Chapter Twenty-Four - Chapter Twenty-Three
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Chapter Twenty-Three
A SHARP KICK to my side jolted me awake, and I groaned as my eyes slit open to find the asshole who did it. Midnight’s silhouette loomed over me, his expression a mix of frustration and concern. “What the fuck is going on with you?” he growled, sitting down beside me on the ground.
The early morning sunlight pierced my eyes, intensifying the pounding in my head. I groaned again, closing my eyes against the glare. “I got fucking wasted last night and must have passed out.” My mind struggled to piece together the fragments of last night through the relentless throbbing in my skull.
“I can see that,” Midnight said, his voice carrying a mix of irritation and worry. “What I’m asking is why?”
“Do I need a reason, mommy?” I shot back sarcastically, the hangover making me irritable.
“Something’s up with you, and being a smartass isn’t gonna fix it,” he snapped. “Is this about Madeline? What happened between you two?”
I hesitated, the question I’d been dying to ask him for years finally surfacing. “Do you ever see her?” I opened my eyes, looking directly at him, searching his face for any sign of understanding.
He looked confused. “Who?”
“Kezia,” I murmured, closing my eyes again, already knowing from his reaction that he didn’t.
“No, I don’t, but I’m guessing you do?”
I let out a long breath, deciding to lay it all out. If I looked crazy, so be it. “Yeah, she blames me for what happened to her and warns me away from other women,” I confessed. “That’s why I never get into serious relationships. Until Madeline.”
Midnight was silent for a few moments, the weight of my words sinking in. Finally, he spoke, his voice softer. “Valley, I think the guilt you feel about Kezia is messing with your head. Our minds can do some weird shit if we let it.”
“No, this is different, but I don’t expect you to believe me. Shit, I wouldn’t believe me either,” I said, forcing myself to stand, leaning against the wall to steady my spinning world.
“Is that why you dropped Madeline?” Midnight probed, standing and leaning on the wall beside me. “I thought it was weird since you seemed really into her.”
“Kezia threatened to hurt her,” I said, not caring anymore if I sounded like a nut. “And I couldn’t let that happen.”
“Valley, listen to me,” Midnight said, his voice earnest. “Kezia would have never hurt a fucking fly, let alone another person. Whatever you think you’re seeing or hearing, it’s not Kezia. She’s flying in Heaven right now, an angel.”
I knew what he was saying should be true, but I couldn’t shake what I’d been experiencing. What about the beads that kept showing up? I could mention those, but he still wouldn’t believe me. “You’re right. Maybe I’m just feeling guilty,” I conceded, not believing it for a second.
“The anniversary of her death is coming up, and that could be causing this. Why don’t you go to her grave and let out all of your guilt? That’s what I did years ago to ease my mind, and it helped,” he advised, not bothering to mention my birthday, which I never celebrated since that night when I was seventeen.
“I’ve done that a hundred times over, Midnight,” I said, moving away from the wall. “I need a shower.”
Midnight grabbed my arm, stopping me. “Let me ask you this,” he started. “If what you say is true, then wouldn’t Madeline be safer with you than without you?” At my confused look, he added, “You love her, right? And if you’re anything like me, you can’t stay away from her. It’s not possible. Your ghost would know this, so pushing her away is pointless.”
I’ll be damned if that didn’t make sense, because I sure as hell hadn’t been able to stay away from her.
“Just think about that,” Midnight said, taking my silence for what it was. “And for god’s sake, go take that shower before everyone shows up for the picnic. You smell like a brewery, brother.”
I took a sniff and fuck; he was right. So, I headed inside, his words playing over and over again in my head. Maybe I had been going about this all wrong, and it was time to find a way to banish Kezia’s ghost.
“I’M NOT GOING to lie, Madeline. I don’t know if I like you going to that clubhouse,” Dad said, his voice heavy with concern as we sat at the breakfast table.
I reached out and took his hand, smiling warmly. “I appreciate the concern, but it’ll be fine. It’s only a picnic.” I squeezed his hand reassuringly. “I understand, and that’s why I agreed not to take Ellie.” Casimir had offered to bring Ellie along since Toby would be there, but I sided with Dad on this one.
I had no idea what to expect.
Dad’s expression didn’t soften. “I’m not worried about Sean. It’s Jarrod that concerns me,” he said, his grip tightening on my hand. “He’ll be there, and jealousy is a dangerous thing.”
