Page 23 of Dirty Empire

Chapter Eight: Operation Flight

Maverick

“Hey,” I say over the phone as I lean back in the chair behind my desk—a cigar rest between my fingers. I don't smoke often, but every once in a while, it’s a nice treat.

“What’s up, man? How’s everything?” Dustin asks. I haven’t talked to Dustin since going to the hospital with Hazel. I’ve been too busy watching over her and running my business to call.

“It's getting better. Yesterday was a good day.” It will be a long time before Hazel can heal from the abuse she’s suffered, but at least it looks like we’re moving forward.

“Mhmm.”

“What?”

“You’re pretty serious about her, huh?” Dustin asks.

“Miles really fucked her up.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

I let out a sigh and take a drag of the cigar before placing it back in the ashtray. The smoke erupts from my mouth and fills the air.

“I don’t know. I want to help her. She’s different.” I’m not sure how to put it into words. I feel an obligation to help Hazel get back on her feet, but I’d be lying if I say there isn’t something deeper there. I’ve fucked a lot of women, but I’ve never felt as strong of a connection. She’s brave and ambitious, and I can’t wait until I get to see the real her. The one that I know is hiding underneath all of the trauma she’s been through. But relationships are dangerous. They only end in tragedy. My parents’ marriage is enough to prove that. It was proven again with Hazel and Miles’s situation. Relationships did something to people. It changed them. That’s why I’d kept all my relationships at a distance. I had no plans to change who I am.

“So, what happens after you help her?” Dustin questions.

“I don’t know.”

“I’ve been married for twenty years, man. Give it a chance,” he encourages.

I take another drag of my cigar before putting it out completely. “So, did you get a promotion?” I ask to change the subject.

“Still working on it, but that bust put me in the running. Hey, I got to go, but I’ll see you around.”

“See ya’.” I hang up the phone and place it on the desk. The grass is bright green outside my window, flourishing under the blazing sun. A movement to the left catches my attention. Hazel is standing by the pool with a towel wrapped around her body. Her dark hair is pulled up in a bun at the top of her head like she doesn't want to get it wet. Her skin has paled from the amount of time she’s spent in her bedroom, but I hope it will take on its beautiful color again.

She drops the towel at her feet, revealing a pink bikini that barely covers anything. I feel like a fucking peeping tom, but I can’t tear my eyes away from her body. It’s perfect. Her waist is smaller than her hips, which gives her that hourglass shape. Her breasts bounce as she walks to the edge of the pool and dips a toe inside.

My dick strains against my jeans as I watch her sit down and then slide into the pool. I’m tempted to stop work right now and join her when my phone vibrates on the desk. The name of my real estate agent flashes across the screen. Fuck.

“This is Mav,” I answer.

“Good evening. This is Marcie. I have some exciting news. We are ready to close the deal on the clean energy establishment. We’ll just need you to come in to sign the final documents.”

“Thanks, Marcie. I’ll stop by there in the morning.”

“We’ll see you then – and congratulations on your new purchase.”

I hang up the phone. It’s happening. While I had owned many businesses over the years, I’m particularly proud of this venture because it could be the fresh start I longed for. It’s going to allow me to cut ties with arms trafficking.

I look out the window again. I can only see Hazel’s head because the rest of her body is underwater. She made it clear the first time she was here that she’s glad I’m getting out of the business. It shouldn’t care what she thinks, but for a strange reason, I do.

*****

The morning hits me in the face with its steady stream of sunlight. It peeks through the curtains at six am. Morning has always been my favorite part of the day, and usually, I had a strict routine, but I’ve fallen off the wagon. Before I can talk myself out of it, I pull on my sweatpants and walk down to the gym. The smell of bacon fills my nose. Isabella must have been cooking breakfast already. My gym is located in the west wing of the house. I have the same equipment that any box gym would, which is nice because I doubt there are any decent gyms on the island.

I start on the treadmill before moving on to the weights. Ever since I was young, I liked to stay in shape. The beatings had something to do with that. I wanted to be strong enough to take on any opponent. The lion tattoo on my chest is to remind me of my inner warrior. To never be defeated in battle. I’ve fallen off my routine, but I’m determined to get back into it. Working out helps me clear my head. Almost like a form of meditation. Today I have a lot to think about. Signing for this warehouse means there is no turning back. The energy company is happening. I want Hazel to be a part of it. She needs time, but I can see she’s getting bored staying in the house. She’s explored and taken advantage of all of the activities on the property. Sometimes she has one of my men take her to the market so she can buy more decorations. She’s running out of stuff to do. The other day I caught her sitting in the family room watching trashy reality TV. She’ll never admit she’s bored, but I can tell.

It takes seven years, sometimes longer, to finish law school. I imagine she’s still in love with the profession. Every business needs lawyers, including my new company. Is that something she’d be interested in?

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