Page 47 of I Stop Somewhere Waiting For You

Unknown: Forever?

Me: Forever.

I slowly approach him, my fingers reaching out to brush back his disheveled hair. Mav sits up a little, reaching for my hips and pulling me into him, his forehead resting against my stomach. He pulls me in even closer, his arms encircling my thighs as he pins me to him. We stay like this for several moments in silence, my one hand stroking his hair as my other lightly scratches his back. Eventually, curiosity gets the best of me.

“What happened with the Parley?”

“We think there’s a rat in one of our crews. Maybe both.”

My whole body goes rigid as I process what he’s telling me.

Mav senses my tension, lifting his head to look up at me. “It’s why he didn’t want to tell anyone about the meet. He wants an alliance, but to make it look like we’re considering war. Even the boys—Finn, T, and his leadership. Wants ‘em all to think that’s the direction it’s heading, while he and I smoke out the traitors.”

“But that means… he thinks there’s a chance one of the guys could be the rat?”

“I don’t think Nicky’s leaving any stone unturned on this one.”

“Jesus, Mav.” I sink down onto the bench alongside him. “I’ve known those boys for years. Rico? For most of my life.”

“I know, baby. I’ve known Finn almost as long as Bentley. But he’s right, J. We’ve gotta play this one smart. Which is why, when you get home today, you are going into full lockdown.”

“I’m already in lockdown, Mav.”

“No, babe. Like school too. Nicky’s arranging for you to go virtual as we speak.”

“What?!” I pop up, my eyes narrowing into slits as my jaw clenches.

“Come here.” He reaches for me, but I pull back.

His jaw tics in frustration as he lunges, gripping me by the arm and pulling me into his lap. “Hey!” he snaps. There’s a hard edge to his voice as he grips my chin, pulling my face to meet his gaze. “Cut the shit. This was my call. I told Nicky I knew what happened to you. I said the only way I’d agree to the alliance was if we made sure our girls were fully protected before we start.”

“Your girls?” I ask, my expression puzzled.

“Yeah. Nicky’s locking down you and Daphne…” Mav’s brow arches as he says her name, while I gasp at the revelation.

“That little hoe!” I snicker. “She’s holding out on me.”

“And I’m locking down my girl,” he continues.

“Your girl? Why does Nicky think you have a girl?”

“Because I picked him up in your RS 7.”

My eyes grow wide. “Maverick!” I hiss, smacking at his chest. “What the fuck?!”

“I’m sorry,” he chuckles. “I didn’t know he was gonna get in the car.”

“Jesus Christ, Mav. We’ve fucked in that car.”

“Oh, I’m aware. You remember what we did in the passenger seat? Because I sure as fuck do. And that’s where his ass was. Sitting in the same seat his baby sister was when she came all over my co—” I smack him several more times, cutting off his words as his body vibrates with laughter. After a moment he settles, his demeanor shifting to one more serious in nature. “Baby, I know you’re pissed, but I need you to do this for me. Nicky and I have to buckle down and focus if we’re gonna figure this out. And I can’t do that if I’m constantly wondering where you are and if you’re safe. You got me?”

I feel the grumblings of an annoyed sigh travel up my throat, my gaze narrowing on him. “Yes,” I relent, leaning my forehead against his. “I don’t like it, though.”

“Your complaint is noted.” His warm lips brush the skin baring my tattoo. “I love you, J. Hang in there with me, baby.”

I grip hold of his face, forcing him to look up at me. “You have a million and one things you need to worry about right now. Me bailing out will never be one of them. I will ride with you ‘til the fucking wheels fall off.”

“My fucking Queen,” he whispers, before pulling my lips down onto his.

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