“I can handle it, Dad,” I promised, standing to clear my dishes. “Jarrod doesn’t care enough to fight over me.”
Dad grunted, his eyes darkening. “That’s not true. Men who don’t care don’t sit outside a woman’s home at all hours. He cares, but why he did what he did...” He trailed off, frustration evident in his voice.
I cleaned Ellie’s tray and wiped her face, my mind swirling with Dad’s words. Jarrod had hurt me deeply, and the scars were still fresh. “I’m not worried. I’ll be among friends,” I assured him, lifting Ellie out of the highchair.
Dad sighed, the weight of his worry palpable. “I know, and you can take care of yourself, but I still worry.”
“That’s why you’re the best dad in the entire world,” I said, kissing his cheek. “Now I better get ready before Sean gets here. Charlie’s still coming over for your usual Sunday football, right?”
“Like clockwork,” he chuckled, rolling into the living room. I set Ellie down to play, and she was still engrossed in her toys when Sean rang the doorbell half an hour later.
After quick introductions, we stepped outside. “You look pretty today, Madeline,” Sean said, his gaze lingering on me, making me blush. “I like you in blue.”
I wore a flowing blue summer blouse with white shorts and sandals. His appreciative look made me feel as if I were dressed for a ball.
It was nice.
He was nice.
“Thank you,” I murmured softly.
“And would you look at that,” he said, pulling a helmet out of his saddlebag. “My spare is blue, just like it was meant for you.”
I took the helmet, strapping it on. “How are you single?”
“I was waiting on you,” he chuckled, straddling the seat. “Hop on.”
I laughed, shaking my head as I got on behind him. “You, sir, are a professional sweet talker.”
Sean laughed as he started the bike, and we sped down the road. The wind whipped through my hair, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Jarrod. Riding with Sean didn’t give me the same thrill. With Jarrod, I held on tight, never wanting to let go. Everything about it—from the speed to his scent as I leaned into his back—made my body come alive.
I never wanted it to end— but it did , and I needed to remember that.
The ride was short, and soon we entered the clubhouse gate. I dismounted, my eyes taking in the bustling activity. Everyone seemed to be there, and as my gaze swept the front of the clubhouse, I locked eyes with Jarrod. He froze, his face reddening with anger as his eyes flicked between me and Sean.
Oh God. My heart pounded as he started toward us, a fierce snarl twisting his features. Dad was right—Jarrod was about to start a fight, and I didn’t know what to do. I exhaled in relief when Harker and Scotch intercepted him, each grabbing an arm and steering him to the side of the building.
If Sean noticed, he didn’t show it. He took my hand, his grip warm and steady, and led me toward the back of the building where the picnic was being set up. My mind, however, was still on Jarrod, his anger, and the storm I felt brewing just around the corner.
I STEPPED OUTSIDE , ready to head over to Madeline’s and shadow her for the day. Maybe I’d find a way to talk to her. But the sight that greeted me made my blood boil: Madeline getting off the back of Sean’s fucking bike.
I barely took a few steps toward them before Harker and Scotch grabbed me, dragging me away.
“What the hell are you doing?” I snarled, struggling to break free.
Scotch slammed me against the wall, his glare intense. “Listen, kid,” he growled, jabbing a finger into my chest. “Today is about Patch and Katherine bringing Caden home. Don’t you dare ruin it by causing a scene. Got me?”
Harker tried to calm things down, his tone more measured. “I know seeing Sean with Madeline pisses you off, but you can settle up later.”
I clenched and unclenched my fists, my breath heavy with anger. “You’re right. This is important for Patch and Katherine. I won’t do anything now, but once this day is over, nothing will stop me.”
“We wouldn’t even try,” Scotch said, stepping back with a smirk. “In fact, we’ll enjoy the show.” He patted my shoulder before walking away.
I looked over to see Sean escorting Madeline to where Casimir was sitting with Toby, his hand possessively on the small of her back. Jealousy and rage surged through me, but I was bound by my promise. To make it worse, Madeline looked even prettier than usual today, her beauty impossible to ignore.
Why would she come here with Sean? She had to know I’d be here. Was she already over me? Her eyes met mine and held, an unspoken connection that lingered until Casimir distracted her. No, she wasn’t over me. Her face betrayed her feelings.
I pushed away from the wall and went inside, needing to avoid a confrontation. At the bar, I ordered a beer from Adam and scanned the room. Most people were outside, but the place still buzzed with brothers playing cards and sweet butts hovering around, unsure how to act with the ol’ ladies present.
