Page 37 of Maverick

She laughed at me calling her by her nickname and wiped an imaginary tear from her eye. “Glad we cleared that up. So how about you and Maverick? Anything… happen?”

My cheeks heated as I thought of his naked figure, the sexual tension crackling between us, that moment he saw me in the shower. “No. Not really.”

Nova’s brow arched. “He’s totally into you, though. You can’t deny it.”

I flushed harder. “I don’t know. Maybe. But I’m grieving, and… and I’m still a virgin, Nova. I can’t just fling myself into bed with a guy I barely know, even if he’s saved my life.”

She nodded, expression gentler. “I get it. It’s your choice. Whenever you’re ready. If you’re ready.”

A rueful smile touched my lips. “Yeah. And let’s face it, if it were up to me, I’d never have the courage. That’s why all those romance novels have the man practically dragging the heroine to bed.”

She laughed, patting my shoulder. “I guess we’ll see what happens. No pressure. Just… if you want it, don’t let your fears hold you back, Lex. Life’s too short.”

Her words echoed in my head.Life’s too short.Mom was proof of that. And it gave me pause. We’d barely escaped death last night. Did I want to die a virgin?

We finished up, washed our hands, and returned to the table where the guys waited. Chigger had his arm slung around Nova like they were an old married couple, and Maverick gave me a small, private smile as I slid in next to him. The warmth in his eyes did something funny to my stomach.

After breakfast, we stepped outside, the morning sun bright. The plan was simple, drive the rest of the way through Texas, to Dallas, so I could check my apartment for anything Mom might have hidden.

But Nova cleared her throat. “Hey, so… we’re thinking we’ll go tomyplace.” She glanced at Chigger. “We might still be in danger, but I need to get some clothes, catch my breath.”

Chigger nodded. “I’ll stay with her, keep her safe until this is over. Could be I’m also looking forward to, uh, some extended alone time.” He waggled his eyebrows.

Maverick sighed, crossing his arms. “Fine. But you two watch your backs, understand? If we were targeted once, it can happen again.”

Nova gave him a big smile. “Duh, of course.” Then she pulled me aside. “We’ll still be close by, but maybe not right next to you. We can handle ourselves.”

I nodded, understanding that my drama might not need to drag Nova down further. “Thank you for everything. But be safe, please.”

Chigger clapped Maverick on the shoulder. “We’ll check in. If we see any suspicious shit, I’ll call. Don’t worry.”

Nova gave me a tight hug, whispering in my ear, “Go easy on yourself. And if that sexy biker decides to make a move, maybe let him.” She pulled back and winked, making me blush. “Just a suggestion.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t hide a small smile. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Then Maverick and I got on his motorcycle, while Nova climbed behind Chigger on his. We parted ways in the parking lot with waves and screaming engines, the sound of potential danger still echoing in my head.

I wrapped my arms around Maverick’s waist as we roared back onto the highway. My heart hammered from the powerful vibration of the bike, or maybe it was from the warmth of Maverick’s back under my fingers. This was our reality now. Hunted by who-knows-who, chasing secrets I didn’t ask for, leaning on each other because we had no other choice.

The wind whipped my hair into a frenzy. My body pressed tight against his, and despite everything, I felt the faucetof desire dripping on my thighs. Something about hugging a strong biker on a growling motorcycle was undeniably thrilling.

He turned his head slightly, voice carrying over the engine’s roar. “You good back there, princess?”

I nodded, cheeks flushing at the endearment. “I’m good.”

I wondered if he felt my heart drumming. The open road stretched ahead, and we had hours before we’d reach Dallas and my apartment, the place that might hold the key to my mother’s secrets. I didn’t know what we’d find, but I knew one thing. I wasn’t facing it alone.

Yes, I was scared out of my mind. But the biker in front of me, guiding the motorcycle with confident hands, was letting me cling to him for my safety. I was starting to believe, the real thing was better than any of the heroes from my books.

Chapter 21

Maverick

I’d never expected to roll into Dallas with a woman clinging to me so tightly that I could practically feel her heart pounding against my back. Or was that my own? But there we were, weaving through traffic on my Harley. The city sprawled around us, tall skyscrapers glinting in the late afternoon sun, highways tangled like spaghetti, and an endless barrage of cars honking in frustration.

Lexi’s arms were wrapped around my waist, her cheek pressed between my shoulder blades. I could definitely feel her relief when we veered off the main drag and turned onto quieter streets. Or was that my own as well? The further we got into her neighborhood, the more we both relaxed. It was as if the comfort of familiar territory lessened her fear of being shot at yet again. As soon as she settled, I settled.

We’d first parted from Nova and Chigger last night, but it felt like a lifetime ago. Since then, Lexi and I had been chased out of our motel, nearly gunned down, and forced to keep moving like fugitives with targets on our backs. She’d lost her mother. Granted, Diana wasn’t exactly a model parent, but still her mother. Everything in her world had crumbled in less than a week. And me? I was playing bodyguard, detective, and borderline loverboy all at once, trying not to lose my head.

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