Chapter 3
Three
MADDOX
I drove into the night, speeding as much as tangible without killing us. The wind whipped against my face, doing nothing to cool the anger firing through my veins.
Everything I’d done today had been wrong.
Tank had been acting funny, but I let it go, not questioning him, trusting the man I respected above none other. That creep Chase had been sniffing around Darcie, but I let him go instead of punching him. I almost kissed the most perfect girl, but I stopped myself, duty and honor coursing through me, letting her go.
And look where honor had gotten me.
After a shot of tequila, I’d gone to fix the one thing I’d let go of, deciding it was time to kiss my princess and show her just how much she meant to me. I wasn’t going to let her go with Agonizer.
But I was too late, and that asshole had stolen something precious from her.
Rage had filled me when I heard her screams, and I thundered into her room, ready to kill anyone who dared touch her. Darcie was mine, even if she didn’t know it yet.
From the moment I kissed her under the willow tree when we were kids, she always had been. She probably didn’t even remember it, but that had been it for me. And every summer when we visited, I fell more and more in love with her until I finally was able to enter the program at eighteen, leaving my father behind.
She thought none of the guys wanted her because of who her father was, but it was because of me. I threatened any of the boys at school who tried to lay a hand on her. After a few punches, they fell in line. It had been Hank who stepped in, stopping me from telling her my feelings back then.
“She has to prove she can make it on her own in a club before you can claim her. If not, no one will respect her. Do you understand? She has to show the others she’s rightfully their queen and didn’t get the position because of me or you. Darcie wouldn’t want it that way either. You know this.”
It had made sense at the time, and I vowed to help her with the program. If she passed, no one could deny her place in our world.
Hank had started the program when he became Pres, wanting the men in his club to be more than motorcycle hotheads looking for pussy and a good time. If they passed, then they got their patch. It wasn’t about killing or scoring drugs in the Mavericks, but respect. If you could hold your own and pass one of the most grueling tests around, then you belonged in the Mavericks.
I’d learned about the program when I was fourteen and I wanted nothing more than to go through it right then, but my father made me wait. He had his own club to run, after all, and it wouldn’t look good for his son to leave his. So, I bargained that checking it out would be a good learning opportunity, while not mentioning I never intended to return to his.
Hank had fashioned the Maverick Culling Defense after his time in the Marines, using the Bootcamp structure to test prospects on their fitness, ingenuity, and survival skills. It was a testament to their character if they could pass.
The Mavericks looked like your typical motorcycle club from the outside. They rode bikes, wore leathers, and were covered in tattoos. They drank, fucked sweet butts, and bent the law at times. We weren’t saints, not by a long shot, but there was something more to being a Maverick. Partially, it was due to the fact our operation wasn’t about guns, drugs, or sex, instead making the program a valuable part of initiation.
More men and women failed out the first week than made it through. Which was why the fact Darcie had finally passed was a big deal. She’d earned her spot amongst our ranks.
So, why had Hank sold her to Agonizer? It didn’t make sense. It went against everything we stood for, and I wasn’t going to let it go.
When Tank had come into her room, finding me standing over the asshole, he barely managed to get me off of him before I killed the scumbag.
“Stop! You can’t kill him, Maddox.”
“Like fuck I can’t!”
“There’s more at play, son. I want you to take Darcie away from here. Go, pack a bag. I’ll explain everything.”
It was those words that had me dropping the asshole and heading to my room, tossing a few things in it before I headed back. I didn’t need much outside of Darcie and my bike. She’d been my main reason for joining, so without her, it didn’t make much sense to stay, anyway. I’d come with two purposes, and at least one of them would come to fruition.
Her arms tightened around me, and I felt her body tremble behind me. The reassurance she was with me as the miles disappeared between us and the compound was the only thing that quelled the fire raging in me.
I’d driven for two hours when I decided it was safe enough to stop. I turned into a town and found a convenience store still open and pulled in. The bike clicked as I turned it off, and sound, outside of the wind and the engine, returned to my ears. Placing my hand on top of hers, I linked my fingers in one and stepped off the bike. I couldn’t let go just yet. Everything I wanted balanced on a precipice, and I didn’t want it to tip over in the wrong direction.
“Runt, do you want to go inside?” she blinked, looking up at me. Her pale blue eyes were shadowed, and I didn’t like it. “I’ll go with you if you want. I need to fill up, and then we’ll be back on the road. I want to put more miles between us before we stop.”