Tracy caught my eye, giving me a hurt look before turning away. Like I cared. I regretted spilling personal stuff to her last night while drunk. That wouldn’t happen again.
“Hey, sexy,” Bunny purred in my ear, her arms wrapping around me from behind. “I was getting lonely in here.”
“No, Bunny,” I said, removing her hand. As I turned, I caught Madeline’s eyes. She gave me a humorless smile and shook her head before heading down the hallway.
“Fuck!” I snarled, standing up so quickly Bunny stumbled. I rushed after Madeline. This was the last thing she needed to see, especially with Sean playing the doting suitor.
I saw her slip into the bathroom and quickly entered a nearby vacant room. When the bathroom door opened, I grabbed her arm and pulled her inside, slamming the door shut.
“We need to talk,” I murmured, trapping her against the door with my hands.
She was visibly startled but quickly collected herself, her gaze meeting mine with an unwavering intensity. “There’s nothing left to talk about,” she said, her voice cold and distant.
“Madeline, I—”
“No,” she cut me off, her voice shaky now. She attempted to slip out from between me and the door, but I was quicker. “Let go of me.”
“Not until we talk, Madeline,” I said, desperation seeping through my voice that took me by surprise.
“Look,” I began, my voice rough with frustration and longing. “I made a mistake and I’m sorry...” Her eyes held mine, but they were so full of pain that it took every ounce of my strength not to pull her into my arms right then and there.
“I never wanted to hurt you,” I continued. “But I did.... I did because I was stupid and scared.”
Her gaze dropped to her feet, and she let out a heavy sigh. An awkward silence enveloped between us as she thought.
“Why were you scared?” She finally murmured, without looking up at me.
She didn’t understand; how could she?
And how could I explain it to her?
“Because I was falling in love with you, Madeline,” I admitted, my voice barely a whisper. Her head jerked up, surprise etching her features, but she didn’t say anything. “I was scared because... because no woman has ever made me feel the way you do.”
There was just no way I could tell her about Kezia, not here, not now, it wasn’t the right time.
“And how do I make you feel?” she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.
I moved closer to her until our bodies were touching. “Like every moment with you is something beautiful and terrifying at the same time,” I confessed.
Her breath hitched, and she looked away. I could see the confusion playing in her eyes, and it killed me that I had been the one to put it there.
“Just... just give me a chance to make this right, Madeline,” I pleaded. “Let me show you that I’m not that same coward who hurt you.”
She looked at me then and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of hope in her eyes. But then it vanished as quickly as it had appeared.
“I... I can’t,” she said at last, breaking eye contact. “Too much damage has been done. You let Val... do that to you... and probably others. The hurt is too deep.”
“It was all pretend. Nothing happened, not with Val or anyone else,” I insisted.
She gave me a small smile filled with sadness before replying, “I don’t believe you, Jarrod. If Sean hadn’t come out, would you have stopped Val?” The question took me by surprise, and it took me a second to digest, but that was a second too long. “Move out of my way.”
“I wouldn’t...” I started, but she cut me off with a push.
“Save it Jarrod, my eyes and ears don’t lie. I know what I saw. Now move.”
“Just remember this,” I told her, pulling her close, my lips brushing against her ear. “I’m not giving up on you, Madeline. You’re mine, and I’ll kill any man who gets close to you, starting with that fucker, Sean.”
She shivered in my embrace, her breath hitching as my words sank in. I released her, letting her step back and take a deep breath. She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions—confusion, desire, and anger.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” she warned, her voice barely above a whisper. “I have enough to deal with, and I’ll be with whoever I want. It’s none of your business, Jarrod.”
I smirked, my cocky grin making a sudden appearance. “Try me.”
With that, I opened the door and let her slip out, watching as she walked away. I couldn’t help but admire the sway of her hips, the way her body moved. She truly was the total package and mine. I was determined to make her see it.
As I made my way back to the bar, I caught sight of Sean watching me with a scowl. He knew I had been with Madeline, and I could tell he didn’t like it. But he was no match for me, and he was gonna find out the hard way.
I ordered a drink and downed it in one gulp, feeling the burning liquid fuel my determination. I was going to make Madeline mine, and nothing was going to stand in my way.
Not Sean.
Not Kezia.
It was time to bury some ghosts.