Page 16 of Beautiful Unity

Turning at the stop sign, I had an eerie feeling race up my spine once we neared a residential area. The houses were just as dark. The yards were littered with broken bicycles, toys, and trash. I caught a few curtains fluttering as we passed, but not one person made an appearance.

Grayson pulled up next to me at the next stop. We shared a look, both of us knowing that whatever we walked into next wouldn’t be good. With a deep breath, I made the last turn toward the bar. There were a few businesses here: a mechanic, a gas station, and a local market, but again, none of them were open. This town had a major ghost town vibe to it.

Music and lights gave our destination away before we even saw it. In the darkness of the town, it glowed even brighter. The Dizzy Arrow came into view as we crested the hill. It sat at the bottom; a large open lot filled with motorcycles next to it. There were a few patrons outside laughing and smoking. At the sight of us rolling in, they straightened up. The second we stopped and turned off our bikes, they were on us.

“I’d turn around now if I were you.”

“We don’t want any trouble. Just need a place to stop for a bit,” Pretty Boy said, giving his charming smile.

“Not here.”

I pulled off my helmet, eyeing the three men. None of them were who we were looking for, unfortunately. I guess I should’ve known our luck wasn’t that good.

“If it’s all the same, here’s perfect.”

The two men in front exchanged a glance. One stepped forward and leaned close, keeping his voice low. “If you step foot inside, your life as you know it is over. This isn’t a friendly bar, man. We’re trying to help, not be dicks.”

Pretty Boy glanced over, his eyes telling me what my gut did. They were good people who’d been pushed into whatever the hell was going on here. They might be the leg-up we needed.

“We appreciate the warning. Truly,” Grayson said, matching the low tone. “We’re looking for someone. Tiny. Is he still around?”

The group shared a glance, their eyes telling me they knew exactly who we asked about but weren’t sure why.

Taking one more shot, I used my trump card. “Rosebud sent us.”

Only one man reacted, but it was enough. He swallowed, nodded, and turned on his heel without another word. The others watched him go and then hurried to catch up. Pretty Boy and I did the same after locking down our bikes. By the time we made it to the door, they were gone.

“Here goes nothing,” Grayson said and then opened the door.

Country music rolled out accompanied with the smell of weed, body odor, and if I wasn’t mistaken…blood.

The instant the door shut, the crowd turned and stared. Keeping my face hard, I pushed through the tables, almost wishing Maddox had come in place of Pretty Boy. It might’ve been more dangerous for him to show his face, but at least Maddox was used to this lifestyle. He’d grown up in a club, trained in the MCD, and spent time in prison. He could hold his own. He also had a killer stare. At least he was with Darcie to guard her in case things went south here.

The guy we’d spoken to outside was off to the side conversing with one of the biggest men I’d ever seen. His arms were as wide as tree trunks and his body spanned the whole backside of the booth. The man was a wall of muscle. The scar across his brow sealed the deal. He was exactly who I’d been hoping to find. Tiny.

His eyes glanced up when we neared, something shifting across them at whatever our escort had whispered into his ear. Chatter had picked back up in most of the bar, but those close by held their breath as they watched the scene unfold.

“You lookin’ for me?” He crossed his arms over his chest, his threat clear.

“I have a proposition.”

He snorted. “Sorry, but you’re not my type. I like them smaller.” He glanced over my shoulder, his eyes taking in Pretty Boy. “Now, him, I won't kick out of bed.”

I could feel Grayson’s smile even though I didn’t dare turn my head to look.

“That’s why they call me Pretty Boy,” he flirted, stepping up beside me. “Though I hope they don’t call you Tiny because you’re, you know.” Grayson dropped his eyes down, indicating Tiny’s dick.

Fucking. Hell. Pretty Boy.

Gritting my teeth, I narrowed my eyes at Grayson, wishing I could slap the smug look off his face. He was going to get us killed.

The giant of a man bellowed out a laugh, dropping his arms and slapping the table with one hand while pointing the other at Grayson. “If that was the case, I’d be called Cocky.” He winked. “I was given my name by a sweet little flower. I didn’t have the heart to deny her.”

My heart skipped a beat. Did he mean…? He did. Darcie.

Tiny searched our eyes, assessing us for a sign of recognition, so I let him have it. She’s safe. She’s here. She’s come to claim her legacy.

“I have a sunflower who has the same ability,” Grayson said.

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