Beautiful Unity (Music City Diaries #3)

Chapter 1

One

DARCIE

The wind whipped around my helmet as we cruised down the backcountry road. My body buzzed with energy—one made from a beautiful unity of pain, love, and reclaiming.

I was done running. I was tired of looking over my shoulder, waiting for someone to find me. There was power in taking back your destiny.

I had no clue what awaited me in Mississippi. I didn’t know if my dad was even still in charge of the Mavericks or if it had been overrun by Agonizer’s men, the Diamonds. But I didn’t care. I’d walk in there and show them who to bow down to.

Me.

Their new queen.

The loud roar of Maddox’s bike caught my attention, and I turned to him as he pulled up beside me. He nodded, and I reciprocated it, letting him know I understood. We had Bluetooth in our helmets, but the guys only wanted to use them for special circumstances. So, we’d resorted to the old-school way of head nods and hand gestures. Once he had my agreement, he drove ahead and did the same to each of the guys ahead of me—my men.

Grayson currently led with Brooks behind him, followed by me, with Waylon and Maddox having taken up the rear on this stretch of our trek. We’d been alternating who led, or they at least had. Somehow, I always ended up smack in the middle of our train.

Not that I minded. Staring at Brooks’ ass the past few hours had been a nice view. It had visions of what it would be like to be with all four of them at once running through my head. Grayson and Brooks weren’t shy about being with me together, and I had a feeling Maddox wouldn’t mind either once we crossed that boundary again. It was Waylon I wasn’t sure about, and I had no clue how he’d respond to my request.

Once Maddox reached the front, he sped ahead and turned at the next road. Our train followed; the loud sounds of our engines disruptive to the quiet as we entered a small southern town. The speed limit decreased as we neared the town center, so we slowed our bikes, following the limit to a T. We didn’t need to draw any unnecessary attention.

I might not be running any longer, but I wanted to avoid landing on any radars—the police and other clubs. The bounty Agonizer had out for me was high, and it would be too tempting for anyone to ignore, desperate or not.

So, until we dealt with Stanley Driscoll, we’d continue to stay off the grid.

Maddox wove us through the small town, taking us to the outskirts where a semi-decent motel stood. The brick was faded, but the parking lot was clean, and the doors looked to have a fresh coat of paint. Brooks and Grayson parked their bikes by the office while Maddox, Waylon, and I pulled around to the side.

If, in the worst-case scenario, we were discovered, we didn’t want all of our bikes in one spot in case we needed to make a fast escape. None of us wanted to leave our bikes, but we’d do it if it were them or us. Bikes could be replaced, but we couldn’t.

Even after turning my bike off, my body continued to vibrate. The sensation of being still hadn’t settled yet. My muscles ached from riding for hours, and I cherished it. I’d missed this delicious burn that only came from my legs wrapped around a steel demon.

Unhooking my helmet, I shook out my hair and pulled it away from my neck. Sweat clung to me like a second skin, an accurate marker of a good ride. Ah, that’s the good stuff.

I kicked out my stand and settled my bike before hiking my leg over my girl. I gave her a soft pat for the good ride and thanked her for keeping me safe. Standing, I found two sets of blue eyes watching my every move. One midnight blue, so familiar yet foreign at the same time, and the other a light blue that knew me in new ways. They both set my pulse racing.

“Good ride?” I asked, my voice scratchy. I cleared my throat, eyeing the two men.

They were so similar in many ways—protective, domineering, and possessive. They made me feel like a queen and gave me the strength to believe in myself. And when their gaze was focused on me, it made my skin heat and arousal pooled deep in my belly.

Maddox broke away from his bike first and towered over me as he peered down. “You looked good riding, Princess.” He fingered my hair, brushing it back behind my ear. Goosebumps rose, my body craving more of his touch. It had been so long since we’d been intimate, and I craved that deeper connection with him.