She nodded numbly, letting me pull her into the store. When the ding on the door sounded, she jumped, burrowing into my side. Wrapping my arm around her, I walked with her to the bathroom, glad it was the unisex one. Locking the door, I grimaced when I saw the state of the place. But it would have to do.
Taking her in, I looked her over, assessing all of her injuries. Taking a wet paper towel, I gently placed it against her lip. She winced but let me dab it to wipe the dried blood.
“Hold that there. I’m going to take off the hoodie so I can see more. Are you okay with that?” She looked up, her eyes vacant, but nodded. Gently, I took each arm out of the sleeves and pulled the neck to lift it over her head. Placing it on the sink, I took her in. There were some cuts and scrapes along her arms; red marks and bruises were already forming.
“You fought hard, Princess.”
Her shirt was torn, and I wished I’d thought to bring in a new one for her. It would have to wait. Bracing myself, I bent at the knees to inspect lower. Blood had trailed down her leg, and I swore. Standing up, I grabbed another paper towel and wetted it. As softly as possible, I trailed it up her leg to remove the evidence of Agonizer’s greed. She tensed when the wetness touched her leg, her body trembling more as a whimper left her lip.
“I’m sorry, Princess. I’ll be quick.”
Once she was clean, I placed the hoodie back over her and helped her wash her hands.
“Do you need to go to the bathroom?” I asked, clearing my throat.
She looked up, almost like she was trying to decipher my words. Finally, she shook her head, wrapping her arms around herself. Pulling up the hood again, I pulled her into my side and exited. At this time of night, thankfully, there weren’t a lot of patrons to avoid being seen by.
Heading to an aisle, I grabbed a first-aid kit, a bottle of water, and a pack of Starburst. The clerk looked at us suspiciously, but he dropped his eyes when he saw my patch, scanning the items I’d placed on the counter.
“You okay, miss?” he asked, building up the nerve. “This man bothering you?”
“I’m good,” Darcie said, curling into my side more.
I narrowed my eyes at the man but nodded in respect. “You know who I am and still asked that?”
“No one should disrespect a woman, not even a Maverick.”
“That took balls.” I scratched my jaw, taking him in. “Just so you know, I didn’t. I’m the one rescuing her. I respect your willingness to stick your neck out for my girl, though. If you ever need anything, let Tank know Mad Dog owes you a favor.” He swallowed, nodding. “Twenty on pump 3. Take care, sir.” I tapped the counter, leaving more cash than necessary, and took the bag, leaving the man in shock.
Favors of the Mavericks were a big thing. Even if I was a ghost from here on out, I knew Tank would honor my request. It might seem risky, but I hoped it also helped him keep his mouth shut if anyone else came by asking. Kindness and honor got you further than fear most of the time. I learned that from Hank, the opposite of my father.
When we got back out to the pump, I started it before opening the saddlebag. I searched through and pulled out a pair of soft pants for her.
“Here.” She looked at them like a foreign object, so I helped her step into them, pulling them up. “Do you want to keep your backpack on or put it in here?” She stared, and I worried she was going into shock.
“Darcie!”
She blinked, looking up. “I’ll keep it.”
Nodding, I smoothed her hair and pulled her into a hug. I’d never get tired of holding her. The click of the pump had me pulling away, kissing her forehead. Putting the gas pump back, I locked the saddlebags and climbed back on my bike. This time, I handed her the helmet I’d grabbed out, able to think more clearly when it didn’t feel like our lives depended on it.
Like a pro, she hooked it on and climbed onto the back of the bike, wrapping her arms around me. She seemed a little more cognizant this time, and I hoped she was coming out of her fog some. I didn’t want to have to worry about her falling off the back of the bike.
“Just a few hours more, Princess.”
I felt her nod into my back, and I started the engine, setting off, praying we’d make it.
A few hours later, I pulled into a motel parking lot, exhaustion forcing me to call it quits. Dawn was starting to break, but I couldn’t go any further without sleep.
“I’ll be right back. Will you be okay by yourself?” I asked as I stepped off the bike.
Darcie nodded, pulling her arms around herself. She looked around at the parking lot, but it was mostly vacant with no one out at the moment. She seemed to ease the further from Jackson we got. Turning, I didn’t linger, knowing it was better to get inside the room as quickly as possible. Using a fake name, I reserved the room for two days despite not planning to use it that long. A trick I’d learn in the MCD program.
