Page 38 of Beautiful Unity

I hope you’re ready for everything coming your way.

You once thought you could control me and teach me to heel.

Sorry to break it to you, but the only heel I have use of is on my feet, and I’ll show you just where to shove it.

I can’t wait to see your face the moment you realize you’ve been beaten by me.

A. Fucking. Strong. Woman.

A Queen.

Thirteen

DARCIE

My knee bounced out of control as I waited for the guys to return. Hank had banned me from the control room after I’d asked too many questions. Tiny had returned an hour ago and had given me a grin. I hoped it meant they were doing well, not that he’d had fun besting them.

I rechecked my phone, but there hadn’t been any new messages since the last time I checked it only five minutes earlier. I’d already emailed Lennox and journaled out my frustration, leaving me with nothing else to occupy my time. I’d even taken off the short wig and sideburns, changing into tight jeans, crop top, and jacket. Everything I could think to do, I’d done. Not even looking at cute boots had quelled my anxiety.

Huffing, I threw myself back on the couch just as the door opened. Laughter floated in, and I jumped up and knocked into a guitar case. I spotted Grayson first and stumbled at his appearance. When Waylon and Brooks came into view, they weren’t any better. Rolling my lips inward to suppress a laugh, I took in the three of them. Grayson cocked his hip and did a runaway walk toward me.

“What do you think, Sunflower? Is truck stop chic my new look?”

“Absolutely not.”

Grayson stopped before me, scoffing in fake shock as he reached out and pulled me into his arms. “I’m deeply wounded. I look hot in everything.”

“If anyone could pull it off, it would be you, Pretty Boy. But I happen to like it when I can see your hair.” I tugged his hat off and let it fall to the ground and ran my fingers through his flattened curls. His eyes closed briefly, and he tugged me closer, nuzzling his nose in my neck. He smelled of oil and sweat, which wasn’t horrible, but I missed his expensive cologne and hair products. Even though we all gave him shit for it, I loved how much care he took of himself. “You could use a shower,” I muttered.

“I was hoping you’d take it with me.” He lifted his head and wiggled his eyebrows.

Giggling, I glanced at the other two. Their outfits were just as horrible, but I didn’t care. They were mine. I reached out for them both, and they joined our huddle, wrapping their arms around me and Grayson.

“Ah, group hug,” Grayson teased. “I knew you slackers loved me.”

“Shut up, Pretty Boy,” Waylon groused.

“He’s been like that all day,” Brooks said, kissing my temple. “How was your day?”

“Long without any of you. Tank helped me with the server.” I blew out a breath. “We found something.” That had them all pulling away, their faces concerned as they looked at me.

“Have you heard from Maddox?”

“He’s on his way back.” I checked my phone. “He should be here in a few hours. He didn’t say much.”

“Probably didn’t feel it was safe,” Brooks muttered. I nodded in agreement.

Before I could dive into what I’d found, the door to the other room opened, and my dad stepped through. He surveyed the three guys and nodded for them to follow him. The earlier laughter and lightness vanished as we filed into the room.

The room was crowded, and I blinked, wondering how out of it I’d been not to notice so many people arriving. Mack sat on Tiny’s lap beside Cueball, Rooster, and Shotgun. The other two guys were strangers but nodded when my eyes met theirs.

“Cueball, Rooster, Shotgun, you remember my daughter?” They smiled and gave me a warm greeting.

“Good to see you, Darcie,” Rooster said, giving me a toothy grin. Granted, he was missing a few, but it was kind nonetheless.

“You too. How’s the kids?”

“Good. My oldest is in high school now. If you have time, you’ll have to stop by and see them. Brenda would love to see you, too.”

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