“It’s the right thing to do.”
She gave me a nod and moved to knock on his door. Taking my card from my pocket, I left her to her privacy and went into my room. The door hadn’t shut yet when I heard a knock and it was opened all the way again. I turned to see a stressed looking Lucas.
“What’s wrong?” Instead of telling me, Lucas held his phone out to me and I saw the text from Morgan telling them to book the first flight out.
“How solid are you, Ghost?”
“I don’t think she is gonna run into his arms if that’s what you are asking.”
“Where is she?”
“Breaking the news of who she chose.” He gave me a nod and rubbed his face.
“Dude, relax, okay. She isn’t going to keep going back and forth between us. She knows how she feels.”
“Is she sure about that?”
“I am.” I saw him relax a little before another knock on my door. Lucas moved to open it and saw Jasmine standing there. “No offence guys, but I look forward to the day when there is no one knocking on my door.” Jasmine gave me a grin and moved to hug me. Giving her a tight squeeze, I whispered “thank you” in her ear. Jasmine squeezed me tighter.
“Just make sure you have a spare room for me for when I come to visit.”
“Always, Jazzybee.” I looked up and looked at Lucas.
“If you ever need a change from superstars, Lucas, I’ll make room for ya with my misfits.” Jasmine moved out of the way when he moved over to me and fist bumped before giving me a one armed hug. He pulled away when there was yet another knock on my door and Jasmine moved to open it.
“So this is where the party is.” I couldn’t help but grin when I heard the sound of Maddie’s voice. When she walked into the room, I opened up my arms and she moved into them.
“Now it’s a party.” I said with a kiss to her lips.
“Get a room you two!”
I looked up at Jasmine and smirked, “You’re in it.” Jasmine just snorted and rolled her eyes playfully. I looked up when Lucas spoke.
“Did Morgan break the news, Maddie?” She nodded and leant her head against my chest. “Yeah, but I don’t think it will be long until we are out there, so I’m sure you and Tim can rekindle your bromance, Luke.”
“That’s right, Timmy Boy is coming home to see my Mama.”
I couldn’t help but cringe at Jasmine’s words. I knew her Mama had been on my side but seeing her again after all this time wasn’t something I was looking forward too. “If I have too…”
Jasmine grinned “Yes. She would hunt you down if you left without seeing her! We can worry about that later, for now, how about goodbye drinks in the bar for Lucas!”
Before he could answer, Jasmine was pushing him out the door. Bending down and pressing my lips softly against Maddie’s I grinned. “I love you, Snowflake.”
“I love you too, baby.”
I grinned wider and we followed Jasmine and Lucas.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Morgan
Dinner with Maddie was fun. She was an amazing girl, and clearly Ghost hadn’t said anything to her yet. Turning the tables on the pair of them had been a smooth move on my part. Making Ghost actually work tonight over one of the other guys was a nice touch too. I knew I was adding fuel to the fire, and the look in his eyes told me that he wanted me dead, but thankfully I was safe. Lucas and Daniel had my back and would step in if he tried. He wouldn’t make a move in front of Maddie and risk her ending up in the crossfire.
Although, if she knew where I had been and what I was doing while she was sleeping, then she might just kill me herself. If Ghost thought what he saw was bad, then I should have given him a taste of what went on in that room last night. After dinner, we took a walk along the beach before returning to the hotel. While Maddie was in the bathroom before we left, I sent Ghost a message with a video attached.
“Just a small taste of what me and Maddie are going to be doing later.”
Hitting send, I looked up as Maddie came out of the bathroom and I put my arm around her. Leading her out to the car, I helped her up into the Hummer and moved around to the other side.
“Touch her in any way and I will make sure she cuts your dick off and shoves it up your ass. Trust me, she knows how to castrate something.” With that, Ghost got into the front and shut the door.
“Is everything alright, Morgan?” Maddie asked when I got into the back with her.
