Chapter 24
Twenty-Four
Nicholas
I t’s official. I’m in love with Maeve Goodman. I didn’t think it possible for me to love. Or at least, I think this is love. Even when she pisses me off, I can’t stay mad. I enjoy her company. She doesn’t annoy me like everyone else or make me on edge. Maeve Goodman soothes my darkness and anger at the world, proving that there’s goodness to be found. She’s sweet and has a gentle nature. She graces the people around her with patience and kindness. She doesn’t care about my wealth. In fact, the only time I’ve ever witnessed her be greedy is when it comes to her insatiable desire for my cock, and I’m more than happy to feed that hunger.
We’ve spent the last two months with me flying back and forth from Las Vegas. I’ve been struggling to respect her boundaries, as in I’m still technically not. Do I still have her followed? Of course. I have to know she’s safe. I do text her from my real number now and I’ve not made any death threats to her co-workers, which is progress. I’ve stopped breaking into her house while she’s sleeping. There’s no need since I spend the night. She protested at first, but I persuaded her with my skillful tongue.
Today Maeve and I are in West Memphis to see the inside of Le Louve. This casino is very similar to my other one, but I did alter the designs last minute to incorporate more red and elegance, like my little she-wolf.
We’re both all business at the moment. Maeve may think I only hired her as an excuse to fuel my obsession, but honestly, she’s brilliant. I wouldn’t have invested millions otherwise. I could’ve easily booked her for a smaller scale event. After researching more of her career, she’s proven herself capable, but she’s been held back by her employer.
I hear my men arguing with someone off in the distance. I turn to Maeve. “Wait here.”
This is a closed site. Nobody else should be here except for crew. Upon entering the lobby, I see who they’re arguing with and I freeze.
Cleric.
“There’s the man I came to see.” His low timber states with ease. Cleric is clearly humoring these men. If he wanted to, he could’ve already killed them.
“I hope you’re not here to demand a favor,” I tease. Cleric is known for two things: nobody knows his real name and he can answer your prayers in gold but he’s owed a favor in return. If you fail to give him what is owed, he becomes your greatest fear.
“Not from you. Although I’ve missed your services.” Cleric and I give one another a warm hug. This man saved my life, and in return, I ended hundreds for him. I don’t regret any of it. Cleric continues speaking. “I’m here because I received a disturbing request.”
“Disturbing for you isn’t really anything new.” Cleric owns a casino that’s basically by a swamp in Mississippi. He’s seen and heard a little bit of everything.
“It concerns Maeve Goodman.” I see red. I rein in my temper enough to let him finish. “Originally, I was going to reach out to Tristan. But then I dug around and learned she’s involved with you.”
“Who wants to kill Maeve?”
Cleric holds his hands up. “They don’t want to kill her. They want to destroy her career and pretty face. It’s the worst kind of evil - jealousy. They want Maeve to live and suffer.”
“Who is it? I’ll take care of it today.” The smile on his face tells me that I just fucked up. Cleric now knows he has leverage on me. I’m exactly the type he preys upon. “What do you want me to do in return for this information?”
“Not you. Maeve. Wait – before you lose your shit. My Lani wants to go to this book convention. She usually goes to these kinds of events with her friend, Hazel. But Hazel is pregnant. I can’t take her. Now here’s a marvelous opportunity I’m presenting you with, you can send Maeve to the event with Lani while you eliminate your little threat. My men will be there to protect them.”
“How do I know you’re not using this as an opportunity to complete your bargain?”
“You wound me but I’m proud of you for being cautious. I guess you don’t know.”
“Where is it?”
“Texas. It’s called Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem. Romance authors and readers get together and get books signed. Penis stickers and all kinds of crazy shit.”
I can send three of my most trusted men and then find out who is set on ruining Maeve’s life. Cleric is many things, but I know he wouldn’t betray me over something this trivial. He’d certainly never involve Lani, his wife. “Deal. Give me the name.”
“Trina Barry.”
The huntress. The one who is with her ex-fiancé. Let’s see how the huntress survives against the wolf.
“Before I go, may I meet my wife’s travel buddy?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Like you don’t already know everything about her.”
“I still want to meet her. Call me curious, but I’d like to see who could’ve possibly caused your black soul to grow a conscience.”
