Page 50 of Beautiful Unity

“Just the smell of you makes me hard, sweetheart.”

“Really?” I nudged her, and she smiled wider. “Good. Motivation to hurry back to me and our bed.”

Cupping her cheeks, I stared into her blue eyes. “Darcie, even if you never touched me again, I’d hurry back to you. Just to hold you in my arms and be around you. You make my life better by being in it, not because you’re sexy as hell and turn me on. You are those things, but it’s only a small part of what I love about you. Seeing you take charge and lead these people has been amazing. I have no doubt we’ll succeed tonight because you’re the most amazing person I know.”

“Wow.” She blinked. “Remember when you used to be shy?” she teased.

I blushed. “Me? Nope. Can’t recall.”

She giggled. “I love you, Brooks. Thank you for being the sweet place for me to land. For seeing me.”

Kissing her, I took my time to savor the feel of her lips against mine and the way her tongue softly prodded my own. It was languid like we had all the time in the world and not about to ride into battle.

“Don’t forget about the rest of us,” Grayson groused.

Darcie smiled into the kiss, so I pecked her lips once more before letting her go. She had a moment with Grayson, Bubba, and Maddox before walking to her bike. She looked behind at everyone gathered. Seeing everyone astride their motorcycles and waiting for the command was chilling. We didn’t have as many as Agonizer did, but we weren’t anything to slouch at, either.

“Ride or Die, Royals!” Darcie shouted, raising her fist into the air.

“Ride or die!” everyone shouted back, repeating the motion.

The feeling I got before the rodeo—the buzzing and stillness as everything narrowed down to me and my horse fell over me. Everything felt sharper and more precise now. I had a purpose, and I would do it to the fullest.

The rev of the engines sent chills over me as it echoed through the night air. Darcie looked over her shoulder one more time, a broad smile on her face. She winked before sliding on her helmet and facing forward. I knew she was worried and scared, but you couldn’t tell. She embodied confidence, and when she took off, we all followed.

I never wanted to be part of a bigger club, but as all the bikes made their way onto the road and we opened up the throttle, I could understand the appeal. The sense of belonging was stronger. The sound of that many engines was powerful, giving you a shield of confidence. You weren’t a single person in an MC but a group. I looked to my left at Grayson and to my right at Maddox. I didn’t have to look behind me to know Waylon was there.

This bond was special. The tattoo on my wrist said as much.

And Darcie was at the head with us at our back, and that felt right, too.

Despite being a good thirty minutes outside of Jackson, the ride went by fast. When we got to the outskirts, we broke off into our sections and separated. Darcie gave us one last look before she peeled off with Maddox.

I swallowed, emotion thick in my throat. I believed in us and her. I did. I just prayed it wouldn’t be the last time I saw her. Because with Darcie, I’d never have enough time with her, and I was greedy enough to want more.

Diary #16

Dear Mom,

Shit is about to get real.

Strap on your dancing boots because I’m about to two-step my way out of this.

Boot. Scootin’. Boogie. Time.

Darcie

Seventeen

DARCIE

Despite having reviewed the plan to death earlier, I still felt nervous as hell as Maddox and I walked into the very same warehouse we’d been a mere twenty-four hours ago. Images of my father beaten and bruised threatened to overwhelm me again. I stumbled, and Maddox halted with me. He waited, not saying anything, and gave me space.

Lock it down, girl!

Taking a deep breath, I pushed the images aside and focused on Agonizer’s face. The sneer he’d worn when he’d violated me, the same look Chase wore when he’d felt obligated to take what he wanted from me, morphing to shock when I’d stabbed him. Smiling, I imagined that look the longest and seeing it twofold when we walked in.

Maddox’s gaze heated my skin and comforted me as I worked through my emotions. Once I had a handle on them, I nodded to let him know I was good. He squeezed my hand, offering his strength, and I took it.

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