“Peachy, Angel. Just a little shop talk.” Maddie nodded and laid her head against my shoulder and I let my hand rest against her thigh. Not bad for my first date. Most people seemed surprised when they found that little piece of information but I just didn’t want the drama that came along with the strings. I travelled a lot and didn’t want to be tied down. I saw what a struggle it was for the guys in the band who had families back home. Not something I wanted to sign on for. So, I just used my southern charm and got into their pants before taking off for the next town the next morning. Was I an asshole for leading Maddie on like this? Probably, but she had something I was craving real bad.
Getting back to the hotel and stepping into the elevator with Ghost and Maddie, I made sure to put her in between us. I wasn’t stupid. I wasn’t going to stand in swinging distance of a pissed off ex-Military man. I didn’t want to die tonight. The doors opened and he stepped out before letting us pass. I walked down the hall with my arm around Maddie’s waist, and I just knew that he wanted to take her and get her as far away from me as he could. Hell, if I was in his shoes then I probably would too. He was just going to have to suck it up, because she was mine for the night and nothing was going to change that.
Getting into the room and letting the door close, I could hold back any longer. Pressing Maddie back against the door, I kissed her hard as my arms caged her in place. Tonight, I was gonna make her mine. Tomorrow we were on the first plane out of here. The feel of her fingers running softly over my skin made me groan and press against her harder. Before I could make good on my thoughts though, there was a banging against the door, and not the kind that I liked. Maddie pushed me back just enough so she could answer the door. With every fiber in me I thought we would be staring at Ghost, so as she opened the door, I slipped my arm around her waist and pulled her back to me.
I was surprised when I saw Jasmine standing there. What was she doing here? Did Maddie call her and ask her to come? I looked down at Maddie and the look on her face said she had no idea she would be coming here either.
“Uh, babe? Can you give us a minute?” I nodded at Maddie with a frown and looked over to Jasmine. She looked pissed and I knew tonight would be a cold shower kinda night. Hmm, I wonder if it was too late to head down to the bar and see what they had to offer for dessert.
Moving down the hall and knocking on Ghost’s door, I had to let him know that Maddie wanted to leave tomorrow and head back for home. He opened the door and I broke the news, but I wasn’t prepared for what he came back at me with. Hearing Ghost say that he was going back to the States, I thought all my Christmases had come at once. I didn’t care if had a replacement on the way. I didn’t want to hire them anyway. Lucas made the call, though, and I had to trust him as my head of security. Heading back into my room after I left Tim, I thought about going back to Maddie, but if looks could kill then I would be six feet under. I wonder what had gotten into Jasmine? She was fine when I left with Maddie a couple of days ago. Then it hit me. She would have known Ghost as well. Cursing loudly, I knew what he had done. He had gone to Jasmine and told her how he felt and she had eaten it right up. The perfect love story. Guy loves girl, girl loves guy, torn apart years before but now reunited and making another go of it. Of course Jasmine would be rallying for Ghost.
Letting out a sigh, I moved to sit down but stopped when I heard raised voices in the hall. Raising a brow, I moved and opened it in time to see Maddie rushing to the elevator. Jasmine pushed off Maddison’s door and went to walk down to wherever it was that she was st
aying when she saw my door open. Jasmine flashed me a proud smirk and I stepped out.
“You lost, Morgan? You should have come clean about the outfit and the bracelet. She is with who she belongs with now. I will make sure of that.”
I went to step towards her but before I could, Lucas was in between us.
“Walk away, Morgan” he said.
Shaking my head, I glared at Jasmine. “This isn’t over.” Jasmine just rolled her eyes. We would soon see. “Lucas. A word.” I asked. Without waiting for an answer, I walked back into my suite. I cupped my hands behind my head and waited for Lucas to come in. Once I heard the door shut, I turned to look at him. “What the hell is going on? First Maddie and I have an awesome night at dinner, now she is running off to chase someone who was supposed to be leaving! What the actual fuck?!”
