Page 68 of Maverick

He tried to reach for me, but I stepped back. “Damn it, Lexi, you’re mine. I told you that. I can’t let you throw yourself into another man’s arms, especially not some random asshole.”

“Says the man who spent half the day huggingSky,whispering sweet nothings,” I fired back. “You can’t have it both ways.”

His eyes darkened. “She needed me. She’s in danger.”

I let out a sharp laugh, ignoring the curious stares from the remaining onlookers. “And I’m not? I almost got killed. My motherdidget killed. And yet you run off to save your precious wife while leaving me behind. Then you bring her into my safe space and expect me to just…acceptit?”

He opened his mouth, nothing coming out. Finally, he rasped, sounding exhausted, his anger draining. “I’m trying to protect everyone. You don’t understand.”

“Get out,” I said firmly, swallowing the sob threatening to rise. “Just… get out of my sight. I can’t deal with you right now.”

Pain flickered in his expression. He hesitated, as if he might fight me on it. But something in my eyes must have convinced him. He turned and stalked away, shoulders tight, blood still trickling from his split lip. My chest felt too tight to breathe.

I barely remembered stumbling back to my room. I locked the door, leaning against it, tears streaming silently. This entire world was too chaotic. Bikers, wives, blackmail, mob hits…I’m done.I just wanted to vanish.

But Maverick was waiting for me. He was in the room, and he had a belt in his hands. “How dare you disrespect me in front of my brothers.”

My eyes darted to the belt. “What the hell do you think you’re going to do with that?”

Twisting me around, he had my arms bound behind my back in a flash. I guess he was a cop before, but I was still shocked.

Maverick pressed my face against the door, whispering into my ear. “You’re mine, and you’ll respect that fact in this clubhouse and out.” His hands ran down my body. I could feel his erection hard against my ass. And he reached around, started to undo my jeans.

Was this supposed to turn me on? I started crying. Hard and fast tears fell.

Maverick let go of me like I was on fire. He backed off and had me untied just as fast as it happened. “I’m sorry, Lexi. I never. I just wanted to make it up to you.”

“Just go be with Sky. She needs you,” I cried out.

“Fuck that,” he roared.

But I turned from him. “Just leave,” I shouted.

He unlocked the door and slammed it behind him.

With trembling hands, I yanked out my phone and dialed Nova. It rang twice before she answered.

“Lexi? It’s past midnight. What’s going on?” Her voice was groggy.

I pressed a hand to my mouth, trying not to cry. “Nova, I’m… the biggest fool. I left everything to hide here, ended up losing my virginity to a biker who was married the whole time. He’s with her right now, in the same place. She’s… she’s basically never leaving. I can’t do this.”

“Whoa, slow down.” Nova’s tone sharpened. “He’smarried?I thought you said he was divorced or separated.”

I let out a shuddering breath. “It’s complicated. Either way, I can’t stand it anymore. I need out. Will you come get me? Take me to your place in Texas or anywhere that’snothere.”

Nova paused. “Chigger’s around. I can ask him to help. We can drive up tomorrow night if you need. You sure this is what you want?”

“Yes,” I whispered, tears burning my cheeks. “I can’t stay here, watching him with her. Just… please hurry.”

Nova agreed without hesitation, promising to call me back with logistics. I hung up.Good.I just needed to survive one more day, then I’d be free of this heartbreak.I’m done waiting for a man who can’t decide between me and his wife.

That night, I barely slept. Every time my eyelids fluttered shut, I saw Maverick’s anguished face, remembered his touch, the way he’d made me feel so secure and cherished. Now it all felt like a lie. So I tossed, turned, and cried until exhaustion claimed me.

I didn’t leave my room the whole next day, drinking water from the faucet in the bathroom. Maverick banged on the door, he texted, he called, but I wouldn’t show my face. I blocked his number.

“I can hear you breathing, Lexi. That’s good enough for me,” he would say through the door. “I’m sorry,” he repeated over and over, but I blocked him out.

I didn’t leave until I got the word from Nova. True to her word, she rolled up with Chigger in the late hours, using a battered pickup to avoid drawing attention. I’d quietly packed my few belongings, sneaking through the clubhouse halls while most of the bikers were busy partying or off duty. I didn’t see Maverick or Sky anywhere. Fine by me.

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