---- Chapter 11 Madeline was surprised by Timothy's reaction. He swiftly got into the driver's seat before she could, his eyes swirling with emotions as he stared at her. Then, he suddenly swooped in and kissed her so hard that it was almost as if he wanted to swallow her whole. He'd always been calm and composed, so it was rare for him to be so openly emotional. He only released Madeline when he tasted blood on his lips from where she'd bitten him. His eyes were red-rimmed, and he mumbled, " I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. What happened tonight was all my fault, but please, don't be mad at me." Timothy sounded fragile, and Madeline had never seen him like this before. For a moment, she was dazed. It was only when he started the car that she realized something about the way he treated her had changed. A small wave of warmth surged in her chest. ---- However, they'd only driven a short distance when a figure appeared before the car. Lacey stretched out her arms as she stopped them. She'd taken off her coat at some point, and she stood trembling in the cold breeze with only a thin, white dress covering her slender frame. When the car skidded to a stop, she ran to Timothy's door, trembling and tearful as she looked at him. She held out her arms to show him the slashes marring them, whether deep or shallow. She wailed, "I know you and Timothy are already together, Madeline. I don't mean to get between you two, but I just feel horrible. I'm in so much pain!" Her eyes were on Madeline, but she also paid attention to Timothy out of the corner of her eye. Sure enough, he immediately got out of the car and grabbed Lacey's wrist. "Have you lost your mind? Why did you hurt yourself like this?" Madeline looked at her. Her face was pale, and her ---- tear-filled eyes were her most striking feature. How could one not want to protect someone like that? Timothy's expression was still dark, but there were now hints of heartache in his eyes. He noticed Lacey's trembling shoulders and quickly took off his suit jacket, draping it over her. Then, he looked down at her feet. They were bare, and her heels were scraped. Fresh blood oozed from the wounds. He scowled and asked, "Where are your shoes? Where did you throw them? You'll fall sick if you run out here like this! I'll take you home right now. " He'd evidently forgotten about Madeline still being with him when he said that. He swept Lacey off her feet and carried her to the front passenger seat. His expression turned steely when he saw Madeline still sitting put, and he said coldly, "Get out. I'm taking her home first." Madeline's eyes were bloodshot, and she refused