Page 58 of Beautiful Unity

“Technically, yes,” I said.

“Wait, it’s sexual?” he gasped, stopping.

“No.” Darcie laughed. “But you get one. All Mavericks do when they pass the program.”

The three men across from us smiled wide with pride. “All right then.” Grayson nodded, slapping his brothers on the back. “Let’s get this list done so I can learn how to use my favor.”

“Ten bucks he uses his within a week,” Brooks said.

“Twenty, it’s within forty-eight hours,” Bubba countered.

They slapped their palms together, and Grayson snorted, ignoring them.

We all climbed back on our bikes and followed Darcie. The change in her was astounding. We’d all been so afraid when we came down here. We’d constantly kept her in the middle, protecting her from everything we feared. Now, she led our convoy, and we eagerly followed, trusting her judgment.

She was meant to lead us, to be our queen. I’d never seen her look more regal as she dismounted ten minutes later and walked up to the booth Agent Bones sat in.

“Fancy meeting you here, Reginald.”

The agent sputtered, coffee going up his nose at using what I assumed was his first name. She plopped down into the booth, and we surrounded it. There was no escape for Agent Bones. She smiled, took a french fry off his plate, and ate it.

“Darcie, Maddox,” he said, recovering. “You left before finishing the debriefing.”

“Did we? Hmm.” Darcie tapped her chin, her red lips a straight line as she stared at Bones. “Because from my standpoint, you forgot to mention you’d kidnapped an innocent girl and were working with the enemy this whole time, Reginald. That wasn’t very nice of you to lie to us.”

His face turned a deep purple at the use of his name. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“No? Huh.” Darcie moved out of the booth, stopping once she stood. “Good luck convincing Director Farrow that then.”

Agent Bones’ face went white at the name, starkly contrasting his earlier hue. His eyes bulged at something over my shoulder. It took all my concentration not to turn my head at the intimidating presence I felt at my back.

“Yes, Reginald. I’m very interested in why there’s a young girl in protective custody far from where I placed her.”

The weight of that statement settled in me. This man was important. He’d been the one to help Becca when I’d been in prison. I owed him so much. Fuck, I owed Darcie. I really needed to trust the people around me more.

“It’s a misunderstanding, Director.”

“Hmm. It sounds like the only misunderstanding is how you joined a federal agency. We’ll talk about this again at the office. I’m not letting you out of my sight until I know every detail.”

Agent Bones began to sweat, his pallor changing to a sickly color. “Yes, sir.” He climbed out of the booth and followed the agent I hadn’t noticed on that side.

Despite my better judgment, the director stepped up beside me, and I turned to meet his eyes. Warm brown orbs stared back, surprising me. He gave me a nod of respect before giving Darcie a hug. “Don’t be a stranger, Darcie. Bella’s already itching to whip up her famous banana bread for the occasion.”

“Will do, Uncle Pat. Thanks for coming down so quickly and securing Becca in a new place.”

“Any time. And please, think about my offer. We’d love to have you as an agent.”

“Even after I chopped off Agonizer’s dick?”

The director froze, then barked out a laugh. “You did not!”

“Oh, I did. Even got it in a jar as a souvenir.”

He laughed again. “For fuck’s sake, Darcie. That only makes me want you more.”

“I’ll think about it. But right now, I just want to check on Dad and shower. I need to wash the asshole off.”

“I thought…?” he said, his voice catching.

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