Paying cash, the clerk slipped the key across the counter, and I pocketed it, turning to leave. I needed to be forgettable, which was hard at 6’5”. At least my arms, which were covered in full sleeves, were covered, but I’d need to do something with the leather jacket soon. Too many people knew who the Mavericks were, and that was something no one would forget in Mississippi.
Darcie wasn’t on the bike when I stepped out, and I cursed under my breath. My heart started to pound in my chest as I searched the area for her. Looking behind cars, I ducked around a large van, checking in backseats and under them one by one.
“Hey,” she said, the sound the most beautiful in the world. I stopped and turned, finding her standing on the curb, a bag of chips and soda in her hand. “I got breakfast.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes, and I knew it was an attempt to make herself appear better, rather than really wanting to smile.
Clasping my chest, I hung my head, taking a few breaths. “For Pete’s sake, Darce. You about gave me a heart attack.”
She snorted, a genuine smile breaking free for half a second. “Sorry. I got hungry.” She raised her shoulder. “Room ready?”
“Yeah.” I walked over to the bike, grabbed our things, and walked her around to our room number. Opening it up, I stopped her before she walked in. She rolled her eyes but stopped, stepping back.
“I highly doubt someone is waiting for us, but by all means.” She gestured with her hands, opening the bag of chips. She took a loud bite, the sound ricocheting around us, and I narrowed my eyes at her.
“Really?” She shrugged, continuing to eat her damn chips. Huffing, I quickly walked through the room and made sure it was clear. I sat our bags down on the dresser and pulled out the first aid kit. Stepping into the bathroom, I turned on the light and inspected the shower. It was decent with a tub and appeared clean.
“Hey, Princess, do you want to take a shower or bath?”
She peeked in, eyeing the tub. “Yeah, I guess a bath would be good. Um, do you think we could stop by the pharmacy later?” she asked, dropping her eyes.
“Sure. What do you need?” I turned on the tap, fiddling with the temperature as it started to fill.
“Um, the morning-after pill,” she whispered.
The rage I’d managed to lose built up in me again, and I clenched my hands against the side of the tub. “Yeah, Princess. I can do that for you.”
“Thanks, Maddox.” She hugged me around the waist when I stood.
“I’ll do anything for you,” I whispered into her hair but wasn’t sure if she heard me over the sound of the water. Pulling away, I set a towel down on the toilet and stepped out. “Just let me know if you need anything else.”
“Wait!” she shouted, some of her fear returning. “Um, do you think you could stay in here with me? I just don’t want to be alone yet. The memories flood me more when I am.” She bit her lip, her hard-won confidence earlier leaving as shame took root.
“Absolutely, but you’ll be, um, you know.” My cheeks heated.
“Don’t tell me boobs scare the big badass Mad Dog. Which is a stupid road name. I always wanted to tell you that,” she quipped, the shaking slowing in her body. She reached down to turn off the water, and I closed my eyes, not wanting to check her out in this state.
“I’m not scared of boobs,” I gritted out. “And you have told me every day since I was given Mad Dog that it’s dumb.” I reminded her, squeezing my eyes closed.
“Oh, yeah. That’s right.” I heard some of her brightness returning and decided if it was at my expense, then I’d deal with it.
“What would be a better road name for me? Not that it matters. I’m no longer in a club.” I didn’t mean to sound sad about it. I’d gladly run away with her any day, but the Mavericks had been my family, and I was sad to leave them behind.
“I’m sorry about that,” she said as she slipped under the water. “Fuck.” I heard her suck in a breath as she lowered herself more, but I kept still, not wanting to violate her any more than she’d already been today. I heard the curtain close, and I peeked out, seeing she’d pulled it. “There. It’s now Maddox-decency appropriate.” She giggled, lighting my heart on fire.
“You laugh, but you know your father would kill me if he found out.”
“Yeah,” she said, and I wish I could take back mentioning her dad. Sitting down on the floor, I spread my legs out the length of the tub. “I think your name should’ve been something to do with shadows or stealth.”
“Oh? Why’s that?” I asked, shifting myself. Now was not the time to get hard, dick. Get it together.
“You’ve always been my shadow; it just seems fitting. Though, you’re full of light when you choose to show it, so maybe not. I’ll think about it and rename you. We can make our own club.”
I smiled, liking the sound of that. “The Darcie and Maddox club, huh?”
“Sounds perfect to me.”
