Page 25 of Beautiful Envy

“Maybe if we hurry, we can get there before they leave,” I suggested.

Grayson looked at the clock, then the schedule, jumping up from the desk. “Chop, chop, Cowboy. We have a girl to woo.”

Grinning, I hopped up, a new skip in my step. I knew I could’ve been selfish and kept Darcie to myself. But the dream we’d conjured up one drunken night had stayed with me; the hope we could always be a brotherhood with one woman to devote ourselves to felt right.

There hadn’t been any women before that had fit the bill. Mostly because I’d always been too shy to step outside my comfort zone and try. With Darcie, it wasn’t as scary; her body was already a permanent image in my mind.

As we finished the day, I couldn’t help but notice how much happier Grayson seemed too. Darcie would be good for us, and we’d keep her safe.

In the back of my mind, I knew I’d have to face the ghost of Maddox with her one day, but for now, I’d relish in the fact that the girl of my dreams was no longer just a voice over a screen.

Diary #8

Dear Mom,

I had an incident today where I was taken back to that moment in my life when I felt my weakest. It lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough to make me stop and question myself.

Am I not as strong as I thought?

Why was this still affecting me?

I hate that Agonizer has scarred my life and left his imprint on my soul. I want nothing to do with the man, but it’s there, a lasting bruise that will never heal.

I need to do something that makes me feel strong. I need to keep fighting, so I don’t revert back to that version of me.

I said I would learn to protect myself, so it’s time I put my money where my mouth is and remember all my training.

I’ll be okay. I know that. I just needed to remind myself for a moment.

Love,

Me

CHAPTER 9

Darcie

By the end of the day, I felt accomplished and proud of my work. I’d made friends with a few of the artists, learning how they wanted their trays set up. Bubba had avoided me, only giving me grunts when I asked for his opinion.

I could feel his eyes on me, though, causing me to purposely bend over and flirt with the others when he was watching. The number of items he dropped made me question his ability to tattoo. I'd worry about his skill if I hadn’t seen his work.

“See you guys later,” I hollered as I stepped outside after Bubba’s shift was over. His face was blank, but I caught him fidgeting with the keys. “Everything okay?” I asked, curious about his sudden nervousness.

He kept walking, a grunt leaving him before he cleared his throat. “I um,” he started, rubbing the back of his neck. Bubba turned, his eyes meeting mine for the first time in hours. I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling like I needed some protection.

“I wanted to apologize for earlier. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I’d never hurt you, Darcie.”

I took a deep breath, nodding as I let it out. “I know. It wasn’t you. It’s just…” I waved my hands around in front of me. “Men haven’t always been the nicest to me.” I left it at that, not wanting to get into my trauma in the parking lot.

Bubba’s face changed from contrite to rage. “Who?” he growled.

“It’s in the past. It doesn’t matter.” I dropped my arms, fiddling with my hem.

His nostrils flared, his jaw tightening. I couldn’t understand why he reacted the way he did. He hadn’t even known me back then.

“I’m sorry I made you remember, then. I’d like to make it up to you.” He let out a pained breath. It instantly made me focus on him, not on my feelings.

“Oh?”

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