Page 122 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

“I love you,” the words slip free. For someone who never said them at all previously, I sure as shit wear the phrase out these days. I don’t care, though. I don’t ever want her to doubt how I feel about her. I could say it a million times and it still wouldn’t be enough.

She nuzzles her face into my chest just as I dip low to press my lips to the top of her head. “Forever,” she coos with a smile, half suspended in her dream state.

And any part of my heart that had yet to reawaken, stutters back to life with her single word declaration.

CHAPTER 52

JONSIE

“What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” Mav reaches over, snatching up my hand and bringing it to his lips.

I shift slightly in the passenger seat to better face him, my expression somber. “You know.”

He glances over to me, offering an understanding nod as he relinquishes a sigh. “I know, baby.”

After Mav came home from jail, he told me about his informant status. He also explained what Kellerman wants him and Nicky to do, and while I desperately want my boyfriend and brother free of this life, it doesn’t sit well with me their freedom is essentially dependent on fucking over Daphne.

“Maverick.” I pull my hand from his grasp, tucking my feet up under me as I lean my elbows against the center console. “You both can’t seriously expect me to just go along with this and not say anything to her. I won’t do that. Hell, if she’d answer any of my phone calls, I would’ve told her already. Why isn’t she calling me back?”

“One—” he holds up a finger “—I don’t expect you to do anything. You are your own person, baby girl. You make your own decisions. You may be mine, but I don’t speak for you.”

Jesus, I love this man.

“Two—” a second finger pops up “—I always knew you were going to tell Daph as soon as you found out. I was never keeping the information from you in order to stop that from happening. I delayed sharing the intel because Nicky wanted to talk to her first and, given the fact that regardless of who she’s engaged to, Daph is clearly Nick’s girl, I tried to be respectful of that since I wouldn’t want him meddling in our business.”

A scoff escapes me accompanied by an overdramatic eye roll. “Because he’s been so respectful of us in that area.”

“I don’t give a damn. His faults don’t dictate my actions as a man. He deserved the right to handle shit with his woman. I gave that to him. If he hasn’t sorted it out by now, then he gets what he gets if you blow up his spot.”

That’s fair, I guess.

“And three—” the third finger rises “—I have no idea why Daphne isn’t returning your calls. That’s something you need to straighten out with your girl.”

Ugh. I drop back into my seat, my eyes screwing shut in frustration. “I am fucking dreading this.”

“You’re not the only one, baby. Though, my main concern is more surrounding that Russian snake who’s sure to be in attendance. I’m serious, J.” He glances in the rearview every so often, ensuring we aren’t being followed. “Stay away from him and within my line of sight at all times. Especially, since you’re not carrying.”

“I’m carrying.”

Mav’s head snaps in my direction, his eyes scanning my body as his brow furrows in confusion. “Where the fuck you got it hidden in that outfit?”

He’s right. My one piece fitted romper is sleeveless, sporting a high neck halter with a cutout that exposes my cleavage. Not a whole lot of places to hide a weapon.

Smirking, I reach up to undo the snap at the back of my neck, dropping the fabric around my waist, thus exposing my strapless bra to him. “See?” I chuckle, gesturing to the specially designed holster Rico had made for me last year. It attaches to the front of my bra, allowing me to stash the gun up in the band. “I can access it through the side of my top. One good tug and it comes free.” I demonstrate for him before returning it to the holster.

“You’re so fucking sexy.” His eyes darken with desire, prompting me to redirect his gaze to the road.

“Focus, Mav.” My snickers continue as I redo my collar, much to his dismay.

“I’m fucking trying, baby, but damn, have you seen yourself?” He shamelessly reaches down, readjusting the crotch of his pants as he shifts in his seat.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” Mav never looks bad, but tonight he looks exceptionally drool-worthy. He’s rocking his signature color—black, of course—but as always, he looks sexy as fuck while doing it. He’s opted for no tie, the first two buttons undone exposing the ink on his chest. His black suit jacket costs more than I’ll probably make in an entire month working at the clinic, not that I need the money. But neither of those articles are my favorites right now. Nor are the fitted slacks that are currently giving me a generous view of the outline of his dick as it stands at attention for me. No, my favorite part of this entire ensemble are the black high-top Vans he pairs with it. Proof that my big bad Bishop is still a kid at heart.

I, on the other hand, as a member of the bridal party am forced into a pair of red strappy stilettoes that I should be eligible to receive hazard pay just for wearing. I almost debated wearing flip flops, but the thought of what Daphne’s mother would do to me if I dared mess up her aesthetic was enough to have me slipping on these torture devices.

We pull into the lot of the venue and, judging by the number of cars already here, we’re late. Fuck, no wonder Daph’s been stressed to the max. Why are there so many people here for a rehearsal dinner?

I reach for the door handle when I’m unexpectedly ripped back, Mav’s fingers thread through my hair as he turns my face into his.

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