Page 10 of Dirty Empire

Chapter Three: Sexual Healing

Hazel

Dusk set in, and after hours of sleeping, I decide it’s time to get moving. I’ve slept through the night and most of the day. I hadn’t realized just how tired I’d been. Surprisingly, I was able to sleep so soundlessly. Something about this house makes me feel safe. It's ironic really considering Maverick has confirmed the level of danger I’m in. I rub my eyes open, peeking across the large guest room. The door to the enormous walk-in closet is open. It wasn’t like that when I went to sleep last night. Had someone been in here while I slept? I peel myself from under the covers to investigate and cup my hands to my mouth once I look inside. The closet, which was empty last night, is filled with clothes and shoes. A note is attached to one of the hangers. We did a little shopping for you. The handwriting is neat with clean, confident lines. I wonder if Maverick had written it. Putting the note aside, I run my fingers over the soft fabrics.

I check the tag on some of the shirts and notice they are all from well-known designers. This wardrobe must-have cost thousands of dollars. Why would he buy me a whole wardrobe? Does this mean he expects me to stay for a while? It’s not like I have anywhere to go anyways, but I’d assumed I had to figure out a way to get out on my own soon. A small smile turns up the corners of my mouth. Lavish gifting is something Miles used to do too. Was I falling into the same trap again? Trading one monster for another? But Maverick had been very candid with me last night. It’s refreshing to have someone to communicate with. When I was at Miles’s, I usually felt so alone. The only connection I had with Ares was sex.

I pick out a white halter top, blue capris, and a pair of cute sandals before walking through the closet to the luxurious bathroom. It’s well into the evening now so that I could have changed into pajamas, but I want to feel at least like I hadn't wasted the entire day sleeping.

As I finish getting ready, I emerge from the bathroom to enter the living room of my guest quarters. I’m met with a panoramic view of the ocean. I savor the moment, breathing deeply. I’m safe for now.

I have no idea what waits for me in the future. No idea if I can really trust Maverick, but right now, I have no choice. My mind is too exhausted to think about what my next steps are. I just need to be still for a moment.

I leave the room and make my descent down two flights of spiral stairs to the kitchen. The home is well-decorated with rare paintings, state-of-the-art technology, and Italian furnishings. The dining room table is made of solid wood. It’s a hand-carved masterpiece sporting fifteen seats. Maverick stands by the stove, placing something onto a plate. My surroundings tell me I should be grateful. In a state of joy, even. The reality is that my heart is still broken. The man I married has been lying to me all along. My whole marriage is a sham. I’d fallen out of love with Miles long before yesterday, but it still hurts.

Maverick wipes the sweat from his brow. He’s dressed down in dark jeans and a button-up shirt. He looks more casual than when I’d seen him yesterday.

“Oh, hey,” he says, turning around to see me standing in the middle of the kitchen, staring at him like an idiot. “I take it you slept well?”

“Yes, I did. I guess I don't realize how tired I was. What are you doing in the kitchen? Don’t you have a staff to prepare meals for you?” I question as I slid into one of the chairs at the island.

“I do. I just warmed up the food Isabella made yesterday. I don’t like to waste food.”

His concern about food waste surprises me. Most people with money couldn’t give a damn about wasted resources. I remind myself that this guy has been doing business with my husband. He isn’t a saint by any means.

“I hope you like shrimp fettuccine?” His deep, rich voice soothes my ears. A strange sense of calm exists with him. Something I haven’t been able to put my finger on. I don’t want to get too close to him, but I can’t deny how I feel.

“That’s actually one of my favorites.”

Maverick sits a plate of pasta in front of me before sitting down with his plate.

“This is amazing,” I say, my mouth full of pasta.

His lips twitch as if he wants to smile. “Isabella is a great cook.”

I swallow my bite before speaking again. “Thank you… For the clothes.”

He nods. “We kind of took the liberty of guessing your style and size.”

“Yes, they fit fine. Thank you so much. This is all a bit much, don’t you think? We barely know each other, and after all, we met under the worst possible circumstances.”

It’s not that I wasn’t grateful because I was. Maverick is putting a lot on the line to help me, but I’m curious about what his plan is.

Maverick gets up from the stool and saunters back into the kitchen area.

“Yes, I know, but I figure since I’m in, I might as well go all the way in.”

He grabs a bottle of whiskey from the shelf and pours himself three fingers. He raises an eyebrow at me as if asking if I want some.

“Do you have wine?” I ask.

He puts the whiskey back on the shelf before pouring me a glass of white wine. He guessed right because I can’t stand the taste of red wine. He comes back and joins me at the island.

“I don’t usually sleep that long,” I say, feeling like I need to give him an explanation. “I think with the stress and everything…”

He nods and continues to eat his food. “You don’t have to always explain yourself.”

“Okay.”

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