Page 37 of Diem

The problem is that it doesn't explain the Dixie shit though and that leads us down a path with more questions than answers.

In the meantime, all I can do is make sure Maeve isn't in danger, while convincing her that I don’t lust after her lush curves and sassy mouth.

Yep, easier said than done.

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Maeve

I barely make it through the week with my thoughts all over the place which is why I miss my Mom standing in the kitchen when I blow through.

I’m two steps from the stairs when she says, “Mae? I need you to go to the store.”

Pausing mid-step, I stare at the wall and say, “Why?”

Truthfully, it’s hard to look at either of my parents right now. Neither of them seems to care about how their behavior is tearing apart our family and my soul burns for that.

“Milk.”

What? Milk? The woman goes to the grocery store twice a week.

I comply, if a little suspiciously. Is she trying to get rid of me? Why?

Since I don’t have time for this, I rush through the store, intent on getting in and out.Harriet is picking me up in half an hour for a party and I haven’t had time to get ready.

All through the line, I glance at my watch, tapping my foot before finally I pay and race to my car.

Unfortunately, I’m not aware of my surroundings and come upon Skull too late. He stands from his lean against the hood of my Honda, and I stutter to a stop.

Gulping, I drop my hand when he stalks toward me. It’s pure instinct when I back up into a wall of flesh and the milk falls to the ground as I’m picked up from behind and spun to the car.

Skull holds out his hand and says, “Keys.”

Dumbly I stare until he chuffs and sticks his hand in my jeans pocket, leering at me as he roots around. “Hm, maybe when I’m done with that fucker, I’ll take you for a spin.”

He licks his lips and I cringe away while he unlocks the back door, and his companion shoves me inside.

Skull follows, grabbing my neck and I can’t hold back the whimper when he leans into my face. “What did I tell you?”

My tongue is stuck to the roof of my mouth but even so, I have a feeling this is a brutal but rhetorical question.

“Maybe you need a little reminder?”

“N-no,” I whisper. “I’ll tell him.”

Of course, I don’t mention that Diem already knows because it’s leverage, I can’t afford to lose. If he thinks Diem has the information and hasn’t done anything, what will he do to me?

His hand tightens around my neck, and I wince as he says, “Last chance. Tell that piece of shit, I don’t care who he’s affiliated with, I’ll fuck up his world.”

He shoves me away and exits the vehicle, the car shaking under his vehemence. I stare after him blankly before sagging.

What just happened?

I was almost assaulted in my own damn car, that’s what. By a thug with a hard-on for Diem. Is this really my life?

I’m not sure how long I sit there before I climb between the seats and start the car, this after three attempts to get the damn key in the ignition.

The drive home is a blur and I only remember the damn milk when I stop in the kitchen.

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