Page 15 of Macon

“Ray, what’s going on? Did you know he was in town?” Doc asks her while watching Dexter greet Viktoriya, kissing her on each cheek.

Once Dexter releases Viktoriya from his embrace, they both set their eyes on the stage where they are all standing.

This motherfucker. I clench my fist, trying to control my anger. He doesn’t give a fuck.

Even though Raydene’s on my other side, I can feel her tension. “Don’t know, and nope!” She pops the ‘P,’ sounding pissed off. Raydene moves in to mix her next song. The crowd moved to the beats, not knowing any different. Vi and Ray can put on a show, that’s for sure.

I don’t say anything as I watch Dexter and his group.

What the fuck are they up to?

My mind starts running scenarios. Did she know? I turn to Raydene, who is bouncing back and forth on her toes, tweaking the sound as her song mixes in. I can see her eyes are still locked on him. Once the song drops, I grab her elbow, breaking her stare off with Dexter, and ask her, “Did you know he was in town?”

Please say no.

When she doesn’t say anything, I move into the booth area, grabbing her waist, and pulling her up against me. Raydene stares at me, lost in her thoughts like she’s seen a ghost.

“Shut the fuck up,” Vi yells at Brick, turning to us. “No, she didn’t know. He hasn’t returned any of her calls or texts the last few days we’ve been here.”

I look into her eyes for any indication that’s a lie but nothing. It’s like Raydene’s in shock. Why isn’t she flipping out or going after him?

“Take her. I’ll close our set.” Vi motions for the next DJ.

I tune everyone out, leaning down closer to Raydene. I say, “Did you know?”

Raydene shakes her head.

I start to move us toward the back of the stage, away from the crowd.

“What the fuck? We met last night, and tonight, you have my girl in your arms?” Dexter yells from the stairs.

I turn around just as Raydene sidesteps me, yelling, “What the fuck are you doing here?” She stops midway, realizing what he said, and turns back to me. “Wait, you met him last night? Where?” she demands.

Fuck.

Dexter steps forward, forcefully grabbing her by the arm and yanking her to him. She squeals, trying to pull her arm out of his death grip. “What the fuck, Dex? Let me go! Jesus!”

I growl, stepping forward and clenching my hands.

She’s not yours. Chill. I remind myself.

“I guess I forgot to tell you I knew her,” I say with a cocky smile.

Dexter doesn’t let her arm go as he pulls her to his side. “We’re out of here.”

I move toward them as Raydene starts to fight him. He whispers something into her ear, and instantly, she stops resisting. Her whole demeanor changes, losing all life.

What the fuck?

“I have to get my stuff. You need to let go of my arm,” Raydene replies, sounding dead with no emotion. She won’t make eye contact with any of us.

Her words echo in my head. Secrets. Lies. Obligations.

Dexter doesn’t release her immediately as he keeps his standoff with me before finally letting her arm go.

I stand still, hoping she’ll come to me, but she moves to the booth instead.

My mind starts racing.

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