Page 74 of Maverick

A coil of anguish tightened in my chest, remembering the night we shared, the sweetness, the absolute surrender, our sweat drenched bodies. I understood every description in the erotic romance novels, even the poorly worded, cringy ones.

It was never hard to put into words how Maverick made me feel. He made me feel truly alive for once in my life. But even with all the passion lingering, it seemed like a lifetime ago. I was sneaking out with Chigger and Nova, running from danger and heartbreak all at once.

The moment Chigger put the truck in reverse, my pulse jumped. This was it. I was leaving the only place that tetheredme to Maverick’s world. Fear fluttered in my stomach, but then there was relief washing over me. I was doing the best thing.

We pulled onto a dusty road, the clubhouse fading in the side mirror. Silence thickened inside the cab. Nova tapped her foot anxiously, fiddling with the radio until static buzzed. She finally gave up, flicking it off. I hunched in the back, arms folded around myself, trying not to think of the dark haired biker who’d said he loved me but let his wife under the same roof where I was supposed to be safe.

Chigger cleared his throat. “So… we’ll head south, drive through part of Oklahoma, cut across. Should get to Nova’s place in Texas by morning if we rotate driving. I would drive the whole stretch, but we just made the trip up.” He cast a glance at me through the rearview. “You cool with that, Lexi?”

I forced a nod. “Yeah. Thank you.” My voice sounded vacant, even to my own ears. “I’ll drive the whole thing if I have to.”

Nova rotated in her seat. “You sure about this? We can find another route if you need to… I don’t know, avoid certain highways.”

I knew she was hinting at whether I needed to dodge potential dangers. The mob out to kill me. A numb chill spread through me. I would rather die than stay and see Maverick with another woman. “No, it’s fine. Let’s just go. The sooner we’re out of here, the better.”

No one argued. The truck lurched onto the highway, picking up speed. Soon, the Kansas plains stretched out, distant lights flickering. We fell into an uneasy silence, and I dozed intermittently, waking to the hum of passing vehicles, the glare of Truckstop lights, and my complicated emotions. Every time I jerked awake, the pain of betrayal stabbed me anew.

Maverick had called me his, claimed me as property, then turned around and whisked his wife, Sky, into the clubhouse saying he would protect her,even if it killed him. How could he? The memory made my chest ache so fiercely, I had to bite back tears.

By the time we reached Nova’s neighborhood in Texas, the sun had climbed halfway up a pale sky, casting everything in a hazy glow. My head pounded from too little sleep and too many tears. She parked outside a modest one-story house with a small yard, potted plants on the porch. Nova sighed wearily.

“Home sweet home,” she muttered, pushing open the passenger door.

I felt horrible that I hadn’t drove at all. With the help of energy drinks, her and Chigger drove all night. I slid out, wincing at how stiff my legs were. The air was warmer than Kansas, thick with humidity. Chigger hopped down, stretching his arms with a grimace.

“I’ll let you two settle in,” he rumbled, hauling out the bags. “I’ll be around, keepin’ an eye out for trouble. The Syndicate or any one, they won’t get close without me seeing.”

Nova unlocked the front door. The interior was familiar, cozy, with mismatched furniture, a pile of laundry on the couch. She flicked on a fan, gesturing for me to sit. “Don’t mind the mess, I wasn’t expecting company. Or a meltdown.”

I managed a tired smile, sinking into the worn cushions. This was better than the MC clubhouse, at least. The faint scent of coffee drifted as Nova resumed her typical morning routine. Meanwhile, Chigger lingered near the door, scuffing a boot on the floor.

“Hey,” I said softly. “Thank you for helping me, both of you.”

Nova gave a dismissive wave. “You’re my best friend. Of course I’d help.”

Chigger nodded. “Maverick’s… well, he’s complicated. I know you’re upset, but he’s not all bad.”

My stomach churned. “He brought his wife around, Chigger. The same woman who… apparently tried to kill me? Or at least wanted me dead. Hard to keep track anymore.”

His mouth opened, then shut, scowling. “I… yeah, I get it. Listen, I’m just sayin’, no matter what, Mav is probably furious with me for helping you leave. But I’d rather have him pissed than you leave on your own, see you get whacked by the Syndicate.”

Nova said, “I didn’t want to think of you crying yourself to sleep while he’s busy with Sky.”

Pain flared in my chest again at the mention of it. “That’s exactly what happened,” I whispered. “He made me his property in the most humiliating manner. Feeling me up in front of that tattoo artist. Then turned around and brought his wife to the same damn place. I guess he thought I’d be okay with it. I wasn’t.”

Chigger grimaced. “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. If I’d known how messed up it was, I would’ve done… something. Said something to him.”

Nova cleared her throat. “You did what you could, Chigger. Now go keep watch. We’re safe inside. Lexi and I need some girl time, anyway.”

He massaged the nape of his neck. “Sure. I’ll be around. Holler if you need me.” With that, he gave a curt wave, then slipped outside, presumably to keep an eye on the street.

At least one biker is looking out for me, I thought bitterly.

Nova shut the door, locking it. She turned, shaking her head in exasperation. “Men, huh?”

A broken laugh escaped me. “Right. Men.”

“Bikers,” she said, one upping me. Then she set about rummaging in the kitchen, calling over her shoulder, “You want ice cream or wine first? I have a feeling we need both.”

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