Page 134 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

“Maverick Bishop,” I laugh, “don’t ‘what’ me. Where did you learn how to do this?”

“Oh, you know,” he says with a shrug. “Picked up a thing or two here and there.” Mav spins me out once more, catching me on the return to dip me low, and pulling me right side up before my gasp can even fully escape me. A playful grin takes root on my face while I continue to eye him in surprise. He glances down at me, rolling his eyes with a smile. “Bentley’s mom. She used to make us dance with her every night in the kitchen. Woman had skills.”

“Apparently.” My brow arches as I reach up to stroke the back of his neck. “Mav, what happened to her?”

Mav’s face grows solemn as he continues to lead us around the floor, his fluid movements almost second nature. “Mugging gone wrong.”

I feel the pained expression overtake my features just as Mav shakes his head. “Don’t. She wouldn’t want anyone dwelling on how she went. She’d much rather we talk about the good times. I have so many good memories with her… with Bent.”

“Tell me something about her. Something that makes you happy.”

Mav’s head tilts slightly to the side, his eyes softening with adoration. “She would have loved you,” he whispers, his words sending a burst of warmth blossoming throughout my chest.

His hand rises, caressing the side of my face as I lean into his touch, my eyes slipping closed. Mav’s palm moves back to cradle my neck and I’m suddenly spun to my left, my eyes fluttering open just as I’m dipped low once more. Only this time, we linger with Mav bent forward, his face hovering just above mine as we stare in one another’s eyes. Gently turning my head to the right, he presses a soft kiss to the bishop behind my ear before capturing my lips with his own. Guiding me upright, his mouth remains fused to mine in an earth-shattering kiss that I could happily drown in. Mav cups my face with both hands, angling my head so he can kiss me deeper, pulling my body flush against his as though we’re one.

“I love you, J. You’re the love of my life. The light to my dark. The other half of my soul. I will follow you ‘til the end of our existence and if reincarnation’s a thing, I’ll find you in the next life and do it all over again. You run, I chase, baby. Forever.”

“You sure you can catch me?” I smile playfully, arching a brow.

He nods, a sly grin spreading across his features. “Just stop every so often… wait for me.”

“Forever,” I promise just as his lips ghost against my jaw, skating along the side of my face before reclaiming my mouth. I lose myself in his kiss, surrendering all that I am to this moment with him. For one brief second, time stands still, granting us a much deserved moment of peace.

Then chaos ensues.

CHAPTER 56

MAV

The sound of gunshots ringing out somewhere inside the hotel sends the room into mass hysteria. Guests frantically make their way for the exits while J and I scan the area for signs of Nicky. After a moment, I spot him shoving through the crowd toward us with Daphne in tow. The room continues to empty, leaving us standing in the center of the dance floor.

“What’s the word?” I ask as Nick approaches.

“I got nothing yet,” he responds with a shake of his head. “I’m assuming Yuri’s not going quietly.”

“Lucian?” J questions Daphne, continuing to glance around.

Nicky scoffs. “Little bitch ran as soon as the first shot went off.” He pulls Daphne close, throwing an arm around her shoulder and pressing a kiss to her temple. She leans into him, eyes closing as she raises her hand to cup his face. Nicky captures it before she makes contact, pulling the rings from her finger and tossing them off to the side of the room. “Get that shit outta here,” he snarls before bringing her now-bare finger to his mouth where he presses a long kiss. “Come here,” he whispers, slipping his hand around the nape of her neck and pulling her against him. His head dips low, his lips slamming down onto hers with bruising force as he completely loses himself in her presence. He kisses her like he’s starving and she’s the only thing that can satisfy his insatiable hunger. I’m just about to tell them to get a room when someone to my right clears their throat, calling Nicky to attention.

Shannon steps toward him, finger pointed in his face. “We’re gonna talk about this—” she gestures between him and Daphne “—in a minute, but first…” She pulls me and Nicky closer. “Do I have to worry about the federal agents that are currently swarming this hotel? Are they here for you two?”

“Mom,” Nicky attempts to wave her off, “why would they be—”

“Do not feed me that bullshit, Daniel!” Shannon seethes with a low hiss. “Your father and I need to know if we need to prep the lawyers. Are they here for you?”

“You know?” My eyes narrow, the question slipping from me in awe. I feel J tense up beside me, her head snapping toward her mother.

“Do we know the full extent of it? Probably not.” Shannon shrugs. “Do we know that you two dipshits have managed to grace more than one federal watch list? Yes, Maverick.” She pins me with a look. “We aren’t stupid.”

Nicky just stares at her, mouth agape as he attempts to process what she’s telling him. “Ma, I… you…” he stutters.

“Later, Nicky. Are. They. Here. For. You.”

“No,” I answer for him. “We’re working with them. We helped them take down a pretty big fish in exchange for immunity. We’re out after this.”

“Done?” she questions me skeptically. “Completely? Don’t lie to me, Maverick.”

“I’m not, ma’am.” She slaps me in the back of the head, her gaze never breaking mine. “I mean, Mom.” I correct myself. “As long as they got the intel they needed, we’re free and clear.”

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