Page 61 of Fixate

Because it’s him who inevitably killed her.

Because of him, she made a choice that got her killed.

And that shit’s all on Anton.

My head raises, my teeth grinding so tight they squeal.

I don’t know when, I don’t know how, but this fucker is going to pay for what he’s done.

Standing with newfound energy, I make sure I’m completely clean and turn off the faucet feeling like I have a new fight inside me.

Before the shower, I was feeling sorry for myself.

Now? Now I’m ready for whatever comes next.

Getting out of the shower, I stand in front of the mirror, dripping wet, staring at my reflection, my shoulder taped in waterproof bandages. “I’m sorry, Charlotte, but I swear, one day, wewillget justice for you.”

My nostrils flare as I reach for my towel, nodding at my oath, then start drying myself.

I’ve made a promise to Charlotte.

I’ve made a promise to myself.

It may not be today—hell, it won’t even be tomorrow, it may not even be this year—but at some point, Defianceisgoing to make Anton and his Bratva pay for all the shit they’ve done. And I, for one, will dance on that fucker’s grave.

Smiling to myself as I finally get dry and pull on some boxer briefs, I slowly open the door leading to my bedroom to see Maxxy is still asleep. All bravado and excitement about vengeance leave me and are replaced with an innate need to simply be next to Maxxy and hold her.

To just be with her.

So I walk over to my bed, gently pull back the covers, and ease my way into the bed beside her. She subconsciously rolls on her side, her back facing me, and I smile, taking the invitation. I lean in, pressing my front to her back and sliding my arm over her, gripping tight around her stomach, my arm resting just under her breasts. She murmurs in her sleep as I nuzzle my nose into her hair, smelling her and kissing the nape of her neck.

“You’re here?” she whispers sleepily.

Pressing every part of me against her, I hold on and run kisses along her neck. “I’m here. Go back to sleep, kitten.”

Maxxy exhales like she’s struggling to stay awake. “Kitten? I like that.”

Smirking, I lean in, kissing her neck again tenderly. “Good. Now go to sleep, kitten.”

She presses her ass back into my cock, knowing exactly what she’s doing as she gets herself comfortable. “Okay, Daddy. Goodnight.”

My cock stirs, but I’m not taking this further tonight. I need rest, and Maxxy’s half asleep. We can pick this back up tomorrow.

“Goodnight, beautiful.”

Closing my eyes, I hold tight, enjoying being wrapped up in her.

This is exactly what I need right now.

Me, Maxxy, and sleep.

I feel the darkness calling me and am out like a light.

The Next Morning

The gentle touch of fingers sliding across my shoulder wakes me as my eyes flutter open. I glance down to see Maxxy gently stroking my bandage as she bites her bottom lip, clearly curious about what the hell happened between when she went to bed and this morning.

My hand slides up, my fingers tangling with hers as she rests her head on my shoulder without saying anything, but I know she is desperate to know. So, I start talking. “I had Izzy patch me up last night before I came to bed.”

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