Page 109 of Straight to Me

Mum: Madison that’s great news! Wow, a man from Preston, can’t wait to hear everything about him. I'm going out for lunch soon, so will speak when you’re back. Mum x

Pleased to get that out of the way, I happily enjoy the silence of the room. Closing my eyes briefly, I realise I could steal a few extra moments to sleep. Who knows how long VP will be with Ronnie. I could catch thirty winks and be back at the bar in no time.

The longer I sit, the more tempted I am not to move.

“Madison!”

I must be dreaming already. Nobody here calls me by my full name. It stirs me a little, then it comes again, this time with a sound, like banging doors.

“Madison!”

I open my eyes. Is VP looking for me? It sounds like him, but why would he call me by my full name?

Almost taking the hinges off the door, VP crashes into the room hysterical. He’s frantic. His hands grab my arms tight.

“VP?”

“Get up! We’ve got to go now!”

“Deano where are you?” Jack shouts from the hall.

“In here, we’re coming!”

“What’s happening?!” He’s scaring me.

“Saviours, outside. I need to get you out right fucking now!”

I jump up, my phone ripping the charger out the wall, and quickly put it in my back pocket while running to my shoes by the door. “No time!” VP shouts.

BANG!

Immediately dropping to the floor, the room seems to shake beneath our feet. Gun fire can be heard from the main part of the clubhouse. Women scream as men shout to one another.

More gun fire cracks in the distance.

“Deano!” Jack shouts.

He and Ronnie stand side by side at the open door.

“Dean, we need you out there! Saviours have got in the main house!” Ronnie clicks his handgun, checking the hallway constantly.

VP’s grip on me tightens and our eyes meet. Neither of us move as the sound of people getting hurt comes from the other room.

“Dean!”

“Fuck!” he bellows, caught between protecting me and fighting back.

“Deano, I’ll get Mads out. You go.”

What?! No! I don’t want to leave him. Jack moves to me, taking me in his hands. VP stands but won’t let me go. “Dean, move. We have to go! I won’t let anything happen to her!” Jack starts pulling me back.

VP smashes his lips on mine as Jack continues to drag me away.

“Don’t fucking leave her side!” he orders.

“I won’t, now go!”

I’m dragged away, looking back as VP heads with Ronnie towards the danger. Tears stream down my face as the thought of never seeing him again crosses my mind. My feet stumble as Jack pulls me towards an exit around the back.

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