I started at the sound of Mack’s angry voice and stood as he stomped toward me. “I need to talk to you.”
“Then fuckin’ call me and I’ll call you back when I can.”
“I did call you. You didn’t answer.”
“You think there might have been a reason for that?” he hissed.
“Okay, I get that you’re busy and I get that you’re stressed, Logan, but if you’ve decided to dump me, could you maybe do it before you start fucking someone else!” I snapped.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” he bellowed.
My heart raced at his obvious rage, but that just irked me more as I pulled up one of the photos Millie sent me and shoved it in his face. “Who’s the whore with her lips all over you, Mack?”
He snatched the phone out of my hand with a scowl. “I don’t have time for this shit, Darien!”
Now, I was pissed! “You don’t have time to take five minutes to explain to me why another woman is kissing you on a public street?”
“No, I do not.”
“So, you’re not denying it?”
He shoved the phone back at me. “Are you fucking kidding me with this shit?”
I realized in that second that he still wasn’t denying it, and my heart shattered. I bit back tears and clamped my mouth shut. “Ohmigod. You are cheating on me,” I whispered.
“Mack!” an angry voice came from somewhere behind the wall.
“I’ll be right there,” he yelled back. “I have to get back to this, Darien. We’ll talk later.”
“No,” I said, and took a deep breath. “No we won’t.”
“Babe,” he ground out.
“Fuck you, Logan Reed,” I rasped, and ran out of the building and to my car.
He didn’t follow, which further drove home his infidelity, so I headed back to the apartment, locked myself in, and dissolved into an ugly, sobbing mess on my bed. How did we get here? God, we were so good! I really thought we could last forever.
Barney jumped up on the bed and licked my tears, but even he couldn’t make me feel better.
“Dare?” my sister called, and then I heard the front door closing. She pushed into my room and sat next to me on the bed, gathering my hair away from my face. “Hey, sissy.”
“Did Millie call you?”
Pauley wiped my tears away. “No. Mack called Kim.”
“How nice of him,” I spat out. “He has time to call Kim, model goddess, and laugh about how he’s been fucking some whore behind my back, but no time to tell me! Asshole!”
Pauley, squeezed my hand. “That’s not exactly how it went.”
“How did I get it so wrong?”
“I don’t know if you did,” she said.
“I have proof, Pauley!” I dropped my phone into her lap.
She unlocked it and stared at the photos. “Wow.”
“Right? He’s a fucking cheater asshole.” I curled up in the fetal position again and squeezed my eyes shut.
Pauley wrapped herself around me and pulled me close. For the next hour, my sister held me while I sobbed myself to sleep. I didn’t wake up again until the morning, devastated to find that the hurt was just as raw. Right now, I felt like my life was over.
* * *
Mack stormed back to the conference room and slammed the door. “I want to know every fuckin’ word Nika said, Hawk.”
“Brock wouldn’t give me everything,” he countered.
“What the fuck is a wire tap good for if he won’t tell us what was fuckin’ said?” Mack bellowed.
“I’ll see if I can get anything from Jaxon,” Ace offered.
“Just find out if Nika knows anything about Darien, other than her name,” Mack said.
“I will.” Ace grabbed his phone and left the room.
“We’ve got recruits on her and Pauley,” Crow said.
“Fuck!” Mack snapped.
His brothers continued to work on the plan, but he couldn’t focus. He warred with his need to keep Darien safe and her broken heart. He hated himself for letting her believe something that wasn’t true, but he loved her too much to put her harm’s way.
“Mack,” Booker snapped.
“What?”
“What did you pull from the Blush records?”
Mack didn’t have time to focus on Darien for the next few hours, as he was forced to stick to the plan at hand. He’d do whatever he could to win her back once she was safe.
* * *
Two days later, Mack paced his living room, his hands on his head. He hadn’t slept, he hadn’t eaten, and he didn’t give a fuck. The bell pealed and he rushed to the door, yanking it open. “Is she okay?”