It had been a month since he’d returned and we’d taken things slow. We’d found our footing with one another, and Maddox had respected my other relationships. But it was time to bring him into the fold. I needed him in every way now.

“It felt good to ride.” I smiled, my body leaning forward.

“We got two rooms,” Grayson said, stepping around the corner to where we’d gathered. I stepped back, pulled my bag out of my saddlebag, and stored my helmet. The sun set behind us, and when my stomach growled, I realized how long we’d been on the road.

The guys looked at me, smirking at the sound. “How about you shower, and we’ll grab some food?” Bubba suggested, surprising me.

“Um, sure. That sounds good. Which room am I in?” I hiked my bag up, glancing between the four men. I told them I wouldn’t choose who I stayed with each night, so they’d need to figure it out and let me know.

“Mine,” Maddox said, grinning, as he held up a key.

Butterflies kicked up, and my heart flip-flopped at the eagerness in his eyes. Fucking finally.

“I guess you’ll do,” I teased. Maddox gave me a sizzling look that made me curl my toes in my boots. Distracted, I kissed Bubba and Grayson on the cheek as they bickered about where to grab food. Bubba gave me a knowing look, squeezing my ass before he climbed onto his bike and revved it.

Brooks took my hand as we walked around to the front. He smiled shyly at me, his green eyes shimmering. I loved his quiet confidence. He wasn’t as touchy-feely as Grayson or possessive as Waylon, but he had his way of making me feel cherished.

“I’ll let you know when the food is here,” he said, kissing me once he reached the other door.

Maddox stood a few feet ahead with his hip propping the door open and a soft smile on his face. He reached out and took my hand when I neared, pulling me into him.

“No pressure, Princess. You’re in charge here.”

I loved that he said it, but it wasn’t necessary. Not with him. “I’m ready, Maddox. My heart and my body are finally in sync.”

His smile turned predatory at that. “Let’s see how shitty these showers are then.”

Laughing, I stepped into the room and didn’t have much hope. Places like this weren’t known for their water pressure, but what you lost in accommodations, you gained in privacy. Though as sweaty as I currently was, any pressure would feel splendid.

At the sight of the bed, I halted. “What the hell?” I laughed, glancing back at Maddox. He smirked and shrugged, tossing his jacket onto the nearby chair.

The bed sat in the center of the room. It was bright red and in the shape of a heart—a heart! Next to it was a jacuzzi tub, which was also red, heart-shaped, and sparkly! The entire room was done in pinks and reds from the carpet to the wallpaper.

“Honeymoon suite,” Maddox said, stepping behind me and wrapping his arms around me.

“Hmm. So you think they’re hinting at something?”

“That you like pink?” he teased.

“Sure. We’ll go with that.” I chuckled, stepping out of his arms and pulling my leather jacket off. I laid it on the bed and stepped further into the room. If you could ignore the gaudy decor, the room was decent—clean and didn’t smell of moldy cigarettes. That was a win in my book.

I flipped the lights in the bathroom on, finding a small shower stall, toilet, and sink. It looked like the heart-themed theme ended here. Thank Gucci.

Threadbare towels sat on the counter. I picked up one and snorted at the size of it. There was no way it would cover any skin. Oh well. At least it smelled clean.

Pulling my tank top off, I caught sight of my tattoo and smiled at the reminder. The crown with the R stood for so much more than a brand. It was the start of our new beginning—the five of us against everyone who stood in our way.

Turning on the shower, I fiddled with the temperature but gave up after a few minutes. Tepid water it was then. I finished undressing and stepped under the water, relishing the cleanliness of washing the sweat away. I could rough it, but there was something to be said about a shower.

“Can I join you?” Maddox asked. I glanced over to where he stood naked, his cock hard and on display. I swallowed. It had been a while since I’d seen it.

I nodded, stepping back so he could squeeze into the tiny space. Neither of us spoke as we used the generic soap and shampoo to wash up. The water sputtered halfway through, the water quickly turning cold, and we both hurried to finish, just as it became ice-cold.

