Page 55 of Beautiful Envy

“And now?” I asked, licking my lips.

His answer came in the form of his blowing raspberries on my neck.

Giggling, I pulled back, smoothing my hands over his face. A knock at the door stopped the words that wanted to spill out.

“Yes?” Bubba grunted, shifting so we were sitting up more.

The door opened, and Clive, one of the newer tattoo artists, stepped in. “There’s a man here to see you,” he said.

“Tell him I’ll be there in a second,” Bubba said, sighing.

“No. He’s here for Darcie.”

Bubba growled, making me laugh. I patted his cheek. “It will be alright, Bubba Bear. It’s not like you’re going to let me walk up there on my own,” I teased.

He smirked, barely letting go so I could stand. Clive watched us, stepping out of the way as we neared. All the employees were happy for Bubba when they saw us together. They all loved and adored him here, telling me how special he was. It had been unnecessary since I already knew it. It was still sweet, nonetheless, to see how much they cared about his happiness.

Bubba trailed a centimeter behind me, barely giving me room to walk. Chuckling at his overbearingness, I pushed him aside as I turned to see who was there for me.

My breath stopped as my heart raced at the sight. The world wanted to spin around me until I remembered to breathe. Taking a step, I was soon running toward the figure.

Their eyes locked on me, watching every move I made as I neared. I could hear Bubba shouting at me, but nothing would stop me from going to this man.

Without thinking, I jumped into his arms, my legs wrapping around him. His arms held me securely to his chest, a hand on my head as his lips fell into my neck. Tears streamed down my face uncontrolled as I held on for dear life.

“You’re here. You’re here,” I murmured over and over.

“I am, Princess, I am.”

His hand rubbed up and down my back, my tears slowing. I pulled back, bracing my hands on his face, looking him over.

Maddox King looked older than when I last saw him. His eyes were darker with shadows, and I wondered what he’d been through. I kept touching his face, his hair, wherever I could reach, just to make sure he was real.

He chuckled, the sound soothing my heart. “I’m real, Princess.” His eyes shifted over my head, and I had a feeling whom he was seeing. “I think your bodyguard wants to kill me for touching you,” he whispered, smiling.

Exhaling, I tapped his arm to put me down. The urge to kiss him was strong, but this wasn’t the place. Nor did I know if he still wanted me that way. Landing on my feet, I turned, taking his hand and leading him over to where Bubba was scowling against a wall.

“Waylon, this is Maddox.” I lifted my eyes, trying to communicate now was not the time to cause a scene.

Maddox stretched his hand out to Bubba, offering an olive branch. “It’s nice to meet you, man.”

Bubba glared down at the offering, his possessiveness coming out to play. Stepping away from Maddox, I wrapped my arm around Bubba and squeezed.

“Play nice. I’ll explain.”

Bubba grunted, raising his hand to shake with Maddox’s. Now that was settled, I knew we had a lot of talking to do, and the shop was not the right place.

“Waylon, can we take lunch now and head over to the garage? There are some things I think everyone should hear.”

Bubba glanced down at me, his eyes moving over my face. After what felt like a lifetime, he nodded. “Yeah. Let me tell the guys.”

He stepped away, then turned, pulling me to him. Bubba kissed me hard, leaving me slightly breathless as he stomped back to the office.

Maddox coughed, a laugh wanting to spill out. Looking at him, I crossed my arms.

“What?” I asked, daring him to say something since he’d been gone for a few years.

“Nothing. Just seems I make the big guy nervous.” He lifted an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the showdown too much.