Page 18 of The Cleaner

She smirks, gripping the wheel tightly. “The last three years have been…” she pauses for a moment. “Hard. I’ve given my mamaí more than a few grey hairs. I learned how to street race, drift, and do the perfect doughnut.” She says the Irish word for mam, which isn't something I've heard in a while.

I chuckle, running a hand through my hair as she places the gear into drive. “Well, I’m glad you did. Maybe you should teach me.”

She rolls her eyes, but a small smile tugs at the corner of her lips. “Maybe one day. Now, what’s going to happen with these guys?”

She doesn’t seem to be afraid as she pulls away from the scene. She’s confident in her driving skills, which is surprising seeing as she’s only sixteen. “Don’t worry about it, Lisa.”

“What are you going to do?” she asks, her voice harder than it had been.

“I’ll handle it, don’t worry. Nothing will come back on you. I’ll fucking guarantee it.”

Her brows furrow. I’ve noticed she does that a lot. “I wasn’t worried about me.”

“I’ll be fine,” I assure her.

Her shoulders are tense, but thankfully she doesn’t say anything. She drives, and the silence is thick as she does. Soon, she pulls into a cul-de-sac. The street is quiet and empty. Lisa cuts the engine outside of a detached house and turns to face me, her eyes searching mine.

"Be careful," she says softly, her voice laced with concern. “I won’t be around to save you the next time.”

I chuckle at her words, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “I saved you; you saved me. I say we’re even.”

She grins. “We both know that we didn’t need the other to do so.” She shrugs. “It sure as hell felt nice to have it though.” She slides out of the car. “Be safe, Maverick…” She leaves her sentence hanging, wanting my last name.

I grin at her as I get out of the car, ignoring the pain in my ribs. “O’Hara. And the same goes for you, Lisa…”

Her laughter is low and silky. “Turner. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Bye, Maverick.”

I watch as she walks toward her front door, not once turning back to me. The moment she’s inside, I slide back into my car, this time into the driver's seat, and pull away from the kerb.

My mind whirls with everything that’s just happened. I dial Jer's number, my thoughts a mix of relief and concern. "Hey, Jer?—"

His voice cuts me off, his tone urgent. "Jesus, are you okay? I heard what happened. Are you hurt? What the fuck, Mav, you ploughed through Tommy’s men?"

I can’t stop the laughter that bursts from me. I wince as it pulls at my ribs. Christ, they’re fucking sore. “Not me. I’m fine, just a little banged up. I’m on my way to yours. I won’t be long."

"Alright, Mav. Just be careful, alright? See you soon."

As I hang up the phone, I know that tonight will be a night to remember. It’s not every day that a sixteen year old girl saves your ass.

I have a feeling that this shit with Tommy is just the beginning.Fuck.

Chapter

Eight

LISA

My head is poundingas I make my way downstairs. I got very little sleep last night and it's all thanks to Maverick O'Hara. I don't know the guy. I only met him last night and yet I feel as though I've known him a hell of a lot longer than that. He's gorgeous, and while I felt safe around him, I couldn't deny that he's dangerous. He took on the man he called Tommy last night and was more than capable of taking on the asshole's friends too. I have no idea what caused him to get into trouble with them, but I do know that the fighting seemed to come naturally to him.

"Morning," Orna greets cheerfully as I enter the kitchen. "I've toast made. Do you want jam or chocolate spread?"

I shake my head. Neither sound appealing at this moment. "I'm good with butter, thanks."

I slide onto the chair and reach for the glass of water that's placed in front of me. I take a sip, loving the coldness of the water as it hits my throat.

"Here," Orna says, handing me two painkillers. "For your head. We both know what you're like when you have little to no sleep. You were tossing and turning all night. Are you okay?"

"Grand. I just had a lot of things on my mind," I mutter as I throw the two red capsules into my mouth and wash them down with water. "You were up late too. Everything okay?"

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