Page 50 of Target

“Wayne was a dick from the start and I should have said something sooner, like Grandpa Pete and Aria, but I was wrong for holding my tongue. As for Target, I have seen him aroundyou, seen how you light up speaking about him but I also see that you still have your guard up about bikers… about men.”

She is right. My dating history has been hit-or-miss, some causing me pain and panic, so I am fearful of starting something new. There is a part of me that wants to embrace the adventure and passion that comes with love, but the scars from past relationships linger, making me hesitate. I know Darian understands this, because she has been there first-hand, witnessing the fallout.

She lets me think it over, letting her words sink in so I can process. Sometimes I need to do this as I can get overwhelmed with too much information, which is not good being the owner of a planning business.

“What is your biggest worry?”

I sigh, looking back at her. “He is a biker, part of a big MC.”

She nods. “That he is, believe me I have seen those men at the clubhouse. Madalyn, they are nothing like him, they seem to respect women. You have seen how Target is with his kids, don’t you think that if he was a prick to women he would also be a deadbeat dad?”

I sigh. “No. He has only treated me with respect, and Grandpa.”

“Since what you went through, I have met a few bikers.” I look at her with wide eyes. “Babe, I like sex, and bikers are good at it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I know I have my hangups but I do not want us hiding anything from each other.” My voice is low, and her eyes sadden, making guilt settle in my tummy.

“I know how you feel about them and I did not want to upset you. What do you say from now on, no more hiding shit from each other, okay?” I nod.

“I really freaking like that plan.” We smile at each other.

“What he did to you does not mean all bikers are the same. As I said, not all men are sick fuckers who get off on hurting women.”

“I know. The man who-shall-not-named, hurt me. God, Dar, I lost myself for those eight months. I know to most it seems like such a short time, but I almost lost you, I almost lost myself, because I thought he freaking loved me.”

“He loved the easy money and sex, babe. Sorry.”

“No, I know. He left his mark on me, didn’t he?”

“That he did, Maddi.” I smile at the name she uses for me. She tilts her head, looking at me with a loving but confused look.

“Emmi called me Maddi the other night, and she was worried that she upset me when she used a nickname for me, but I told her that I was more than happy for her and Rex to use the name. It made me think of us, of our friendship.”

Her smile widens. “Only me and Aria call you Maddi. I love that Target calls you Mads.”

“It feels right for some reason.” I pick at my food, suddenly missing being around Kohen.

“Try something for me.” I look back at her. “Learn to trust again. Forget all the shitty men from your past, Target is the future so try and enjoy him. Learn with him. Honestly, babe, I think he will be good for you.”

A smile shifts across my lips thinking of him. Seeing how he is with Emmi and Rex. Also Grandpa Peter. He gives off good man vibes with his ruggedly handsome rough and ready biker energy.

A perfect combination.

Images of Kohen smiling at me— the way his lips felt against mine— flood my mind. Since my ex hurt me, I am acutely aware of men when they touch me; I instantly get a sense of whether they are good or not.

Target is good. So far.

My heart beats a bit faster thinking of him, the way that he held me, touched me. How he knew what I needed that night, how he let me take control by riding him. God, his hands felt so good on my skin.

My body was aware of every touch from him, like we were in tune with each other.

“Oh, you are thinking something dirty. How good did he dick you, Missy?” She wags her finger at me, making me giggle.

Licking my lips, I reach for my soda and take a sip before giving her the details that’s she wants. If she were anyone else, I would not give in and tell all, but Darian is like a sister to me.

“The best I have ever had. He made me get on top, on his sofa. I was so scared the kids would come downstairs investigating the noise but he said that they sleep like the dead. It felt so good, he made me feel so cherished. His hands on my body were careful, yet held a rough edge— like he was savoring me, but couldn’t help wanting more.”

“Told you, bikers know how to fuck.”

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