Kim shook her head as she stepped inside. “No, buddy, she’s not.”
He slammed the door and hit the wall with a, “Fuck!”
“What’s going on, Mack? The day you cheat on Darien is the day you cut off your own arm, so I know this isn’t what it seems.”
“I can’t—”
“Seriously?” she snapped.
“I can’t tell you, Kim.”
“You called me here,” she pointed out.
“Yeah. I need to know how she is. You’re the only one who can find out.”
“And I did. She’s not good.” Kim frowned. “So, tell me what’s going on and I can relay the message if you can’t talk to her directly.”
“I can’t.”
“You know what, Mack? Fuck the Dogs and your damn club business! God! If you can’t tell me what the hell is going on, then wallow in the shit bed you’ve created.”
“God damn it, Kim!” he yelled.
“You gonna tell me what’s going on?” she challenged.
He shook his head. He couldn’t.
“Well, then, you’re on your own,” she said, and walked out the door.
He slammed the door behind her and punched another hole in his wall before sliding to the ground and dropping his head into his bruised and bloodied hands. When this was done, and if Darien forgave him, he’d let Nika Kozlov off with a beating. If she didn’t forgive him, then Nika was dead. But before he was dead, he would be screaming for mercy.
* * *
The next afternoon, I pulled open the door to find Kim Church with a weird grin on her face. “He didn’t cheat.”
“What?” I asked, and stepped back so she could come in.
“Mack didn’t cheat.”
“I have proof that he did, Kim.” I closed the door and followed her into the kitchen.
“No you don’t.”
I sighed. I wasn’t in the mood. I was emotionally and physically exhausted after two nights without sleep. I’d finished signing all of the paperwork for the house an hour ago and arrived home, barely awake, to grab a few things to take to the new house. I decided to try to take a nap instead. I pulled the photo up in my phone and thrust it toward her.
Kim took it and glanced at it, then handed it back to me with a shake of her head. “It’s not real.”
I rolled my eyes and let out a frustrated huff. “Ohmigod, Kim, you’re speaking in riddles.”
“Okay. Look, I get that those look bad, but I know Mack and, outside of the fact that he loves you like crazy, he does not cheat.”
“He admitted it,” I ground out.
That brought her up short and she frowned. “He did?”
“Yes.”
Kim huffed. “Actually admitted it, or was too frazzled... or pissed... to respond?”
I threw my hands up in the air. “It’s the same thing!”
“It’s not the same thing.”
“Look, I don’t want to be rude, but this isn’t really any of your business.” I squared my shoulders. “Mack has not tried to call, he has not come by, he has done nothing to indicate that things are not as they seem. We are done. He’s made his choice.”
“Ohmigod, the two of you are perfect for each other. You’re both pigheaded and as stubborn as fucking mules,” she squeaked in frustration.
“Excu
se me?”
“Darien, listen to me,” she said, very slowly. “Something’s going on with the club. Something that means Mack has to let you believe something that’s not true.”
My initial reaction was to think Kim was up to something, especially considering she was so close to Mack, but as she continued to stand there, I wondered.
“Lightbulb’s on now, right?” she said.
I narrowed my eyes. “You really don’t think he’s cheating?”
She raised her hand. “Swear to God.”
It took me all of twelve seconds to feel the burn in my tear ducts. I forced the tears away. “Ohmigod,” I rasped, and headed to the sofa where I flopped down and dropped my face in my hands.
I felt the sofa dip and an arm come around my shoulders. “What can I do?” Kim asked.
“I don’t know,” I whispered. “For the last three days, I’ve been sure he’s an asshole cheater and now I’m not sure of anything.”
“Do you love him?”
“Yes, although, I reserve the right to kick his ass.”
“Fair enough.” Kim smiled. “I’ll help.”
“Are you positive about all of this?”
