52. Caine
CHAPTER 52
CAINE
I t’s nice to see updates on Max’s parent’s case and not see my family name attached to it anymore.
It’s even nicer the day the verdict comes in.
We’ve all been slightly on edge despite Danner’s insistence that it’ll be fine. Max has continued to be worried, even though she tried to hide it from us. Too bad I can always tell what she’s thinking. What she needs. She’s my girl, and I know everything there is to know about her.
Our girl.
Apparently I need to get better about saying that, though I still think of her as mine, and I always will.
“Verdict is in,” I call out, seeing the headline, but not daring to click on it until we’re all together. Especially because if it’s not guilty, I’m worried about how Max will react and I want to be right next to her for it.
She’s hiding how nervous she is and I wrap my arm around her shoulder, pulling her into my side immediately.
“You okay, killer?” I ask, and she nods, the little liar. I press a rough kiss to the side of her head, wanting her to relax, but she’s so tense I don’t think it’s going to happen.
Drew and Adam join us, and I don’t hesitate before clicking the link so Max can either chill or have a breakdown that we will all help her through. My eyes skim the page, searching for the words to make or break this moment, and they appear bold and definite.
Guilty.
I feel the whoosh of air leave Max when she sees it too. Of course there’s talk of appeals, but that’s common with any case like this and I doubt they’ll get them. It’s done. She’s free. We’re all free.
Doogie ended up listening to us, and left town without trying to pull anything stupid. Which I was happy about, because we could’ve had him taken care of a bit more, but I know Danner is sick of our shit.
She’s been a good friend to Max, and that’s all she should have to be instead of constantly covering up crimes for all of us. Though, it’s still nice to know we have access to that kind of skill if it’s needed.
I hope it’s not.
Max told me to keep our fighting in the cage.
“You too, killer,” I told her.
“So, that’s it then?” she says, turning her head to look up at me.
I nod. “Guess so. How do you feel?”
“Weird. I feel like I’ve been paranoid and worried my entire life, but knowing they won’t be able to do anything to me again…” She hesitates. “I guess it’s going to take some getting used to.”
“Don’t worry, little one, we’ll make sure you’re distracted enough while you get used to it.” Drew winks.
“Well, now what do we do?” she asks, looking between us.
“I have a few ideas.” I yank her into my chest roughly.
“Later,” Adam scolds. “Right now, we all have lives to get to since no one is going to prison today.”
“Today, but never know about tomorrow.” I lean down to try and steal a kiss, but she stops me with her hand over my mouth.
“Too soon.” She shakes her head.
I groan against her hand, biting the skin enough that she yelps, pulling it away with a scowl. One I’m quick to kiss away, and she doesn’t stop me. Her body melts into mine, and a hand slaps down on my shoulder.
“Come on, we don’t have the time,” Drew tells me.
“I’ll be late,” I reply against Max’s mouth. She smiles into the kiss, and I suck her bottom lip between my teeth.
“Might not be a good idea,” she rasps once I let go of her lip. “The boss is pretty demanding.”
“I don’t have a fucking boss,” I growl, diving in for more of her.
“You have a coach, though, and he’s going to make your life a living hell if you don’t knock it off,” Adam’s stern voice says.
“Worth it,” I try to kiss Max again, but she stops me, and I’m getting real tired of her doing that.
“Go, and I’ll reward you later.” She winks.
“I don’t need a reward, I’m not a good boy like Drew.”
A hand slaps the back of my head, and I smirk, knowing I pissed him off. Good, I hope it riles everyone up so we don’t have to leave.
“Watch it,” Max threatens.
I lean down, whispering, “The only thing I’ll be watching is you bouncing on my dick later.”
She sucks in a sharp inhale, and I back up. “Alright, let’s go, fuckers. I have important plans later.”
“I’ll see you guys after I’m off work since there’s no point in any of you showing up to The Tavern anymore.”
“Nice try, baby girl, we’re still making sure you get home safe.” Adam drops a quick kiss to her lips even though she narrows her eyes at him.
“When will you guys trust that I can handle myself? Do I need to be a black belt or something?”
Drew laughs, pulling her into him. “Do you know how long it would take you to get a black belt?”
“Oh you don’t think I can?” she challenges, and for some reason, my half hard dick is now at full attention at her tone. I fucking love when she gets feisty like this.
“Of course you can,” he relents, and I see the flash of pride on her face, though it’s true about the time it would take for her to get a black belt. Honestly, even then I think we would still meet up with her to make sure she gets home safe.
She’s our girl to keep safe. To take care of.
She’s our girl to love, and it doesn’t matter if the dangers we knew about are gone, there’ll always be more. She’ll never be taken from us again. We’ll make sure she’s safe, cared for, and loved for the rest of all our lives and she’s just going to have to deal with the way we choose to do that.
“Love you guys,” she sighs, and I can’t help but look back at her before leaving. I never would’ve pictured my life like this, but I wouldn’t take it back.
She has us, and she’ll never get rid of us, even if she wanted to. We’ll always be obsessed, but it’s a good thing she’s just as obsessed with us as we are of her.