Page 37 of The Cleaner

She moves away from Cowboy and practically throws herself into my arms. “How are you?” she asks. “It’s been so long.”

I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close to me. "It's been too long," I reply. Too fucking long. She’s what, twenty-one now? She’s fucking gorgeous. She still has that glint of sadness in her eyes, the same as I saw almost a decade ago when I first met her.

She looks up at me, her eyes searching mine—for what, I don’t know. I glance behind her to where Cowboy is standing a few feet away, his expression unreadable, but there's a dangerous glint in his eyes that doesn't go unnoticed. He’s watching us both, almost as though he’s her bodyguard.

"I didn't expect to run into you here," Lisa says, her fingers absently playing with the collar of my leather jacket. "How have you been?"

"I've been keeping busy. What about you? What brings you here tonight?" I ask, loving that she's touching me without realising it. It's been a while since I've been with a woman. I'm not a one night kind of guy. I've always felt as though there's something missing with the women I've been with.

Lisa hesitates for a moment before glancing back at Cowboy, who is now making his way over to us. "I'm out to have fun," she tells me with a bright smile. "I didn't know he'd be here. He's just a friend."

I'm glad as fuck that she clarified that he's just a friend, although I don't think he knows that. I can feel the tension radiating from him as he approaches, his eyes locked on mine.

"Maverick," Cowboy greets with a nod, his voice low and filled with barely concealed anger. "Long time no see."

I nod back, my jaw clenched tight. "Cowboy."

Lisa looks up at me and then back to Cowboy. "You two know each other?"

"Yeah, we go way back," Cowboy answers cryptically, his gaze never leaving mine. He’s always been an asshole, but he’s pushing his luck right now.

Lisa steps back, her eyes narrowed as she stares between Cowboy and I. "How do you two know each other?"

Cowboy clenches his jaw, his gaze solely on me. I ignore the jackass and focus on Lisa. "The motorcycle club he's affiliated with?" I say, and she nods. "My niece is the president's old lady."

"You're Chloe's uncle?" she asks, her eyes bright. "Callie's your sister?"

I grin at her. "My twin sister, yeah. You know Callie?"

She nods. "She's sweet. So tell me, have you managed to stay out of trouble?"

I can't help but laugh. Christ, she's fun. "Not really. Have you?"

She giggles. It's soft, and my cock stirs to life. "Not really," she says, copying my answer.

"Lisa," Cowboy says, interrupting us, and I want to smash my fist into his face. "Call me if you need me," he tells her. "And be careful."

"Why is he warning you about me?" I ask, wondering how close they actually are.

"He's a friend, Maverick. Just a friend. Now, I'm parched. Why don't I get us drinks and we can catch up? It's been too long since I've seen you. I'm guessing there's a lot that I've missed."

I bite back a retort and reach for her hand. She doesn't hesitate and curls her fingers around mine. "What are you drinking?" I ask and smile. "You are legal, right?"

She sighs. "I'm twenty-one, Maverick. I've been legal for a while. I'll have a beer, please."

I order our drinks, noting that Emmanuel is gone. I lead her to the corner of the pub, where I was sitting when she arrived. "So, how have you been?" I ask once we're seated.

She takes a sip of her beer. Her eyes still hold that sadness that once looked as though it would consume her. "I'm good. I can’t believe it’s been five years since I saw you. Tell me everything. Did you get in any more trouble with those assholes?”

I laugh, remembering the night we met and Tommy fucking Jennings and his cronies came after me. “No more trouble. What about you? Have you put your street racing talent to use since then?”

Her smile is wide and my cock stirs to life once again. Christ, I want her. I’ve never felt this way before. I want her, but it’s not just about sex. I’m not a virgin, and I’ve had my fair share of women, but there’s something about Lisa that makes me want a fuck of a lot more than just sex.

"No,” she laughs. “I’ve been on my best behaviour. I think Orna would lose her shit if the cops came to the door again.” Her smile lights up her entire face. Christ, she so fucking beautiful. "So, have you settled down?" she asks while glancing down at her hands, which are tight around the glass of beer she’s holding.

I can't help but smirk. “No, I’ve never thought about it.”

She raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. "So, there's no one special in your life?"

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