“Beyond. When I saw him yest—”
“You saw him?”
“Yes.”
“Is he okay?”
She shook her head. “He was worried about you and asked me to come over. He’s wrecked Darien and his house is a mess.”
I rolled my eyes. “Let’s be honest, he’s not the greatest at cleaning.”
“No, hon, he’s not. But that’s not what I’m talking about,” she said. “He’s put holes in several places and his hands are all bruised. He’s not sleeping or eating. He looks like shit.”
“Good. That makes two of us.”
Kim giggled. “You look a lot better than he does, trust me.”
“I have to see him.”
“That’s going to be tough because he obviously feels like his home isn’t safe or you’d be there.” She sighed. “And he hasn’t come here, so he’s obviously trying to keep a distance for a reason.”
“I don’t understand why he hasn’t at least called me.”
“Yeah,” she agreed. “Unless your phones are being monitored.”
“Ohmigod.” I snorted. “I think you’re reaching right now.”
Kim smiled. “You’re probably right, but seriously, if he’s not calling you back, something’s up.”
“Yes,” I said, pathetically. “We’re over.”
“No. That’s not it. I swear it’s not. Trust me.”
“No offense, but I don’t really know you,” I said.
“I know. But I know Mack and he loves you.”
“Even people in love cheat, Kim.”
She faced me. “Do you really think he cheated, Darien? Because if you do, I’ll go. But think about it honestly. Take the emotion out of it.”
“I don’t know if I can take the emotion out of it.”
“I get it, and normally I’d tell you to ask Booker because he’s his closest friend, but Book won’t tell you anything, especially since all of this is due to club stuff anyway.” She let out a loud breath. “Which means Dani won’t know anything, so she’s a dead end.”
I groaned. “You’re not helping.”
“I could call Dani,” she continued, tapping her finger to her lips, “and she’ll confirm that Mack would never cheat on you.”
“She doesn’t know me.”
“But she knows Mack.”
I sighed. “I know Mack too.”
Kim grinned. “Finally a lightbulb.”
“Shut up.”
She giggled and then got serious. “He didn’t cheat.”
“I think you might be right.”
“A-fucking-men.”
I rolled my eyes. “So what do I do?”
“I don’t know,” she admitted. “But give me a little time and I’ll figure something out.”
I tried for a sincere smile. “Thanks, Kim.”
“Okay, honey, I have to go. I’m working tonight, but I’ll call Dani and see if she can help.” She rose to her feet.
I nodded and followed her to the door. She hugged me and left, while I grabbed Barney’s leash and took him out to do his business. Pauley wouldn’t be home for a few hours, but I had something to do and I needed Barney safe for a little while, so I went next door and asked Mrs. Waterston if she could watch him until Pauley got home. My neighbor loved my dog and was always looking for an excuse to spend time with him, so she agreed quickly and I handed him off. Then I went home and changed.
MACK STEPPED OUT of the shower and pulled on a pair of sweats after drying off. Nothing was resolved, the club was still in a precarious position, and his woman was still in danger. He swore. The longer he had to keep away from Darien, the more she’d grow to hate him. He was in a no-win situation, but he’d protect her, even if it meant he lost her.
He made his way into the great room and noticed movement out the back door. The house was dark, the back yard even darker. Grabbing his gun, he stepped to the wall and watched. As a figure in black sidled up to the sliding glass door, he let out a sigh. He wasn’t sure if it was relief or irritation, but he couldn’t help but smile. He stowed his gun and waited to see what she’d do. The door slid slowly and quietly open and Darien stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
“Darien.”
She squeaked and spun to face him. “Ohmigod, Mack, you scared me to death!”
“You’re the one breaking into my house,” he pointed out, both pissed and elated to see her. “I could have shot you. What are you doing here?”
She shifted from foot to foot.
“Darien?” he said. “What are you doing here?”
“Did you cheat?”
“No.” He crossed his arms.