“Shit. That’s fucking cold!” Maddox jumped out from under the spray. Thankfully, his big body had blocked most of the freezing water from me. Laughing, I reached around and shut off the water. Once we weren’t chilled to the bone, I realized how close I’d stepped. My nipples brushed his chest hair, and his cock poked my belly.

We stared at one another, and time seemed to stand still. Water droplets clung to his hair, dripped down his face, and gathered on his eyelashes. Why was that so sexy? I didn’t know, but I was a fan. Big fan.

“Madd,” I gasped, and he moved.

Tattooed arms wrapped around me, picking me up, and bringing our mouths together. Maddox’s lips sealed over mine, re-igniting all the passion and feelings I’d been too scared to remember. Gripping his wet strands, I let myself get lost in his kiss.

This was the first man I’d loved. The first man to treasure my body. The first man to teach me about consent.

Maddox King had always owned a part of my heart, and kissing him after years of separation was a beautiful homecoming.

“Fuck, Darce. I thought I remembered how good you felt in my arms. But damn, my memory was lacking.”

I whimpered, needing his mouth back on mine. Maddox snickered, pushed the cheap shower curtain aside, and stepped out of it. He carried me over to the heart-shaped bed and lowered me onto it.

“I plan to feast on every inch of you tonight, but right now, I just need you.”

“Yes.” I arched my back and my nipples grazed his chest again. He stepped away, and I whimpered at the loss of him. He rummaged through his bag, pulling out a condom and sheathing himself in it before returning.

Maddox kneeled on the bed, his powerful thighs on display as he reached for me. I eagerly climbed into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist as he held me suspended. I kissed him, needing his mouth with a deep desperation or I’d go insane. His hands flexed on my ass and he lowered me, his cock sliding into my pussy with ease. We groaned; the feel of him after all these years glorious.

“Shit. Fuck,” he cursed, pressing his forehead against mine. “You feel so good, baby. I’m not going to last. It’s been too long without you.”

“Hurry up then so we can get to round two.”

Maddox laughed, the motion moving him deeper inside, and my eyes rolled back. All humor left his face, and something feral replaced it. I had a second to wrap my arms around his neck before he pummeled my pussy, thrusting up and pushing me down in tandem.

“Ah, Madd, goodness,” I moaned, his dick hitting me so deep I wasn’t sure I’d be able to walk after this. The man rearranged my insides with each thrust, and all I could think was that I wanted more.

More of Maddox King. More of his magnificent dick. More of this connection I’d ignored to protect myself.

Protection no longer existed. Maddox King had reclaimed my heart, and I’d never let him go again.

“So fucking good, Princess. Shit, I’ve missed this. I’m so close.”

“Mmhmm,” I moaned, my nails digging into his shoulder blades. My body was one thrust away from detonating. And the only way I’d be put back together was with his love and kisses.

“I love you,” he whispered, just as he thrust deep one last time. His midnight blue eyes bore into mine, the years between us fading away as we reformed our connection. My orgasm hit, toppling over, and I shuddered in his arms as his cock twitched against my walls.

“I love you, Madd.”

He laid me down, pushing my wet hair out of the way as he stared. “I’m here to stay, Princess. I’ll never leave your side again.”

“I know.” I cupped his cheek, rubbing my hand against his stubble. Maddox smiled, the worry and fear leaving him as he burrowed into my touch.

“Wherever you go, whatever we do, I’m yours.”

“And I’m yours.”

Eventually, we got up and dressed, and I managed to salvage my hair from its frizzy state. Waylon and Grayson returned soon after, and we had dinner together in their room, which was not heart-shaped. Thank Gucci!

With bellies full, Maddox and I returned to our room, where he worshiped and reacquainted himself with every inch of my body.

It was my new favorite way to spend the night. The only thing that would have made it better was if they were all here.

Soon. I’d make it happen. That was a promise to myself.