Page 71 of Maverick

He sighed, muttering curses, but complied. Ten minutes later, I left the clubhouse with a fresh bandage, my gun loaded, and my bike roaring. My shoulder screamed in protest, but I ignored it. Lexi had to be with Nova somewhere in Texas. That’s where I’d start searching. I wouldn’t rest until I found her, no matter how many states I had to cross. Because, by God, if she hated me forever or never forgave me, I still needed to keep her alive.

Hold on, princess,I thought, tears threatening to blur my vision.I’m coming.

Chapter 37

I roared into the sleepy suburban street just after sundown, my Harley echoing in the quiet Texas neighborhood. A thick knot pressed at the back of my throat. The house at the end of the cul-de-sac had its porch light on, a welcoming glow.

Nova’s place. That’s where Chigger said he’d taken Lexi, where she’d run to escape the drama of the clubhouse. He gave up the address after I threatened his life. I told myself I came here to protect her, to keep her from Sky’s betrayal and Ralph’s mob threats. But deep down, I knew I was here to beg forgiveness.

I could take her away, protect her. We could be together on the run. I was a nomad, and she could be my ol’ lady. Live at the clubhouse in Kansas or another safe house. Maybe Lexi could do legal work for the club. It was perfect. I’d get rid of the threat and maybe we could have a real life together. Maybe I’d make a deal with Sky and Ralph. I knew Lexi would never want to be the head of a crime family. I was sure I had something they wanted. Like my knowledge about Kingpin’s ties to the Road Monsters MC. But would I betray the old bastard that, despite our bad blood, was in my corner?

A plan forming in my head already, I parked along the curb behind Chigger’s truck, noticing two unfamiliar vehicles up ahead, a big black SUV with tinted windows and a sleek foreign sedan that cost more than everything else. Reeking of moneyand danger, they stuck out like a sore thumb in this modest neighborhood.

No fucking way that was a coincidence.

I killed the engine and slid off, swallowing the pain from my freshly bandaged shoulder. The bullet graze from the shootout still throbbed, but the prospect of having Lexi again coated my nerves in steel.

Chigger emerged from behind a tall hedge, scowling. He wore his cut over a wrinkled Anthrax T-shirt, arms crossed.

“Brother,” he said, glancing around. “You sure you wanna do this?”

I narrowed my eyes. “You know damn well why I’m here. Where’s Lexi?”

He grimaced, eyes flicking toward the house. “Inside. But things got complicated. She’s… not alone.”

My gaze darted to the black SUV. “Syndicate?”

Chigger shook his head. “Not exactly. Or maybe. I… look, some suits came by. Lexi walked in with them. She’s… dealing with ‘em. That’s all I know. You probably shouldn’t go in there if you want to keep breathing.”

The hairs on my neck prickled. Suits. In my world, that meant lawyers or high-powered mob types. Possibly both. “I don’t care. She’s in danger.”

He stepped in front of me, tone urgent. “She’s hammered out some arrangement or deal, man. She said she’s done with the club bullshit, done with you, all of it. She’s got lawyers, or some kind of fixers. They were all cozy in the living room earlier. I’m telling you, she’s making a choice.”

My jaw clenched. “I gotta talk to her. She doesn’t know about the shootout. She doesn’t know Sky was behind it.” My voice nearly cracked. Sky, that lying snake. Anger flared at how I’d let her slither into my life again, risking Lexi in the process.

Chigger squeezed his eyes shut. “You sure? Because from where I’m standing, Lexi’s had enough heartbreak. She’s safe now, apparently, or about to be. Don’t stick your dick in, man.”

My nostrils flared. “Safe from who? The same mob that wanted her dead last week? That’s bullshit, and you know it.”

He shifted uncomfortably. “Hey, I’m on your side. But if you go in there guns blazing, you might screw up whatever negotiation she set up with these people. I guess they’re some branch of the… I dunno, Marciano or something. Heard the name a few times.”

Marciano. A name whispered in the underground, some cousin or affiliate of the bigger players like Ralph Getty. Otherwise known as Grinder. Man who had her mother killed. Man working for Sky. Fuck. My heart pounded as images of Lexi tangled with mobsters flashed in my mind. She wouldn’t do that unless she saw no other way. And maybe since she believed I’d chosen Sky over her. Maybe she felt forced to protect herself.

Pain forgotten, I gasped for air. “I can’t just walk away.”

Chigger studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “I figured you’d say that. Fine. But watch yourself. There’s at least two goons in there, armed to the teeth. And some stiff in a fancy suit who’s all up in Lexi’s space. They’ve been inside for half an hour, talking shit I couldn’t catch.”

Jealousy flared at the thought of some man comforting Lexi. No. She’s mine. I pushed past Chigger, ignoring his hissed protests. “Stay out here if you want. But I’m going in.”

He spat on the ground. “Your funeral, brother.”

I strode up the driveway, my boots scuffing on the concrete, the porch light gleaming off the black SUV’s tinted windows. A silent threat, lurking. The sleek sedan’s door was unlocked. I opened it to see some expensive bag on the passenger seat. Lawyer, probably. A wave of resentment brewed. Lexi was stuck dealing with these sharks because I’d failed to keep her safe.

No more waiting.I threw the front door open, stepping into a modest living room. The scent of air freshener and scented candles assaulted me. The overhead light was off, but I instantly spotted Lexi at the small kitchen table, back turned to me. She wore a skirt and a loose blouse, her hair up in a neat bun. Dressed like she’s going to work. Even from behind, I could sense her fear.

Across from her sat two men, both in dark suits. One was broad-shouldered, buzz cut, probably a bodyguard type. The other looked older, graying temples, entitlement in his posture. But my gaze snapped to the man with his arm around her shoulders. A slick, handsome prick in a tailored suit, tie undone just enough to look casual. He was leaning in as Lexi quietly wept, signing something on a stack of papers.

My blood ran hot. That was my woman, and some asshole was touching her, comforting her. In one stride, I stepped forward, my voice echoing in the cramped space. “What’s going on here?”

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