It was quiet after that, the only sound was the water shifting at times. I laid my head back against the wall, the warmth of the room lulling me to sleep.
“What do you think my father’s letter says?” she whispered.
I jerked, realizing she’d asked a question. “I don’t know. He’s been cagey these past few weeks. Something was going on he hadn’t told me about.”
“I’m nervous to read it. What if I don’t like what it says, and it changes who my father is to me?”
“Avoiding hard things doesn’t make them untrue, Princess.”
It was quiet again for a moment, but she voiced the question I’d been wanting. “Why do you call me that?” she asked, her voice soft again.
“Because you are. You’re my princess.” She sucked in a breath, pulling the curtain back, her face peeking out.
“What does that mean? Because I think I know what it means, but I don’t know if that’s just me wanting it to mean that. So, explain.”
Our faces were close, and I knew this wasn’t the right time, but the man who’d been in love with her didn’t care. Cupping her jaw, I peered into her eyes, looking for any sign of hesitancy. I couldn’t show her everything, but I could show her this.
Placing my lips on hers, I held them there, not wanting to push too far. I wasn’t an idiot, but I didn’t want to miss another moment with her. Pulling back, I held her gaze, searching for any sign she wasn’t okay.
“Does that clear it up for you?”
She nodded, her eyes tracking mine. “I… I…”
I placed my finger over her lips. “I’m not expecting anything. I know that what occurred tonight won’t go away with the bathwater, but I’m here. I’ve been waiting for years already; longer isn’t going to kill me. I just couldn’t go any longer without you knowing. I didn’t want to waste another opportunity. You don’t know how much I’m already beating myself up for not kissing you earlier.” I paused, grinding my teeth. “Maybe if I had, then this wouldn’t have happened.” I clenched my jaw, looking away. I couldn’t look into her eyes and see the truth of that statement.
This was my fault. I’d been a coward and let him walk in and scar her.
“Hey.” She patted my cheek, pulling my eyes to her. “The only one to blame is Agonizer. No matter the actions any of us took, it wouldn’t have stopped him. I,” she shook her head, “I don’t blame you. I’m mad at my father, but I know deep down he’s not responsible either. Let’s just get through this and figure out the rest later.”
I caressed her check. “Deal. You’re starting to turn into a prune. Let’s get you out of that water. I need some sleep before we can ride some more.”
“Okay.”
Standing, I missed her touch immediately, but I knew what I’d said was true. Holding out the towel, I waited until she took it, the water draining as she pulled the curtain back.
“I’ll be right outside the door. I’ll grab your bag.”
She nodded, but I didn’t miss how she moved forward where she could see me. Quickly, I grabbed the duffle off the dresser and handed it to her. She closed the door, leaving it open a crack, and I took the opportunity to change.
Sliding off the leather jacket, I knew it was the last time I could wear it. I’d worked hard to earn it, but it wouldn’t mean anything in the life ahead of us. Folding it, I placed it in the bottom of the bag and pulled out a clean shirt and boxers. I left my socks on because hotel floors creeped me out and pulled off the comforters, leaving only the sheets and blankets on the beds. When I was fixing the pillows, she stepped out, a t-shirt covering her body.
I didn’t want to stare, but now that I’d admitted my feelings, it seemed my body thought it had free rein to show them. She smiled sheepishly, walking over to climb into the bed and pulling the covers up tight under her chin. Sliding into the opposite one, I turned off the lights, turning to face her.
“Night, Princess.”
“Night, Maddox.”
The AC unit kicked on, rattling against the wall as we both stared at one another. My eyelids started to close when her voice broke through the quiet.
“Can you sleep with me?”
“What?” I asked, sitting up. “Um, I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“No,” she said, and I wondered if she was blushing as she hid her face. “I mean actually sleep. I don’t think I can be alone right now.”
“Oh, sure.” I pulled the blanket off and got out of my bed and slid into hers, staying on top of the covers. Pulling my sheet around me, I laid there, staring at the ceiling. Now that I was this close to her, my body was fully awake. Thankfully, her breathing started to even, and she fell asleep, her breaths pulling me under as well.
Her whimpers woke me a few times throughout the next couple of hours, and it made me vow not to let that asshole survive if I ever saw him again. Fuck the law. No one harmed her and got to live. She was right. We’d make our own club, and that would be our first rule.
Assholes didn’t deserve to live. Starting with Stanley “Agonizer” Driscoll.