Page 21 of Music City Diaries

“Construction accident.”

“Hmph. I’ll bet. I’m going to have to call this boss to confirm. Do you have a number?” Maddox froze, and I leaned over, rattling off the only number I knew, praying Chase would come through.

He wrote it down, tapping the truck. “Don’t go anywhere.”

Maddox glanced over at me. His jaw was tight, but he didn’t ask whose number it was. It was probably for the best. The longer he took, the more I was freaking out. My hands shook, and I tried to remember what I could do to get out of this. When the officer came back, I was so hyped up I was sure I’d pass out.

“Here’s a warning. Fix that taillight. Your boss said to call him.”

Maddox nodded, taking back the items. We both sighed in relief as we went one way, and the cop turned in the other direction.

“I hate to ask what that just cost us,” Maddox said, gripping the steering wheel. I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t.

When we pulled into the house that had become our home the past few months, I knew nothing would ever be the same from here on out.

We were on the run. Again.

Diary #6

Dear Mom,

I don’t know what to think anymore. Is life always this cruel? Are all men this despicable?

It makes me want to join a nunnery, if I’m honest. Dad would love that.

I’m trying to remember who I am and what I’ve learned. But not everything in the MCD program prepared me for this life.

At least I have Maddox. I wouldn’t survive without him.

Love,

Darcie

Seven

MADDOX

Darcie snored softly nextto me, and I ignored the outside world for a moment. For just a moment, I wanted to pretend this was real. That she and I had been able to make it in domesticated bliss, living a normal life.

I knew life would be hard away from the club, but I hadn’t anticipated this. Without any backup or support, we were easy prey for the picking. I didn’t like feeling this way, used to being the alpha dog in my world.

Sighing, I sat up, bracing my head in my hands. I had to do something. We couldn’t keep running for the rest of our lives. It wasn’t any way to live or helpful to Darcie. But what were my options? I couldn’t leave her, even if it was better for her.

My life didn’t make sense without my princess. But I couldn’t forget my purpose, my whole reasoning for joining the Mavericks in the first place. Avoiding reality and pretending I didn’t have responsibilities wasn’t doing either of us any favors.

And it wasn’t just Darcie I was letting down, but the other piece of my heart.

Standing in resignation, I lumbered over to the dresser and pulled on my jeans, stepping into my boots. Snagging my walletand phone, I stepped outside, closing the door silently. I walked over to the railing, peering out to the parking lot below. We were in some small town a few hours away. We’d need to leave soon, but I couldn’t wake her just yet.

I unlocked my phone and stared at my contacts, my finger hovering over the number. I didn’t want to make this call. Everything in my being was screaming at me not to. Resigned, I hit the button and placed it to my ear. It rang once before it was answered. Even in the early hours of the morning, he answered.

“I’m surprised to hear from you this soon.”

“I know.”

“What’s happened?”

“There was an incident,” I sighed, rubbing my forehead. “We’re on the run.” I hated to admit this to him because it meant I wasn’t man enough to do it on my own.

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