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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

MADALYN

Sitting in the office, I feel pride swishing through me.

In the past two days, we have booked three new events. The locals are finally taking advantage of our first time booking discount, which Darian thought of, and I am so happy that they are.

We are taking a break from planning, having some lunch and catching up on all things that are us. It is one of the things that we promised each other years ago— that we would always know what is happening in each other’s lives.

Communication is the pillar of any strong friendship.

Too many times, tragedies have unfolded because individuals kept their feelings hidden and didn't seek help.

Darian has always been there for me, especially during the difficult times with Crypt and the club.

And I have stood by her, helping her navigate the heartbreaks that have shaped her into the person she is today.

Friends can be chosen, families cannot.

I got lucky with my family. Grandpa Pete and Aria are everything to me, they are what makes me get up in the morning.

“Damn, this is good.” My bestie moans around a mouthful of food.

“Graceful as always,” I reply, making her wink at me with bulging cheeks like a full hamster.

We had food delivered from one of the local food trucks who have signed up for our local foodie day. It is a day for food vendors, even store owners come out to the area and we have a food festival.

“Hey, have a bite then you will understand why I am having a food orgasm in my mouth right now,” she says before taking another bite.

I do as she says and flavors explode on my tongue, dragging a moan out of me. Her eyes widen before she giggles.

“See?”

Damn, she is right. These pulled pork burgers are to die for. The twister potatoes are spicy, but not too much heat, and leave a tingle in your mouth.

“I am so glad we signed up this brother duo. These are amazing.”

“I agree, plus it is not a hardship to look at them, either.”

My head snaps in her direction to find her grinning from ear to ear.

“What about Forge?”

“What about him?”

“I thought you two were starting something.”

She shakes her head. “It is just some fun. He knows how to fuck, babe, so I am going to take what I can get from him. We both know that neither of us wants more, so why not enjoy some hot sweaty sex.”

“I wish I was like you. You make it sound so fun to just hook-up with a guy.”

“What about Target? Surely, you want to bone that hot piece of biker.” My face instantly heats at her words, then she gasps.

“Oh you dirty bitch, you already did and you did not tell me.”

I nod. “I was going to tell you today, I needed some time to process what we did. I am not like you, and I mean that in the nicest way possible, you know that.” Her head bobs back and forth in agreement.

“You will never offend me, Mads, you know that. We both know each other inside and out, so I know that you will never intentionally hurt me and I won’t you, either.” It is my turn to nod.

“It was the night that I watched his children for him. He came home late and I was sleeping on the sofa and one thing lead to another.” My cheeks burn with embarrassment.

Darian gets to her feet, leaving her discarded food on her desk and she comes to me. Planting her butt on my desk, she gives me a stern ‘mom look’ even though she is not a mother and never will be.

“Listen to me and you listen good, Missy.” I giggle, but she brings her finger up to my face, tapping me on the nose gently.

“There is nothing wrong with having sex.

It is the natural order of the world. Sex is fun, it is freeing, and it should be enjoyed by those who take pleasure in it.

Sex only becomes a problem when it is used to hurt someone.

“You having sex with Target will never hurt you or him, unless he hurts you, then he will have a big fucking problem because biker or not I will cut his balls off and send them to his mother.”

I splutter out a laugh and she winks.

“Wayne was a dick from the start and I should have said something sooner, like Grandpa Pete and Aria, but I was wrong for holding my tongue. As for Target, I have seen him around you, seen how you light up speaking about him but I also see that you still have your guard up about bikers… about men.”

She is right. My dating history has been hit-or-miss, some causing me pain and panic, so I am fearful of starting something new.

There is a part of me that wants to embrace the adventure and passion that comes with love, but the scars from past relationships linger, making me hesitate.

I know Darian understands this, because she has been there first-hand, witnessing the fallout.

She lets me think it over, letting her words sink in so I can process. Sometimes I need to do this as I can get overwhelmed with too much information, which is not good being the owner of a planning business.

“What is your biggest worry?”

I sigh, looking back at her. “He is a biker, part of a big MC.”

She nods. “That he is, believe me I have seen those men at the clubhouse. Madalyn, they are nothing like him, they seem to respect women. You have seen how Target is with his kids, don’t you think that if he was a prick to women he would also be a deadbeat dad?”

I sigh. “No. He has only treated me with respect, and Grandpa.”

“Since what you went through, I have met a few bikers.” I look at her with wide eyes. “Babe, I like sex, and bikers are good at it.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I know I have my hangups but I do not want us hiding anything from each other.” My voice is low, and her eyes sadden, making guilt settle in my tummy.

