Page 4 of Beautiful Unity

Two

MADDOX

Brooks shifted on his feet, his hands in a defensive position as he looked for an opening. I struck him on the side and watched as he recalibrated. We’d been going over moves for the past hour, and I’d learned a lot about the shy cowboy.

Despite his belief that he hindered Darcie, the man had a lot going for himself. He’d picked up the defensive techniques quickly. He watched with a keen eye, which benefited him in the rodeo. When he could get out of his head, he was wicked quick and a natural in defense.

“Stop thinking and just go with it,” I chided.

He nodded, bracing his hands, and struck me this time. I blocked, spun, and hit. He met my move, then delivered his own, knocking me right in the chin. Stunned, I stepped back as stars danced behind my eyes. Shaking the dizziness, I smiled over at a frozen Brooks. His eyes were wide, and the color had drained from his face.

“Good hit. Now, do that a hundred more times, and you won’t have to think about it.”

“But…you…I,” he stuttered.

“I’m fine.” I waved him off and drew up my hands. “But if you don’t shake it off, you’re gonna land on your ass.” I didn’t wait for him to recover, figuring if I advanced, he’d have to rely on his reflexes instead of the emotions choking him.

I hit him on his ribs, and he stumbled back a step. I didn’t stop and moved to strike again when he focused and blocked.

Now we’re talking!

Over the next few minutes, we traded blows and danced around one another in the makeshift circle we’d drawn in the gravel. My jaw hurt, and my knuckles were raw, but the endorphins from the fight overpowered the pain. Grinning wide, I clapped Brooks on the back once we’d stopped.

“All right, Baby Brawler, let’s shower and see what the others are up to.”

Brooks laughed, wiping the blood from the corner of his lip. He stared at it and grinned. “Never thought I’d be this happy to see my own blood.”

Snorting, I nudged him toward our hotel rooms for the night. We’d driven another five hours earlier, bringing us closer to the Mavericks. We’d been driving out of the way to avoid club lines, making the ordinary eight-hour journey about eighteen.

Not that I was complaining. It was nice to have this time with Darcie and the other guys before shit got real. I was under no delusion things wouldn’t be dicey once we made our presence known. I’d meant what I’d told Brooks. There was no guarantee we’d make it out of this alive.

I hoped for it, but the Agonizer wasn’t known to be forgiving. He’d already felt slighted by losing Darcie, and assuming Chase was still alive after Darcie stabbed him, he’d be looking for vengeance. The bounty said as much.

So, I’d cherish these few days before everything went to hell.

Brooks knocked on the door before opening it. We’d gotten two rooms with adjoining doors to move from one to the next. Thankfully, there weren’t any hearts in either. Just the standard faded carpet, floral bedspreads, and the smell of smoke that lingered in the walls despite how many air fresheners they attempted to use.

It wasn’t the greatest, but it was better than sleeping outside, so I’d shut up and deal with it.

“You’re bleeding!” Darcie exclaimed, jumping off the bed and rushing to Brooks.

“I’m fine.” He smiled but let her fuss over him anyway. Lucky bastard.

“What about me, Princess?” I teased.

Darcie flicked her gaze to me, scanning me from head to toe. “You’re fine,” she sassed.

I clutched my chest. “You wound me, Princess. Baby Brawler hits hard.”

Darcie studied me, then Brooks. When he gave her a sheepish grin, instead of fussing over me, though, Darcie’s eyes heated, and she licked her lips. Damn. That was hot.

“Baby Brawler, I like it,” Grayson said, jumping up from his position on the bed. “We should go out and celebrate. There’s a country bar not too far from here.”

“Yes!” Darcie jumped up and down, her tits bouncing along, and the three of us watched unashamed.

“No,” Bubba barked through the door of the other room.

Darcie’s grin fell but returned as a sly smirk. She spun on her heels and sashayed her way to the door. She glanced over her shoulder, giving us all a heated look. “Get ready. I’ll convince Waylon.”