Page 76 of Maverick

He sighed softly. “All right. I’ll call you back soon. Keep your phone close. And I need your address.”

I rattled off Nova’s address, and we hung up. My stomach churned with uncertainty. Telling Mark might be a huge mistake. But I was out of options. I needed to protect myself, and maybe my normal job was the one safe link to a stable life.

I rolled over, seeing Nova stir. “What’s up?” she mumbled groggily.

I sighed, flopping onto my back. “My boss. He wants to help. He’s got connections or something. I told him everything. Maybe too much.”

Nova sat up, eyes puffy from the nap. “Everything? Lexi, that might be risky. Lawyers can have shady ties too. Especially if the mob’s involved.”

I shrugged helplessly. “I know. But I can’t keep living in fear. He’s a partner at a prestigious law firm. Mark and his father run it. I haven’t worked there long , but they hired me right out of school. They have a ton of big clients. I’m sure they can handle this better than me running to random safe houses with bikers.”

Nova chewed her lip. “I guess. Just be careful. Last thing you need is a double-cross.”

Chapter 39

Worrying that I may have just gotten myself into more trouble, we got up and poked around the kitchen for something to eat. My appetite was gone, but I forced down some toast. Chigger stuck his head in once, reporting that everything was quiet. The day wore on in a stressed out silence, me jumping at every little noise from outside.

By late afternoon, Nova glanced at her phone, cursing. “Crap, I have to get to the office. I’m behind on a case. I can’t lose my job over this. You’ll be okay if Chigger stays, right?”

I nodded wearily. “Yeah, I guess so.” Chigger was loyal, but I just wanted to be alone. At the same time, I needed the security. “Go. I’ll be fine.”

Nova squeezed my hand, grabbing her purse. “Text if anything happens. And if Mark shows up, make sure Chigger doesn’t kill him, okay?”

That forced a snort of amusement from me. “Noted. I’ll let him know we need him alive.”

She smirked, then softened. “Be safe, Smutty. We’ll figure something out. I promise.”

I mustered a sad smile. “Thank you, Slutty.”

And then she was gone, leaving me to pace the living room, phone in hand, expecting Mark’s call. What if he can’t fix anything? What if he’s corrupt, too?

The phone buzzed right on cue. A text from Mark:

Mark:Be there in 30. I’ve got a solution, trust me.

Solution? My head spun with possibilities. Did that mean he’d found a way to neutralize Grinder? Doubtful. I set about freshening up, showering quickly, combing out my hair. For some bizarre reason, I raided Nova’s closet and changed into a skirt and blouse, the kind of professional attire I’d wear to the firm. Maybe it was a desperate attempt to feel normal or not embarrassed myself further in front of my boss. I even pinned my hair into a neat bun, slid on my black heels. The reflection in the bathroom mirror showed a haunted woman with red eyes, but at least I looked put-together.

Just as I finished, the doorbell rang. I hurried to the living room, seeing Chigger open the door. Mark stood on the porch, alone, briefcase in hand, a stylish black suit hugging his tall, lean frame. He had a confident stance, short brown hair slicked back, sharp green eyes. I’d always found him handsome for a slightly older man but never considered him more than a friendly colleague or boss. Now, with everything going on, he looked almost… threatening in that expensive suit.

“Mark,” I greeted, stepping forward. “You came.”

He flashed a smooth smile. “Of course. We’re… friends, right? I told you I’d help.” He cast a quick glance at Chigger, who hovered protectively. “Mind if I come in?”

Chigger grunted, crossing his arms. “I’m watchin’ you.” He shot me a questioning look, and I nodded, letting Mark inside.

Mark stepped in, taking in Nova’s modest living room with mild disapproval. “Interesting place. Cozy,” he remarked. Then he turned to me, pulling out a folder from his briefcase. “Ibrought some documents for you to sign. We need to formalize an arrangement.”

I swallowed. “What arrangement?”

“Before we talk about that, you need to tell me everything,” he said, with the tone he uses at the office when shit was serious.

After I shot a look to Chigger, I let everything flow from me. I told him all about my crazy week. About finding mom dead, the bikers protecting me, the shootouts, the hiding, and about Maverick bringing the women who may have been behind it all right to my doorstep. I left out the more private parts, but didn’t hide the fact that I’d been falling for the biker, and that he broke my heart. I tried to, but the tears streaming down my face would betray me.

He pulled a handkerchief out of his coat and pressed it into my hands as he guided me toward the small kitchen table. “You said the man behind your mother’s murder might be called Grinder. His name is Marciano. Well, I can personally confirm Marciano is definitely the one controlling that faction you spoke of. He’s… a client of ours. My father’s firm has represented him in certain transactions for many years. So, I reached out discreetly. He’s willing to provide you protection from the Getty side of the family, in exchange for a few conditions.”

“Conditions?”

Before Mark could answer, the door burst open. Two men in dark suits, guns in their hands, strode in like they owned the place.

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