've learnt in my few days in America that men often become defensive when you try to help them, but this didn't seem to be the case with Maddox.

"I'm almost eighteen by the way," I inform him about his earlier assumption and he nods. Maddox's attention is stolen by something from behind me, his face looking angry as the door opens so I turn my head to see what it is when I see Eric looking down at my back, staring from the doorway. Turning back around to face Maddox I greet him nonchalantly. "Oh hey, Eric."

"Hey Aurora, you guys hungry? We have pizza." He says, making me smile.

I shrug, having already eaten. "Maddox?" I ask, leaning up to stand and looking down at him now from his spot on his bed. He looks up and nods reluctantly, following behind me as I walk to the door. I turn around and stop in the doorway. "Continue after dinner, yeah?" He nods and I can't help but stare at his back as he moves past me to get his food. Best tutor ever.