Page 49 of Maverick

I swallowed, heart thudding so loudly I swore Taz could hear it. Or maybe my pussy was pounding. “Maverick…”

He kissed the side of my neck, and I almost got off. “Just breathe. Focus on me.” He whispered other things, half-promises, half-sins. “I plan to kiss every inch of you. And whenI’m finished, I’m going to tie you to the bed and fuck you so hard, you’ll think this tattoo was a breeze.”

His words sent me over the edge, as I got off just with him rubbing my jeans. I was trembling by the time Taz announced he was nearly done.

When Taz finally killed the machine and wiped away the excess ink, I let out a ragged breath. The area stung fiercely, but the realization that I now had a permanentProperty of Maverick of the Road MonstersMC mark on my skin was the bigger shock. Taz grinned as he applied a bandage, telling me the usual aftercare instructions: keep it clean, apply ointment, that sort of thing.

I nodded, barely processing his words. Maverick’s hand stroked my back now, yet my entire mind buzzed with the knowledge that I’d just taken a step deeper into this world.A world that once existed only in my books.Now it was etched on my skin.

“You okay, sugar?” Taz asked as I carefully stood, pulling my shirt down.

I giggled. “Yeah, thanks.”

He eyed Maverick. “She’s a trooper. Most first-timers squirm a lot more.”

Maverick smirked proudly. “Don't let her looks fool you. She can handle this life.”

My face heated, but I tried to play it cool. “I’ll be fine. Just… need to lie down.” The drugs were starting to wear off.

Taz nodded. “Sure thing.” He started cleaning his station. “Take care of that tat, y’hear?”

Maverick guided me out of the room, his hand sliding around my waist protectively. We made our way back through the narrow hallways until we reached his room again. My brain felt foggy from the adrenaline and the lingering sting in my abdomen, not to mention the Molly.

As soon as the door clicked shut behind us, Maverick turned me around, cupping my face in his hands. He kissed me with a desperation that nearly stole my breath, mouth slanting over mine, tongue urging me open. I grabbed ahold of his cut, pulling him close, gasping against his lips, still reeling from the sensation of the tattoo and the promises he’d whispered in my ear.

The memory of his words, the promise to come back and claim me, pulsed between my thighs. I wanted to lose myself in him, to forget the terror and the pain of the last few days. But we had no time, no privacy, not really. And I still wasn’t sure I was ready to cross that final line.

He tore away, breathing ragged. “Lexi,” he muttered, looking sorry. “I gotta go. Sarge found me a lead, someone who might be familiar with your mom, and I need to chase it.”

My heart sank. “Right now?”

He nodded, regret shadowing his eyes. “Yeah. I’m sorry. I don’t want to leave you here alone, but it’s the best shot at tracking down who wants you dead. And now you’ve got the tat, so the men know you’re under my protection.”

“But what if something happens?”

“Then Sarge is your go-to. He’ll keep you safe. Just show them the tattoo if anyone gives you trouble. They see that brand. They know you’re not to be messed with.” He brushed his thumb over my lip.

“What will happen if they do mess with me?” I asked, crossing my arms.

“I’ll kill them,” he said, dead serious.

“You’re serious?”

He cocked an eyebrow that said I was silly for asking. “You’ll be safe. I promise. Don’t go anywhere.”

Safe in an outlaw biker clubhouse.The irony wasn’t lost on me.But given the alternative, being hunted on the open road, maybe this was safer indeed.

I exhaled shakily. “Where would I even go if I tried to run? So, yeah, I’ll stay.”

He hauled me into another fierce kiss, his hand fisting in my hair. His essence, the feeling of pure pent-up longing, nearly buckled my knees. His hands slid down to my crotch again, as he spoke into my gaping mouth. “Wait for me. I don’t want you to even touch yourself. I want you to be horny from the time I leave until I get back to claim your pussy.” Then, with a groan, he tore himself away, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door.

“One more thing,” he said, turning back. “If you need anything, food, clothes, first aid for your tattoo, tell Sarge. Or Ruby, if you prefer a woman’s help.”

My fingers pressed over the bandage on my stomach, reality crashing in. “Maverick… come back.”

His eyes flickered with emotion. “I will.” A final glance at me. Then he was gone, the door clicking shut behind him.

I stood there, alone in that unfamiliar room, trying to steady my heart.Now what?His scent lingered, stirring a longing I wasn’t ready to face.

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