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Paul mutes the volume and faces where the two of us wait near the door before returning his attention to the mic.
“Maddie, it sounds good. Take a break. I’ll be just a minute.”
Paul passes by Guard and I and we follow him back out into the main entrance.
“That’s Maddie,” he says with his hands outstretched. “Not what you expected right?”
“Fuck. No wonder Ava wants her,” I reply. My eyes feel hazy as though I’ve been dreaming. give my head a shake, trying to refocus and knock the haze out.
“Bring her out here,” Guard says.
Paul shakes his head. “Won’t work. I promise you, I’ve tried everyth—”
“Bring. Her. Out. Here.” Guard repeats. I know that tone. Guard is losing his patience.
“Fine.” Paul sighs and moves toward the main door of the studio.
When he’s out of earshot, I look over at Guard and say, “Holy Fuck! That girl is unbelievably hot.”
Guard laughs loudly. “Glad you think so.”
I’m not sure I like the sound of Guard’s suddenly lighthearted change of tone. “What? Why?”
But before Guard can answer, Maddie walks out with Paul, stopping dead at the sight of us in full biker gear. Her mouth falls slightly open as her gaze moves between Paul to us and back again.
“A pleasure to meet you Maddie.” Guard extends his hand. Maddie hesitates a long moment before finally placing her hand in his. His hand appears to be twice the size of hers. Maddie immediately lifts her chin in a decree of silent strength. “Maddie, it seems we have a little problem. My gorgeous, pregnant wife wants you to sing at our anniversary concert. Your brother here tells us this is an issue for you. I’m hoping we can come up with some solution to that issue.”
“Um…” She looks from Guard to me and back to Guard again. “I don’t do many concerts.” She starts to back up.
Her attempt to cut the conversation short and retreat to the studio is interrupted by Paul’s request. “Maddie, hear them out.”
I am completely entranced by Maddie, sensing her inner fight. Having seen the news coverage of her abduction, I feel a deep need to protect Maddie. I have to taper the need to pull Guard aside, knowing this would be completely disrespectful to the president of my MC and brotherhood.
“Tell me why you won’t perform,” Guard persists, frustration setting his jaw.
“I prefer to record only.” Her voice is soft and sweet; musical just like her. She fidgets with her hands, wringing them together yet defiantly keeping her chin up.
“You’re not telling me why.” Guard says firmly, though I can tell he’s trying to maintain a softness in his voice to not upset her.
“I just don’t think it would be a good idea,” she replies firmly. “I’m better in the studio, leaving the stage shows to Paul and the guys. They’re better at it.”
“No offense to your brother, but my wife wants you,” Guard tries again. “I feel like you’re still not telling me why.”
Maddie’s eyes flit from Guard to myself before landing on her brother. “I don’t want to do this,” she says, shaking her head. “I don’t even want to be having this conversation.”
“I swear to you, Maddie, you would never be left unattended,” Paul promises. “The shit from before—that will never happen to you again.”
Maddie crosses her arms in front of her, almost like a shield. “You can’t make those promises.” Her voice is a hissing whisper.
“What if I give you your own personal body guard from the time you drive into the parking lot and I will have him take you home afterward? He will make damn sure that no one comes within reaching distance of you.” Guard can be very persuasive. “I want my wife to be happy. This is the only thing she wants for our anniversary. You can understand that, can’t you Maddie?”
Maddie continues to wring her hands together in frustration. “I do understand, and I think it’s great that you want to make your wife happy, but I’m still not sure about this.” Her eyes hold a tremendous amount of concern.
“You’ll have my fiercest man by your side until you get home. My word—you’ll be safe.”
Paul pipes up. “Maddie, think about what an opportunity this is for the group.” He turns his head to Guard. “Guard will give you his best.”
“In fact, you’re already looking at my best.” Guard motions over to me with a nod. And now I understand his teasing tone earlier.
