Page 53 of Maverick

I exhaled, tension draining. “Yeah, it’s me, princess.”

She threw the door wide, stepping aside so I could enter. I stepped in, shutting it behind me, and found myself staring at her. She wore a simple tank top and jeans. Looked like Ruby gave her some clothes. Her hair was a bit messy, and her face was flushed. Damn, she looked so good. I longed to yank her into my arms, but I held back a second, scanning for any sign of injury. She looked tired, but intact.

“You came back,” she whispered.

“Of course I did.” I emitted a trembling chuckle. “I said I would. I’m not a total piece of shit, you know.”

She swallowed, eyes glistening like she was about to cry. Then, all at once, she launched herself at me, arms around my neck. I caught her, pressing her tight against me, inhaling the faint scent of shampoo. She was so small, so vulnerable, yet so fucking strong in her own way.

“What happened?” she asked, muffled against my chest. “Did you find out who wants me dead?”

I clenched my jaw, burying my nose in her hair. “I got leads. It’s complicated. But I’m working on it. You’re safe here for now, right?”

She nodded, pulling back to look at me. “Yes. No one bothered me. Though Taz asked if I wanted to hang out in the rec room, and Ruby tried to talk to me. Everyone’s curious. But I stayed in your room, mostly. I was… I was scared.”

Guilt stabbed me. “Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to lock you in a cage.”

She swayed her head. “No, I just… I feel safer here than wandering around with them. Some of them have that hungry look in their eyes.” She gave a nervous laugh. “But your brand is working. None of them will touch me.”

My gaze dropped to her stomach, remembering the fresh tattoo. “How’s it healing?”

She lifted the edge of her tank top, showing me the small bandage. “It’s sore, but it’s okay. Taz said I was doing fine with the aftercare.”

A surge of pride and possessiveness flared in my chest. She fucking marked herself for me. I reached out, skimming my knuckles over the bandage. “Thank you,” I murmured.

Her cheeks colored. “You already thanked me, in a way, with that last kiss before you left.”

I let out a dark chuckle. “Princess, that was just a preview.” I slid my hand around her waist, pulling her curvy body flush against me. Her eyes fluttered shut, lips parting as I leaned in. I kissed her deeply, letting days of pent-up tension and longing flood through me. She responded with a soft moan, her hands gripping my shoulders.

For a minute, we just stood there, losing ourselves in the taste of each other. My dick ached for her as it solidified. My hands went to rest on her shapely ass. I looked down at her cleavage. Shit, I could stay like this forever. But eventually, I forced myself to ease back, resting my forehead against hers.

“How about we talk first, yeah?” I said softly, though I wanted to rip her clothes off right then.

She blushed, nodding. “Yeah, sorry.”

I pressed a finger to her lips. “No apologies, princess. I’ve been craving that since I left.”

She bit her lip, eyes shining. “Then let’s talk quickly so we can do more.”

A grin tugged at my mouth. “Damn, you’re dangerous.” I steered her over to the bed, where we sat, side by side. I still didn’t let go of her hand. “So, I went to Nashville. Met up with someone. See, before I left, I found out. Well, it’s not confirmed, but it looks like Grinder’s working for someone. And your father might’ve been Alexzander Getty. That means you might be.”

“A Getty,” she finished, voice hollow.

“Yeah, word is that’s how your mom survived, off Alex’s dirty money.”

“Well, she did call herself Dirty Diana. And it was more than the fact she loved Michael Jackson. She always had a way. She made sure things got paid for.”

“Alex was a mob boss in Nashville. His nephew Ralph offed him and his son to take power. So, we figure he could want you dead, too.”

“So, does that mean he wants me dead because… I'm some sort of threat to his empire?”

“Could be.” I rubbed my face, frustration boiling. “Ralph’s an egomaniac. If you’re a rightful heir or something, he might see you as a problem. Or maybe he’s just cleaning up the family’s dirty secrets. We don’t know yet.”

She swallowed hard. “And my mother never told me any of this. She just let me live, thinking my dad was some random biker. She even said it a few times, that he was a biker. But it’s a mobster. Great.” Her voice cracked with anger and sadness.

I squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry, Lexi. I wish I had better news. The good part is, now I know who to go after. Ralph Getty, possibly in cahoots with Sky.”

“Your ex? She’s with the guy who wants me dead, right? That’s a big coincidence.”

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