Page 6 of Maverick's Code

The pieces start falling into place. "The white dress."

She nods, fingers tightening around the mug until her knuckles turn white. "Said it was time to 'make an honest woman out of me.' Like there's anything honest about him." Her laugh is hollow. "When I refused, he decided to show me what happens to women who don't know their place. Said if I played nice at the ceremony today, he'd let me live. If not..." her voice trails off. "I ran first chance I got."

"But he'll be looking for you," I say, understanding dawning. "And if my club finds out I'm harboring you..."

"They'll want to use me to get to Jake," she finishes. "And he'll know exactly where to find me. He has people everywhere. If word gets out that I'm alive..."

I straighten up, decision made. "Then word doesn't get out. Not yet."

My phone buzzes again. Butcher's face appears on the screen. I silence it, knowing I'm playing a dangerous game. But looking at Sadie - bruised, terrified, but still fighting - I know I can't turn back now.

"We need a plan," I tell her. "And we need it fast. Jake's not the kind of man who likes losing what he thinks belongs to him."

"No," she whispers, "he's not. And he'll tear this town apart looking for me."

"Let him try," I growl, surprising myself with the intensity of my own response. "He won't be the first Outlaw I've put down."

"You don't understand," she pushes away from the counter, wincing at the movement. "Jake's different. He's not just violent, he's smart. Calculated. There's a reason he survived your attack. He always has a backup plan, always has eyes somewhere. And now..." she gestures to her bruised face, "now it's personal."

My phone buzzes again. This time it's a text from Crow: "Meeting in 30. Mandatory. Where the fuck are you?"

"Shit," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "Listen, I have to make an appearance at the clubhouse. If I don't show, they'll come looking."

Fear flashes across her face. "I'll be gone before you get back."

"Like hell you will," I step closer, careful not to crowd her. "You're barely standing, you've got no money, no transport, and a psychopath hunting you. You really want to take those odds?"

She lifts her chin defiantly, but I can see the uncertainty in her eyes. "Why do you care? Why risk your club's trust for an Outlaw?"

It's a good question - one I'm not sure I have the answer to yet.

"Because right now, you're not an Outlaw. You're just someone who needs help. Stay here. Rest. Let me figure something out."

"And if you can't?"

"Then we'll figure it out together." I grab my cut from the hook by the door. "But first, I need you to trust me enough to still be here when I get back."

"Wait," she calls out just as I reach for the door. "I can’t believe I’m saying this, but take me with you."

I turn back slowly, wondering if I heard her right. "You want to what now?"

"Take me with you," she repeats, her voice stronger despite the tremor in her hands.

"Are you crazy? After everything you just told me about Jake, you want to walk straight into an MC clubhouse?"

"No, I don't want to," she says, taking a shaky step forward. "But I... I don't trust your MC, but there's something about you..." Shestops, seeming surprised by her own words. "I know it sounds insane, but I trust you. And right now, I don't want to be alone."

A smile tugs at my lips - a real one, the kind I haven't felt in longer than I care to remember. "You realize you're walking into a den of very pissed-off bikers who've spent the last few months hunting your club, right?"

"Yeah, well," she shrugs, then winces. "Better than sitting here wondering if Jake's found me yet."

"They're going to yell. A lot. Probably won't even let me get a word in before they start demanding answers."

She fumbles with her hands, a nervous gesture that makes her look even younger and more vulnerable. Her nose scrunches up as she considers something, and damn if it isn't almost cute.

"Maybe..." she starts, then takes a deep breath. "Maybe I can give them something they want. If they're willing to help me, I might have some information about the other leader who escaped. The one who's been working with Jake."

I study her face carefully. "You sure about this? Once we walk through those clubhouse doors, there's no taking it back."

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