Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

“Runner didn’t sneak out on his own, did he?”

Pierce’s eyes fly to mine, and I know the answer. Maya falls into her dad, crying uncontrollably and mumbling. It’s hard to make out her words, but I pick up on a few statements.

“Mom said she’s allergic.”

“She said she’d die if we came home with dog hair on us…”

“She told me she’d take away…”

At this point, I tune her out, and the superpower strength from earlier returns. “Will you help me hoist him?” I ask the young driver.

“Yes, ma’am, but are you sure that’s smart?” He frets.

“Just follow my lead.” I look back at Runner and speak softly. “Okay, baby, we’ve done this before. You hang on to me.”

I swear to God, my dog nods in understanding. He trusts me, putting his paws on my shoulders. I slip to crouching position, wrap my arms around his back, and surge up. The man jumps into motion, elevating Runner against me until I can anchor my arm under his hind legs while he whines in pain.

“Thanks.” I try to sound grateful, but it comes out strangled and brash.

“Darby, give him to me.” Pierce backs away from her, extending an arm.

“Get out of my way,” I grate out.

I ignore him, trying to get to my car without wobbling my trembling dog. He runs ahead, opening the truck and adjusting the blanket as I lay Runner down and shut him in.

“Darby, you’re in no condition to drive,” he starts, and I throw my hand in his face.

“You have a mess to clean up here. That boy needs medical attention. It’s smart to get a police report, and then you should let your neighbors know they have a demolished mailbox. After that, I suggest you get your daughter under control.” Hate and anger boil to the surface. “She’s proved today she’s a wrecking ball that has no sense of what’s right or wrong. I was ready to defend her!”

Guilt stretches over his features, but I’m too wired to care. “You were going to let me believe my dog escaped your house, which he has never done before!”

“I was going to tell you when we could discuss it in private. Word spread fast, and Connie got a hold of Maya while I was showering. There’s no telling what she told her. We hadn’t gotten that far when Cole ratted her out for shoving Runner out the door.”

“That’s because Cole has a heart and a good soul! He’s you down to the bones. With what’s happened today, it’s hard to believe that girl shares your DNA. Wait a minute…” I bark out a cynical laugh, laced with wicked intent. “She’s Connie Webber’s daughter. That’s where her malicious, conniving, and spiteful streak comes in.”

His eyes grow stormy, his jaw clamping tight. The overprotective Pierce is about to make an appearance. “She’s a girl, Darby. Don’t dump her into the same category as her mother. She’s misguided.”

“Misguided? She almost killed my dog because of her mother’s jealousy. That’s not misguided; that’s a fucking sociopath in the making! I have no idea the way you and Connie have chosen to parent all these years, but it’s obvious your daughter has no moral compass or self-direction. You need to stop blaming it on her mother get a handle on that shit.”

I yank open my door with so much force, pain shoots through my shoulder. The sting fuels my adrenaline, and I can’t stop from lashing out again. “You say you want to build a family with me? Start a life, fresh and clean of the past? It’s time you concentrate on the life and family you already have. There’s not a chance in hell I’d bring a baby into a house where he or she could be harmed because your ex fuck buddy influences your kids the way she does.”

He doesn’t try to stop me from slamming the door and driving away. Hot tears pour down my face as I speed to the only after-hours vet I can think of. The impact of my outburst weighs on my chest, and my own guilt claws up my throat.

I’m pretty sure Runner is going to be all right, but the thought of being alone sends panic through me. I fumble with my steering wheel, scrolling through my emergency contacts.

“Darby? Where are y’all?” Evin answers on the first ring.

“I need you.”

Chapter 28

Pierce

What a shit fucking night. On top of all the obvious, I can’t stop Darby’s words from rolling through my brain. Connie isn’t what I’d consider my ex fuck buddy, but Darby was right about her influence over Maya. It’s dangerous, and tonight could have ended under fatal circumstances.

Evin is waiting for me on the porch when I drive up. He’s been my point of contact since he met Darby at the vet. Runner is going to be fine. He’s bruised, and the gash on his hip needed stitches, which requires a cone on his head so he doesn’t gnaw at them. But, otherwise, the vet saw no other damage.