Page 114 of Imogen

Maddox pulls his attention away from his phone. “No one messes with a Carter and lives to tell the tale.”

I gulp. Maybe that’s why I haven’t heard from Zach. “Please tell me he’s not dead? I don’t want you guys going to prison.”

Maddox gives me a pointed look. “Like we’d get caught if he were. The prick is fine. He’ll just rethink fucking with us. He’s lucky that’s all we did after the shit he’s tried to pull.”

“I really am sorry he’s dragged you all into it.”

Hope wraps her arm around me. “You’re joking, aren’t you? This is the most fun they’ve had since they were up against the Hayes’. This time, they don’t need to hold back.”

“Who are you bloody texting because Amelia is inside,” Mark asks, nudging Maddox.

“My kids. It’s the first time we’ve been apart and they’re missing me.”

“They’re missing you?” Liam questions, raising his brow.

“Yes. They cried, and I’m telling you, if it wasn’t for her mum shoving me out of the door, I would still be there. She doesn’t know how Asher likes to be rocked. She’s alright with Jasmine but, mate, it killed me to leave her,” he explains as his phone rings. “It’s Nita Facetiming me.”

“Answer it then,” Hope orders.

He does, and Nita’s face appears on the screen. “Maddox Carter, you’ve been gone an hour and a half,” she scolds.

“I just didn’t want him to forget me,” Maddox explains.

“You spoil them,” she declares.

He sucks in a breath. “I do not.”

“You do. Little miss keeps calling me to bring her food.”

“Bring her food? Is she sick?” he stresses, moving his head side to side like it will let him see more of what’s going on behind Nita.

“She’s perfectly fine, but I’m assuming this behaviour is your doing,” she states and turns the screen. We all lean in and see Jasmine tucked up on the sofa with a thick, fluffy blanket. Food wrappers and a plate surround her and she’s clicking her fingers.

“Grandpa, the juice, please,” she demands, holding her hand out.

Maddox scratches the back of his neck. “We, um, we like to cabbage on the couch and watch movies,” he replies.

“She had Gareth on the floor painting her toes. Said you do it for her all the time,” she continues, and it earns a few sniggers from the lads. Me and Hope just melt.

“Look, I can’t say no to her.”

“Grandma, are you recording me?” Jasmine demands, shoving her headphones off her head. “Because I have rights. Girl rights. You need my permission.”

The screen turns again and Nita arches a brow at Maddox. “Your doing?”

“She ain’t wrong,” he argues sheepishly.

“Maddox,”Jasmine squeals. “Kisses.”

He doesn’t even hesitate before he’s blowing kisses down the phone. “You missing me?”

“Like cheese on a burger,” she answers.

“Be good for your grandparents remember,” he warns gently.

She huffs. “I can’t help but be awesome.”

Maddox chuckles but quickly turns the phone around and presses his lips together. It’s only when Jasmine is back on the phone that he continues. “You can only be that awesome when I’m there.”

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