Page 51 of Masked Darling

Maybe, because she wasn’t alone anymore.

Maybe, because the people around her were the closest thing she had to a family.

Kade’s hand lifted to brush her red curls behind her ear, and Madison let herself lean into it. He was so good with his touches. Soft, careful, gentle movements of his fingers on her hair or her skin.

“I’m... I’m doing better,” she said, her voice steady. “I’ve been going to therapy. It’s helping. I know there’s still a lot I have to work through, but... planning the move to Arizona with Kade... it’s been helping me focus on the future. On what comes next instead of what’s already happened.” She paused, glancing down at her hands before looking back up at Sadie. “It’s been nice, you know? To have something to look forward to. To know that there’s more than just... all of this, isn’t it?”

Sadie squeezed her hand, the unspoken understanding between them clear. “I’m proud of you,” she said quietly.

Kade smiled at Madison, his eyes softening as some hair fell across his forehead. “We’re figuring it all out together. One step at a time.”

The simple words hit her deeper than she expected.

Together.

It was a word that carried so much to it now—so much more than it had a month ago. A month ago, they were fighting with each other for the wrong reasons, struggling to keep their distance. And then they’d gone through something so earth-shattering that it showed them they needed to appreciate the most important thing that was right in front of them.

Jagger stood leaning against the counter, his hands tucked casually into his pockets as he settled into the conversation. He’d had a similar moment with Sadie once and it was a wild feeling seeing it come full circle with his brother. He allowed himself another moment to watch Madison and Kade as they shared aquiet moment between them, but he couldn’t resist pushing a little teasing their way.

“So, Madison,” Jagger said with a raised eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. “What on earth made you agree to move across the country for my idiot brother?”

Madison snorted, rolling her eyes but not missing a beat. “I always planned to travel after school,” she said, tossing some hair over her shoulder. “And your brother was the perfect excuse. Now, I don’t have to carry all my boxes by myself.”

“Always a princess,” Kade smirked. “It’s more than that, though, and you know it.” His eyes met hers, and there was something raw in his gaze. “I’m the luckiest bastard alive because youwantto stay with me. It’s not just about the move. It’s you, choosing me.”

Madison’s chest tightened, and she didn’t need to say much in return; she just kissed his cheek softly.

Before the moment could linger too long, Sadie broke in, her voice dripping with mischief of her own. There was a reason Jagger and her were perfect for each other, after all. “Are yousureit’s not just his dick that sealed the deal?” She gave Madison a teasing look. “I mean, I have the older version but they are brothers so it’s gotta be similar in make and model. I’ve madeplentyof rash decisions based on Jagger’s, uh, charm.”

Madison burst out laughing, grabbing the straw from her drink and throwing it at Sadie. “You’re terrible,” she said, but the laughter was contagious, and soon they were both giggling.

The boys, on the other hand, shared a glance that could only be described as disbelief. Kade’s brow furrowed slightly as he looked between Madison and Sadie, almost speechless at how brazen they were. Jagger let out a low chuckle and shook his head.

“You two are something else,” Jagger muttered, rubbing a hand over his face. “Seriously. How do we get anything done with you two around?”

Kade just shrugged, clearly trying to hide his amusement. “I don’t know,” he said, “but I’mdefinitelynot going to be the one to stop them.”

“Thanks, K. That’s great.Reallygreat.”

Madison gave Kade a wink. “Hey, if it weren’t foryour dick,” she teased, “I could be moving across the country with some other guy.”

Kade gave her a playful smile. “Lucky me, then.”

The door to the bar creaked open, drawing everyone’s attention. Jazlyn and Camille walked in, almost too wrapped up in each other to notice they were being watched. They were holding hands, their heads tilted together as they whispered and laughed. It was almosttoocute—especially considering that not so long ago, they were enemies that were barely able to stand one another.

Sadie, clearly unfazed by the lovebirds’ arrival, waved them over. “Alright, you two. Get over here and start signing.” She leaned back, a satisfied smile on her face as she looked at them.

There was no more hesitation about the next moves they were making and Camille nudged Jazlyn with her shoulder, still smiling like it was the most normal thing in the world. The girls’ chemistry was undeniable now, and though it was sweet, it was a littlesickeningto everyone who remembered how they used to be at each other’s throats. But that was love.

Sadie’s excitement was palpable as she started explaining the documents to them. “Alright, here’s the deal. You’re both taking over the bar, and we leave for New York next month. We’re leaving everything here in the bar and apartment as far as furniture and decor, etc. You won’t need to buy anything unlessyou want to. We’re just taking our personal stuff with us when we go, okay?”

Kade’s eyes widened, his jaw almost hitting the counter. “Wait,nextmonth? That’s before we even move in September!”

Sadie just shrugged, unfazed by his reaction. “Yup, that’s the plan. We’re not waiting around.”

Kade blinked, still processing it. “But that’sbeforewe move.”

Jagger chuckled, tossing a rag over his shoulder. “Yeah, I know. I need you to help me with my boxes, too. Hope you’re not expecting me to thank you the same way as you–,” He shot Kade a pointed look. “Get thanked by your princess, though.”

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