Page 110 of Music City Diaries

Nodding, I sat back, needing Grayson’s arms to comfort me and show Maddox I trusted these three with everything.

“Start at the beginning. What happened once you left me in Nashville?”

Maddox nodded, his eyes piercing mine as he filled in the blanks.

Diary #16

Dear Mom,

Things are about to get interesting.

The other shoe has dropped.

The shit has finally hit the fan.

Screw it. I’ve got nothing.

Love,

Darcie

Seventeen

MADDOX

Sighing,I took a deep breath as I stared around at the men Darcie had gathered around her. My pride wanted to rage at these men believing they could replace me. But my heart had always known Darcie was a woman worthy of lots of love. If she chose these men to be by her side, then I’d trust they were worthy of her.

It didn’t mean I would lie down and roll over, though. It wasn’t in my nature to give up. I’d fight to have a place along with them. Besides, it was fun watching the big one puff out his chest.

Locking eyes with my princess, I laid my heart bare, telling the story that had been a long time coming.

“When I returned from seeing you, my father was acting strange. He was trying to put me in situations I didn’t want, not listening to me when I said I wasn’t interested, and overall, too focused on every move I was making. I knew my time to get Becca out was dwindling. I didn’t realize how much until later.”

I cleared my throat, shuffling in my seat.

“I was able to finalize a placement through my contact and was to meet him the next day. I went to talk to her and have herpack a bag. That’s when she told me she was getting married. The Destroyer had convinced her it was her duty to the club. The man was three times her age and a notorious abuser,” I spat, the memory of that night filling me with rage.

“Becca is Maddox’s younger sister. She has Down syndrome and has been isolated her whole life in the club.”

I nodded, thankful Darcie had given me time to calm down.

“One of the projects Destroyer had me on was to secure a new supplier,” I paused, looking at the others, realizing they wouldn’t know who the Chaos Gargoyles were. “My father’s club dealt primarily in drugs and dabbled in guns. He told me there was a new merchant, and I needed to vet them. Since I’d returned, he’d been putting these projects on me, stating he was preparing me to lead in his stead.” I shook my head, laughing darkly. “Except, when I arrived at the meet, I was surrounded by law enforcement officers and a truck full of drugs.”

“Shit,” Darcie cursed, her eyes worried. I smiled, and the concern felt nice.

“Yeah. I realized too late he’d known I was working with Tank to take him down. When I was arrested, I used my get-out-of-jail card to save Becca. I hated to leave you, Princess, but it was my only hope to help her.”

She nodded, wiping a tear that fell. “It was the right call. Becca needed you. I’m glad she’s safe.”

The rock I’d been carrying all these years shifted, the guilt lessening at not being able to return to her like I’d promised.

“From there, time seemed to stand still. Prison life wasn’t easy, especially when people learned who I was. It took me a while to show I wasn’t interested in running any gangs inside. I made some allies with guards and other prisoners, keeping myself safe enough for where I was. When I earned my internet privileges, I reached out to some of the Mavericks' contacts, hoping they could get me out. I thought about reaching out toyou every day, but I didn’t want to lead anyone to where you were. The hope of finding you again one day was what kept me surviving each miserable day.”

“How did you get out?” Darcie asked. “Chase told me you were in prison and that a deal was coming. He wanted me to tell you not to take it.”

I sat up, curious about this new information. “Did he say why?”

She shook her head. “No. But he wasn’t very forthcoming after I stabbed him and ran.”

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