Page 91 of Maverick

He exhaled, anger warring with hurt in his dark eyes. “And you never even let me know?” He stared at the infant in my arms, who squirmed under our strained voices. “We made this kid. You lied to me.”

Guilt swamped me. “I’m sorry. I believed you were gone, that you had a wife and no place for me. Then the mob threatened everyone I cared about. I didn’t see another way.”

He clenched his fists. “Well, I’m here now. Let’s fix this. Come with me. I’ll protect you both.I promise.” His voice grew desperate, stepping closer until we were mere inches apart.

My heart ached, wanting to fling myself into his arms. But reality intruded. Mark’s threats, the constant watch by the mob, the hush money, the entire precarious arrangement. “No,” I whispered. “I can’t. I have to keep my baby safe.”

He stared at me, anguish etched on his face. “You think I can’t keep her safe? I’d die for you both.”

Tears dripped onto my cheeks. “And that’s exactly why I won’t risk it. You could die. And then who’s left to protect the baby? Marciano’s men might kill me for breach of contract.” I forced a bitter laugh. “I’m not free, Maverick.”

He growled under his breath, glancing around, probably half-expecting Mark’s security to bust in. “At least let me see the kid,” he snapped. “Let me hold her?”

A pang shot through me, remembering the child’s official name:Mark Adam Martin.Adam, like Maverick’s real name. Mark didn’t know why I chose it. But I was too terrified to hand him over. Mark had cameras in half the rooms.He might see.“It’s a boy,” I choked out. “Named him… Mark Adam.”

Maverick’s face twisted at the mention of “Mark.” Then he winced, as if hearing “Adam” gave him a spark of recognition. “Goddamn it,” he rasped. “You named him Adam? That’s, that’s my middle name. You do realize that, right?”

I nodded, tears threatening again. “I know. I had to pretend Mark was the father, but… I guess I tried to honor you somehow.” My throat burned. “You can see him, just… for a second. Then you have to go.”

He let out a shivering breath. “Fine, let me see my son.”

I cradled the infant carefully so Maverick could look. He reached out hesitantly, but something in my eyes must’ve warned him off, and he let his hand drop. We stood there, side by side, staring at the tiny face. The baby blinked up at Maverick, wriggling a fist in the air. A muscle in Maverick’s jaw twitched, raw emotion shining in his eyes.

He recognized himself in that child.The resemblance was too strong to deny.

Finally, Maverick sucked in a breath. “He’s… perfect,” he whispered. “We made a perfect kid.”

My heart cracked wide open. “Yes,” I murmured, tears streaming silently. “And now you’ve seen him, so please go. For your own safety and ours. Just go.”

He blew air out his nose. “You can’t be fucking serious. I’m not leaving my kid with that bastard you married.”

I brushed past him, baby in my arms, guiding him gently toward the door. “I’m sorry,” I croaked. “But I can’t risk Mark’s wrath. He might call Marciano, and the mob would slaughter us all. If you really care, you’ll keep your distance.”

He spun me around, eyes flashing with anger. “I can’t do that.”

I trembled, tears burning my eyes. “You have to.”

He hesitated, rage and heartbreak raging behind his expression. Then, with a muttered curse, he stepped back, nodding. “I’ll find a way, Lexi,” he said, like it was a promise. “I won’t let you suffer under that prick.”

I shook my head miserably. “I’m happy here,” I lied, hoping he’d believe it. “Mark is… good to me.” The words tasted like ash. “Just… go.”

Slowly, Maverick walked to the door, pausing once to cast a final look at me and the baby. His eyes shone with sorrow. Then he turned the knob and slipped out into the night, leaving the mansion silent.

The moment the door clicked shut, my knees nearly buckled. A wide-eyed butler stepped forward from the shadows. “Ma’am, are you all right?” he asked softly.

I clutched the baby, tears choking me. “I’m fine,” I snapped automatically, then softened. “I’m sorry. It’s just… a friend from my old life. He had no business being here.”

The butler nodded politely, but his gaze flicked to the door. “Should I inform Mr. Martin that you had a visitor?”

Mark’s staff is always watching.I swallowed. “No need. I’ll… I’ll tell him myself. Thank you.”

He bowed, stepping away. I realized how close I’d come to chaos. If Mark had arrived during that confrontation, Maverick might be dead. Or Mark might have forced me to watch him kill him.

Either way, I have to maintain this façade.

Tears welled as I turned, heading back to the grand living room. The baby fussed again, picking up on my turmoil. I sat on the plush couch, rocking him gently, staring at the massive windows that overlooked a dark, manicured lawn.

I was trapped. Maverick’s sudden reappearance tore open old wounds, reminding me of the illusions and the lies. But I had to act as though I wanted this life with Mark. I’d do anything to keep my child safe, even if it meant crushing my own heart.

---