“I know how you feel about them and I did not want to upset you. What do you say from now on, no more hiding shit from each other, okay?” I nod.

“I really freaking like that plan.” We smile at each other.

“What he did to you does not mean all bikers are the same. As I said, not all men are sick fuckers who get off on hurting women.”

“I know. The man who-shall-not-named, hurt me. God, Dar, I lost myself for those eight months. I know to most it seems like such a short time, but I almost lost you, I almost lost myself, because I thought he freaking loved me.”

“He loved the easy money and sex, babe. Sorry.”

“No, I know. He left his mark on me, didn’t he?”

“That he did, Maddi.” I smile at the name she uses for me. She tilts her head, looking at me with a loving but confused look.

“Emmi called me Maddi the other night, and she was worried that she upset me when she used a nickname for me, but I told her that I was more than happy for her and Rex to use the name. It made me think of us, of our friendship.”

Her smile widens. “Only me and Aria call you Maddi. I love that Target calls you Mads.”

“It feels right for some reason.” I pick at my food, suddenly missing being around Kohen.

“Try something for me.” I look back at her. “Learn to trust again. Forget all the shitty men from your past, Target is the future so try and enjoy him. Learn with him. Honestly, babe, I think he will be good for you.”

A smile shifts across my lips thinking of him. Seeing how he is with Emmi and Rex. Also Grandpa Peter. He gives off good man vibes with his ruggedly handsome rough and ready biker energy.

A perfect combination.

Images of Kohen smiling at me— the way his lips felt against mine— flood my mind. Since my ex hurt me, I am acutely aware of men when they touch me; I instantly get a sense of whether they are good or not.

Target is good. So far.

My heart beats a bit faster thinking of him, the way that he held me, touched me. How he knew what I needed that night, how he let me take control by riding him. God, his hands felt so good on my skin.

My body was aware of every touch from him, like we were in tune with each other.

“Oh, you are thinking something dirty. How good did he dick you, Missy?” She wags her finger at me, making me giggle.

Licking my lips, I reach for my soda and take a sip before giving her the details that’s she wants. If she were anyone else, I would not give in and tell all, but Darian is like a sister to me.

“The best I have ever had. He made me get on top, on his sofa. I was so scared the kids would come downstairs investigating the noise but he said that they sleep like the dead. It felt so good, he made me feel so cherished. His hands on my body were careful, yet held a rough edge— like he was savoring me, but couldn’t help wanting more. ”

“Told you, bikers know how to fuck.”

“Well, I think I need to learn to deal with this biker first.” I giggle.

Her face takes on a serious look and I know she wants to give me some words of wisdom. She knows me well enough to know what I am like when it comes to men. Maybe I need this push.

"Listen, you deserve someone who makes you feel cherished and safe,” she says, her voice steady and full of concern. “Don’t let the past sit on your beautiful soul; fix that burnt bit. If he’s good for you, then give it a chance, but keep your eyes open and your heart guarded until you’re sure."

I nod, absorbing her advice. Darain always knew how to balance her fierce loyalty with honesty, and her words were exactly what I needed to hear. Perhaps this could be the start of something real, something different. Only time will tell, but for now, I let myself hope.

“Okay, I will try,” I say. “Opening myself to him will be a good move, right?”

“Yes. Do it. Besides, if he hurts you, I will come for him. No member of the Rugged Skulls MC will find him. You know I know people.” Adding a wink, she walks back to her table and digs back into her lunch.

We finish up eating and get back to work planning out the new contracts that we have. A baby shower, how exciting. There is also a sixtieth birthday party to help plan, for an amazing woman, from what her family has told us.

Plus a very cute and modern sixteenth birthday, one that Darian is looking forward to planning as the birthday girl loves everything girly and glittery. So she has that contract, and I will deal with the baby shower and we will both work on the sixtieth birthday party.

I love my job and that I get to do it with my best friend, my sister in all things in the world. It makes every anxiety-filled hour of planning, and saving, worth it. We worked our butts off for this company— it is our baby.

We live for this, no matter the stress. If something fails or gets mixed up, we jump in head first and get it sorted out for the client.

“Okay, chickpea, I am out of here. I have a venue to look at and take photos of for the client. Do you need me to bring anything back for you?” Hooking her ginormous purse over her shoulder, she collects her car keys, phone, and folder, before looking at me.

“No, I think I am good, thanks though.”

She says her goodbyes and I get back to work. The day passes with ease and I get so much done, but Kohen slips into my mind from time to time, making me smile every time.

I picture his smile, which makes my heart flutter. His winking makes me blush, but his touch makes me ignite.

It seems that he has gotten under my skin and has sunk his hooks in. I just hope that I do not regret moving forward with him.