“Well, first thing would be your little stunt with the brunette downstairs. But as Maddie doesn’t know about that…” He let out a sigh and started to speak again. “Jasmine was still in town from when they went camping. When Jasmine heard that Ghost was here, she came to see him, and they got to talking. They went out and brought Maddison a whole outfit down to the bracelet. He’d planned on taking her out, but you’d already asked her on a date. When she went into her room, she just assumed that you arranged it all. When you didn’t set her straight and she kept thanking you and not him, he came back and quit. I went and got Jasmine, and we both tried to talk him out of it. When he told us we had until his backup got here, Jasmine went to tell Maddison everything. Then I guess Maddison wanted to talk to Ghost.”
He shrugged like it was nothing and I moved my hand from the back of my head to rub my jaw. “Why the fuck didn’t you come to tell me what the hell was going on so that I wasn’t blindsided by all of this!”
“I only knew that he was leaving! I didn’t know Jasmine would talk some sense into her!”
My eyes narrowed at Lucas’ words. “What the hell does that mean?”
“It means that I don’t believe Maddison should be with you.”
“Why the fuck not?” I asked.
“Do you really need me to answer that?! I know how you are with women. You tell them that you think that they are someone you could fall in love with, but all you are trying to do is get them into bed before you leave the next morning. I won’t let you do that with Maddison. Sure, Ghost and Maddison don’t have the perfect past, but they should get to try again Morgan. If you are meant to be with her then you will get that chance, but leave them alone!”
I couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of Lucas’ mouth. Why did that fuckstick get another chance, but I couldn’t have a first chance to show her that she was the one for me. Turning my back to Lucas, “You can leave now.” I told him.
Sliding open the screen door, I stepped out onto the balcony. I would get my chance. You can be sure of that. If leaving was going to work for Ghost, then maybe it would work for me too. Two could play at that game and one of us would be playing it better. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I sent a group message to Lucas and Daniel.
“Pack up. We are on the first flight out of here. Maddie has made her choice. He can stay with her then.”
Instantly, both of them replied, “On it, Boss.”
Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I cast my eyes out over the view from my balcony and let out a sigh. I would be back. Then Maddison and I could pick up where we left off without complications.
Moving to the bed, I pulled my bag up off the floor and started packing all my stuff. Feeling my phone go off, Daniel replied to the group message. “Flight leaves first thing tomorrow morning.”
I sent back to him, “Thanks, Dano.”
Moving to the bathroom, I packed up my shower gel and stuff before adding my toiletries bag to my suitcase. Hearing a knock on my door, I zipped up my case and moved to answer the door. Seeing Maddison standing there, I moved to the side to let her pass. Closing the door after her, I moved back to keep packing my things.
“I’m sorry, Morgan.”
“It’s fine, Maddison. I knew we were doomed the minute he came back onto the scene. Didn’t think it would be this soon though.”
Maddison nodded and sat down on the bed. “I didn’t think I could give him another chance, but the thought of losing him again made my heart stop.”
“What about the thought of me leaving?” I asked.
“I don’t know. I haven’t been put in that position to see. I guess I will have to cross that bridge when I come to it.”
“Start crossin’, sweetheart.”
Maddie looked up at me confused. “I thought you were here a few more weeks?” she asked.
“So, it’s okay for me to sit around and watch the two of you together but it’s not okay for him too? Bit of a double standard, don’t you think?”
Maddie nodded and dropped her head. “I guess I thought we could come to some kind of understanding. We keep going but Tim goes back with Jasmine to wait us out…”
“How does he feel about this?”
“I hadn’t discussed it with him yet.”
I nodded softly and moved to sit down on the bed beside her. “I think it’s for the best if I go, Maddie. Ghost and I... we are always going to be in a pissing competition over you. I think I need to step back and accept the better man for you won.”
It wasn’t a lie. Maddie was a smart girl and she knew who she wanted. She knew her feelings better than I ever would. This was her decision to make. “Just know that if he fucks it up again, I will be right here waiting.”