* * *
I watched Mack watch me. There wasn’t a whole lot of light in the house, but I knew him enough to know his body language and I felt tears well in my eyes. He really hadn’t cheated.
I let out a frustrated yell and launched myself at him, ready to maim him, but he obviously knew me enough to know my body language, and caught me, gently dragging my hands behind my back and leaning in close. “Not gonna happen, Darien.”
“Why not? You deserve it.”
“You might be right, but that doesn’t change the fact that you shouldn’t be here.”
“No one saw me. I made sure.” I’d worn all black in effort to camouflage myself.
He studied me again. “You gonna be nice?”
“You gonna pull your head out of your butt?” I retorted.
“Are you eating?” He loosened his grip and slid an arm around my waist. “You’ve lost weight.”
“No, I haven’t really been eating. I’ve kind of been a mess.” I found myself leaning into him and sliding my hands up his chest.
“I’ve been a mess too, baby,” he admitted, and kissed me.
“Logan.” My floodgates opened and I gripped him desperately as I cried.
Mack slid his hand through my hair, squeezing the back of my neck. “Shhh, baby, it’s okay.”
“No it’s not.” I smacked his chest. “You lied to me and I believed you!”
He took a deep breath. “I never lied to you.”
I pushed away from him and scowled. “You told me you cheated!”
“I didn’t, Darien. You assumed—”
“And you didn’t correct me!” I jabbed a finger toward him. “Then you let me believe it!” I tried to force back tears again, but failed miserably. “We have been apart for three days.” When he reached for me again, I held a hand up. “No. I’m mad. And I’m hurt. But more than anything, I’m confused. I thought we were a team.”
He rubbed his forehead. “I know.”
“So, am I wrong?”
“No.”
“Really?”
“Baby, I can’t talk to you about this.”
I crossed my arms. “Well, you bet
ter tell me something, or I’m walking out that door and we’re done.”
“Darien.” He gave a resigned sigh.
“That’s my name,” I retorted.
I could tell he was holding back a smile. God, he was gorgeous. “I’m between a rock and a hard place here, Darien. Part of it’s attorney, client privilege and part of it’s for your protection.”
I relaxed a little. I could accept some of that, but it didn’t mean I had to like it. “I get the privilege part, Mack. But if no one knows I’m here, then no one will know you told me anything, which means I’m still protected.”
“Okay, baby.”
“Really?” I smiled. “I thought that would be a harder sell.”
“Missed you, honey,” he said, and kissed me.
“Missed you too,” I whispered.
He released me and moved to secure the door I’d sneaked in through before closing the blinds. After setting the alarm, he grabbed his gun and led me into his bedroom. Closing the door, Mack turned on a lamp and faced me with a chuckle. “Holy shit, Darien. Were you going for the cat burglar look?”
I glanced at my feet and shrugged. “Well, I didn’t want to be seen.”
“The beanie’s a nice touch.” He plucked it from my head and dropped it onto the bed.
My hair fell in messy waves around my face and I scooped it back as best I could, finally getting a good look at my man. Gorgeous all shirtless and ripped, but almost as sad as me. “You look tired.”
He sat on the edge of the bed and pulled me between his legs. “Yeah, that happens when you don’t sleep.”
I cupped his face. “What’s really going on?”
“Threats have been made, babe. That’s all I can really say.”
I slid my fingers into his hair. It was still a little damp. “Against me?”
He sighed.
“Honey, I need something,” I pressed.
“Do you remember meeting Nika Kozlov?”
I frowned. “Where?”
“At work.”
“Oh. Um, tall, blond Russian guy?”
Mack nodded. “Yes.”
“Vaguely. He was a little creepy.”
“Yeah. Well, he was checking you out.”
I gasped. “What?”
“He had a plan to get to know you, but you quit and since no one told him you were leaving or where you went afterwards, his plans didn’t quite work out the way he wanted.”
Road to Passion Page 11