Page 78 of Fumbled Love

“Guys,” Maverick’s voice was tense, “I appreciate the support and well-wishes, but would you mind giving us a minute. Kinley and I would like to speak to Della privately.”

They all nodded, clapped him on the back, and shook his hand before they dispersed in a single file on their way out the door.

“What do you want, Maverick?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest, setting the tone for this discussion.

“What I want is for you to stop telling lies and causing trouble.”

“Why would I do that?” She popped her hip out and stared me down. “The media believes me. Your fans feel sorry for me.”

“Because they are all lies.”

“Prove it.” She smirked.

Nope. Nope. Nope. I wasn’t putting up with this. It was time for me to put a stop to this little game of hers.

“Is this about revenge?” I asked, trying to hang on to my composure. “Because I have no idea what your motivation would be. He is your friend, so I don’t understand why you would want to hurt him.”

“Being his friend no longer works for me,” she said flippantly. “But having a little extra cash does.”

That made me angry on his behalf because this was someone he cared for and trusted. She took advantage of that, all because she was bitter and jealous.

“What doesn’t make sense to me is that you supposedly care about Maverick. Yet, your actions are damaging his reputation. You’re hurting his career, his teammates, and his family. All for what? For revenge? For money? All because he doesn’t return your feelings?”

Her eyes turned into slits. “Look at you, getting all protective of him. Do you honestly believe you’ll be in his life forever?”

My fists were clenched so tight my nails dug into my palms.

“Enough!” Maverick’s jaw was hard. “You are not going to stand there and talk to Kinley like that.”

She rolled her eyes. “Give me a break. The way you two are so quick to jump in and defend each other is nauseating.”

He shook his head. “I had no idea you were so toxic, but, man, did you have me fooled.”

She scoffed. “Maybe you should have paid better attention. If you didn’t cut me out of your life and choose her over me, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

He ran a hand through his hair and blew out an exasperated breath. “Della, you brought this shitstorm to my door all on your own, and I’ll never forgive you for it. What you’re doing is inexcusable. It’s all lies and bullshit and it needs to stop…Now.”

“Or what?” Her eyes narrowed. She didn’t appear to be backing down anytime soon. “Just because you knocked her up doesn’t mean I have to change my story. If anything, it makes you look like a bigger asshole.”

My body tensed. She was a walking, talking nightmare and hell-bent on causing as much havoc as humanly possible. The woman was clearly on a power trip. All over a bruised ego and hurt feelings.

He scrubbed a hand over his face. “About your little story. You don’t have a leg to stand on. You have fucked around with too many members of the team, leaving a long line of bitter wives and girlfriends who are looking to take you down a notch. You want to know how I know?” She held his stare without flinching. “Want to take a guess what we were talking about before you came in here? It seems you’re not as popular in the clubhouse when you’re not spreading your legs. The women are pissed, and the guys are desperate for you to go away. You want to talk about having a bad reputation.” He whistled. “Yours is about as low as it goes. Every single person you fucked over is coming forward. Game over.”

Her face was a mask of indifference, but her body language was another story. His words definitely got to her.

“Your threats don’t scare me,” she said, looking at her watch as if she were bored. This conversation was going nowhere. “I’ve got better things to do with my time. I’m out of here.”

She started to storm away, but he blocked her path. “Another piece of ‘friendly’ advice, start looking for a new job. Your days here are numbered.”

Her brows furrowed, and for a split second, I saw fear. I thought for a moment he’d gotten through to her until her eyes sliced over to mine. “Enjoy him while it lasts. I’m not the only one whose days are numbered.”

She stalked off, leaving us alone in heavy silence.

“I don’t think that’s the last of her.” I sighed, trying not to imagine what she would do next. In my attempt to defend him, I feared I might have made things worse.

“I don’t give a flying fuck. The only thing I care about is getting you home.” His hand curved along my bottom. He squeezed my butt cheek and pressed his body against mine. “The only concern I have right now is how fast I can get you naked and in my bed.” He was edgy and wound up. The thought of him taking all that aggression out on me had my core muscles tightening in excitement.

I batted my eyelashes, playing innocent. “I thought maybe you’d want to help me look for an apartment?”

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