That earned a giggle from her as she moved to lay her head on my shoulder. Wrapping my arm around her, I tucked her into my side. “I am sorry I made such a mess of this, Morgan.”
“It’s not your fault, Angel. I guess fate works in mysterious ways. I just hope he makes you happy.”
“Would it be too much to ask if we could still be friends?” she asked.
“Not at all, Angel. I’ll take what I can get with you.”
I felt her lips against my cheek and I let my arm fall from around her. “When do you leave?”
“First flight out in the morning.”
She nodded softly. “Please come and say goodbye before you go?”
I gave her a nod. “If that’s what you want, Angel.” She nodded at me and I squeezed her hand. “Then I will make sure to have a coffee with me when I do.”
Maddie giggled again and wrapped her arms around me. Wrapping my arms around her shoulders, I squeezed her softly. “Look me up if you are ever in the States, Angel.”
She nodded and I closed my eyes, my head resting against her cheek. Some things just aren’t meant to be.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Maddie
We were down in the bar having a few drinks and enjoying Lucas’ last night in Australia. Being back in Tim’s arms felt like home. It was a feeling that I’d missed, and until now, I didn’t realize just how much I was missing it. I had tried to convince myself that I could do without him, but I had been lying to myself. Now, I wouldn’t have to be without him. We didn’t have to answer to family this time around and come hell or high water, I wasn’t letting him go this time. Feeling his arm wrap around my waist, I leant back against him. Laying my head back against his chest, I tilted my head to the side slightly so that I could press my lips against his jaw.
“You okay, Snowflake?” he asked.
I gave him a smile and nodded my head. “I am, baby.”
“Are you going to see Michael before you leave?”
I let out a small sigh and turned a little in his arms. “I’ll check and see if he’s home, but I dunno. I’m kinda hoping he won’t be.”
Tim raised a brow at me, “But you love spending time with him?”
“I know, but since I found out that he sent my letters back to you and didn’t tell me that you’d written, I’m a little hurt.”
“You have every right to be, too, but he did have your best interests in mind.
” I chewed on my lip and nodded.
“I’ll see how seeing Hannah goes and find out where he is before I decide.” Tim kissed me softly and I melted in his arms.
“Will you two knock it off!” I shook my head and kissed him again with a little more passion this time before pulling away.
“Happy, Jasmine?”
“Ecstatic, Maddison.”
I swatted her hand away when she went to pinch my cheeks and she handed me a fresh drink. Before I could say a word to her, a voice came from behind us.
“So this is what has my security team busy.”
I felt Tim tense behind me and he let go of me and turned around. Standing behind him but to the side a little, Morgan stared back at us.
“No, this is where your off duty security team is. Daniel had you covered, but as you have an early morning flight tomorrow morning, we all thought you would be asleep.”
“Well, Lucas, as you can clearly see, I’m not.”
Then my mouth decided not to wait for my brain to finish the thought before I blurted out, “So why don’t you have a drink with us!”
I heard collective groans from around me and then my brain finally caught up and my head dropped. Morgan chuckled.
“Thanks for the offer, Darlin’, but fifth wheel isn’t my thing.” I looked back at Lucas and his teeth were clenched.
“Morgan, baby, I thought you were leaving. Maybe we can take that rain check after all and have a repeat of the other night.” My head whipped around from making faces at Jasmine and I saw an arm wrap around Morgan’s waist.
“The other night, huh?” I asked as my eyes narrowed at Morgan. Morgan’s eyes went wide and Tim wrapped an arm around my waist. Before anyone could defuse the situation, the bimbo continued talking.
“He came down after a prior engagement that he just couldn’t get out of, but came to see me to unwind.” I shook my head with a smirk on my face. I stepped closer to Morgan.
“Maddie, I can explain…”
Hell On An Angel (Fated Love Book 2) Page 7