Page 18 of May 11

Cora raised her brows. Brooke's upper lip curled in distaste.

He squeezed Cora's neck, distracting her from the silent warning getting passed between the two women. While with him, she wouldn't have to worry about the women inside entertaining the Havlin members.

After several minutes, Brooke went back to Maverick's side. He curled his arm, bringing Cora closer, and put his lips to the top of her head.

"Have you changed your mind about a drink?" He inhaled deeply. "I could find you a Coke if you don't want something stronger."

"I'm good for now."

"Want to go inside?" he asked.

"With the biker bitches?"

He chuckled. Yeah, she was going to fit right in.

"I'm here. I might as well experience the whole biker party." She tilted her chin. "Take me inside."

He looped his arm around her shoulders, keeping her beside him as he weaved past the members, through the door, and into the clubhouse. The place was packed as it usually was on Friday and Saturday nights in the summer.

Taking her to the side of the room near the pool table, he put his back to the wall and set her in front of him, pulling her back against his front and letting her look out at everyone at the party. He slid his arms around her and underneath her breasts. His hands skimmed warm skin. He liked her weight pressed against the front of him.

He lowered his head. "Do you play pool?"

"Yeah." She inhaled deeply. "Can you?"

"That sounds like a challenge, babe." He patted her stomach. "We'll play next."

She tilted her head to look over her shoulder at him. "What are we playing for?"

He growled. She had no idea what she'd stepped into, gambling with him.

"What will you throw in the pot?" he asked.

"Twenty?"

He shook his head.

She raised her brows. "Fifty?"

He turned her around, keeping his arms around her. "That's not how we play here."

"Name your prize." She leaned against him, seemingly unconcerned with how much he touched her.

"You."

She watched his lips. Whether she considered his offer or planned to deny him, he prepared to fight for what he wanted.

"Does this have to do with the shooting?" Her question took him by surprise. "Just to be clear."

"Nah." He held her gaze. "Not a fucking bit."

At that moment, he wasn't thinking about the hit on Havlin Motorcycle Club or Rush getting shot. He only wanted to stay with her tonight and enjoy himself.

"If I win..." She moistened her lips. "I want you to answer a question and tell me the truth."

"Shoot."

She shook her head. "Not now."

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