I narrowed my eyes at the man but nodded in respect. “You know who I am and still asked that?”
“No one should disrespect a woman, not even a Maverick.”
“That took balls.” I scratched my jaw, taking him in. “Just so you know, I didn’t. I’m the one rescuing her. I respect your willingness to stick your neck out for my girl, though. If you ever need anything, let Tank know Mad Dog owes you a favor.” He swallowed, nodding. “Twenty on pump 3. Take care, sir.” I tapped the counter, leaving more cash than necessary, and took the bag, leaving the man in shock.
Favors of the Mavericks were a big thing. Even if I was a ghost from here on out, I knew Tank would honor my request. It might seem risky, but I hoped it also helped him keep his mouth shut if anyone else came by asking. Kindness and honor got you further than fear most of the time. I learned that from Hank, the opposite of my father.
When we got back out to the pump, I started it before opening the saddlebag. I searched through and pulled out a pair of soft pants for her.
“Here.” She looked at them like a foreign object, so I helped her step into them, pulling them up. “Do you want to keep your backpack on or put it in here?” She stared, and I worried she was going into shock.
“Darcie!”
She blinked, looking up. “I’ll keep it.”
Nodding, I smoothed her hair and pulled her into a hug. I’d never get tired of holding her. The click of the pump had me pulling away, kissing her forehead. Putting the gas pump back, I locked the saddlebags and climbed back on my bike. This time, I handed her the helmet I’d grabbed out, able to think more clearly when it didn’t feel like our lives depended on it.
Like a pro, she hooked it on and climbed onto the back of the bike, wrapping her arms around me. She seemed a little more cognizant this time, and I hoped she was coming out of her fog some. I didn’t want to have to worry about her falling off the back of the bike.
“Just a few hours more, Princess.”
I felt her nod into my back, and I started the engine, setting off, praying we’d make it.
* * *
A few hours later, I pulled into a motel parking lot, exhaustion forcing me to call it quits. Dawn was starting to break, but I couldn’t go any further without sleep.
“I’ll be right back. Will you be okay by yourself?” I asked as I stepped off the bike.
Darcie nodded, pulling her arms around herself. She looked around at the parking lot, but it was mostly vacant with no one out at the moment. She seemed to ease the further from Jackson we got. Turning, I didn’t linger, knowing it was better to get inside the room as quickly as possible. Using a fake name, I reserved the room for two days despite not planning to use it that long. A trick I’d learn in the MCD program.
Paying cash, the clerk slipped the key across the counter, and I pocketed it, turning to leave. I needed to be forgettable, which was hard at 6’5”. At least my arms, which were covered in full sleeves, were covered, but I’d need to do something with the leather jacket soon. Too many people knew who the Mavericks were, and that was something no one would forget in Mississippi.
Darcie wasn’t on the bike when I stepped out, and I cursed under my breath. My heart started to pound in my chest as I searched the area for her. Looking behind cars, I ducked around a large van, checking in backseats and under them one by one.
“Hey,” she said, the sound the most beautiful in the world. I stopped and turned, finding her standing on the curb, a bag of chips and soda in her hand. “I got breakfast.” She smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes, and I knew it was an attempt to make herself appear better, rather than really wanting to smile.
Clasping my chest, I hung my head, taking a few breaths. “For Pete’s sake, Darce. You about gave me a heart attack.”
She snorted, a genuine smile breaking free for half a second. “Sorry. I got hungry.” She raised her shoulder. “Room ready?”
“Yeah.” I walked over to the bike, grabbed our things, and walked her around to our room number. Opening it up, I stopped her before she walked in. She rolled her eyes but stopped, stepping back.
“I highly doubt someone is waiting for us, but by all means.” She gestured with her hands, opening the bag of chips. She took a loud bite, the sound ricocheting around us, and I narrowed my eyes at her.
“Really?” She shrugged, continuing to eat her damn chips. Huffing, I quickly walked through the room and made sure it was clear. I sat our bags down on the dresser and pulled out the first aid kit. Stepping into the bathroom, I turned on the light and inspected the shower. It was decent with a tub and appeared clean.
“Hey, Princess, do you want to take a shower or bath?”
She peeked in, eyeing the tub. “Yeah, I guess a bath would be good. Um, do you think we could stop by the pharmacy later?” she asked, dropping her eyes.
“Sure. What do you need?” I turned on the tap, fiddling with the temperature as it started to fill.
“Um, the morning-after pill,” she whispered.
The rage I’d managed to lose built up in me again, and I clenched my hands against the side of the tub. “Yeah, Princess. I can do that for you.”
“Thanks, Maddox.” She hugged me around the waist when I stood.