Chapter 7
Seven
DARCIE
I was not a fan of waiting.
I’d agreed that it was too risky for Maddox or me to go into Jackson. But the longer we waited for Bubba and Grayson to return, the more I regretted that decision.
What if things were worse than we believed, and they’d walked right into the lion’s den?
What if they couldn’t find any of the guys?
What if they were dead?
“Stop, Princess. If you keep this up, you’ll have no fingernails left.”
I glanced at my fingers, not realizing I’d been chomping on my nails. They were practically nubs now, so who knew how long I’d been fretting. Damn.
Shoving my hand behind my back, I turned and smiled sweetly at Maddox. “I know how we can pass the time.”
“As much as I’d like that, you won’t be able to let go enough to enjoy it. So sit your cute ass down, and let’s play some cards.”
Maddox kicked out a chair at the small table in the room. Grumbling, I stomped over and took the seat. Brooks rolled his lips inward to hide his laugh, but I caught it anyway. I stuck my tongue out and he broke, letting a chuckle roll between his lips.
“You’re cute when you’re bratty.”
His laugh was genuine, and I smiled despite myself. Maddox grunted, smiling as he sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out the cards.
“What are we playing?” I asked.
“What do you know how to play?”
“Um, Go Fish?”
“Go Fish, it is. But with a twist.”
“What’s the twist?” Brooks asked, picking up the cards.
“This.” Maddox dumped a bag of M I can’t replace you.”
“It’s still weird as hell to hear Bubba being sweet,” Pretty Boy whispered, but he didn’t actually do it all that quietly. Bubba glared at his friend, but there was no anger behind it.
“I have to ask, is my dad…”
“He’s alive but not the man he used to be. He’s… harder now. When you left, the sun was gone from his world—and the club, too. Sadly, it wasn’t hard for the Diamonds to infiltrate us. The club splintered after that night you and Mad Dog left. Many couldn’t forgive Tank for not protecting you sooner and left. The ones that stayed weren’t MCD. There were only a handful of us left after that.”
I chewed my lip, digesting all the information Tiny had imparted. Maddox must have noticed I was at my capacity because he stepped in.
“We have two rooms. We can bunk up if you two want to take one of the beds. We could all use a night’s sleep before we dive into plans of rebellion.”
“You sure you don’t mind?” Tiny asked.
“Take it. It’s safer this way.”
Tiny nodded and stood. He opened his arms for me, so I stood and gave him another hug. “I’m so happy to see you, baby girl. You’ve given me hope for the first time in years.” He kissed the top of my head and pulled Mack up.
Brooks handed Mack some clothes and toiletries while Grayson opened the door to the other room. Brooks cocked his head and stared at the smaller man.
“I have to ask, what’s Mack for? Do you love mac and cheese?”
Tiny snorted, and Mack grinned wide. “Nah. It’s because I like to get railed by a Mack Truck.” He slapped Grayson on the shoulder, leaving him speechless as they closed the door.
Pretty Boy turned around and pointed but still couldn’t find the words.
The rest of us howled, the sound filling the room and lighting up my insides. We were all safe, and we had Tiny. We’d made it another day and were one step closer to finishing this.