“She doesn’t seem to agree. She thinks I’m a stalker.”
“There’s worse things than being a stalker.”
“And a murderer.”
“There’s still worse.”
The sound of Maeve’s voice has us both turning around. “Worse than a stalker or murderer?”
Cleric smirks. “Yes. He could be an eavesdropper.”
Maeve’s eyes narrow, but I see her lips twitching. “You must be Cleric.”
“And you, dear, are everything I’d hoped for Le Loup. Be patient with him. He’s a warped son-of-bitch, but he’s loyal. And that’s worth a lot, as you well know.”
The look of recognition on her face tells me her thoughts went exactly where he’d hoped. Her fiancé wasn’t loyal. I rise my eyebrows as to say see, I would never. Would I kill someone else? Sure. Kiss someone else? Never.
“Anyways, I need to be going. I’m proud of you, Nick.” Cleric’s words has my chest tightening. He isn’t a man who gives compliments freely or speaks without meaning. He’s the closest thing to a father figure I have in my life. I respect him more than anyone. He continues, “Maeve, I hope you’ll consider accompanying my wife.” He nods goodbye and turns to leave us.
Maeve looks at me expectantly. My hand finds the small of Maeve’s back and I lead her through the casino. “Cleric’s come to us for help. He wants to get out of attending a book signing with his wife and thought you might like to attend in his place.”
“I’ve always wanted to attend a reader event, but while I’m sure she’s a very nice person, I don’t know her. This is strange. You see that, right?”
Not in our world. Cleric wanted to choose a friend that Lani could relate to and trust. Someone who wouldn’t question or think anything of having bodyguards with them. Though Maeve hasn’t gotten in the thick of our world, Cleric knows I wouldn’t allow her to go without them.
“Not as much as you think. Besides, I hear that readers meet up at these events as strangers all them and then become lifelong best friends. Would you be willing to go as a favor to me? I know I don’t have any right to ask you. Cleric has done a lot for me over the years, and this is the first time he’s asked for a favor. And I wouldn’t ask if I thought you wouldn’t have a good time.”
Maeve doesn’t look me in the eye. I take her little chin and force her head up to face me. We stare at each other. Her trying to decide if she can trust me while I look back at the most precious person to come into my life. If Trina went to Cleric, who’s to say she hasn’t searched for someone else to ruin Maeve. I need to learn what grudge she holds against Maeve is and why.
“I don’t think so,” Maeve finally says.
It would be all too easy to drug her and drag her somewhere safe, or to lure her to my hotel room and leave her tied up until I took care of this. She would hate me for it, but overtime, she might learn to forgive me. Her trust is so fragile. Am I really willing to gamble it? I need her to go willingly. For that, I’ll have to modify my behavior.
“How about this...” My hand slides behind her neck and holds it in a firm grip. “You do this and I’ll owe you a favor.”
“What if I ask you to leave me alone?”
“Is that what you want?”
“No. I’m trying to see how badly you want this.”
“I don’t want anything as much as I want you, Little Bit.”
“It’s still weird you use my grandmother’s nickname for me.”
“It fits.” I bring my face inches from hers. My words come out harsh and raw. “Make no mistake. You’re mine. And until you understand just how deep my loyalty and obsession goes, I’ll spend every damn day proving it to you.” My hold on her neck tightens as I force her lips against mine.
“Nick.” She pulls back and sighs against my lips.
I pull her back in for another kiss, this time taking it deeper. Sliding my tongue between her lips until all her moans, sighs, and even the fucking air she breathes is mine. Her soft tongue caresses mine, making the urge to consume her beyond manageable. I charge our bodies forward until her back is against the wall. I’ve lost all control. My dick is pressing painfully against my pants, desperately seeking her sweet center.
The ringing of her phone brings us out of our passionate frenzy. Shit. If it was mine, I would’ve ignored it. The world could be burning all around us and I wouldn’t give a shit right now.
“It’s work. I’ve probably been gone too long.”
I bite my tongue before I can suggest she tell them to fuck off. Mustering all my strength, I release Maeve, so she can answer the call. I listen to the sound of her clacking heels as she retreats to speak to her boss.
When she returns to me, I take a moment to marvel at her beauty and the sweet warmth that she radiates. It’s taking all of my control not to scoop her into my arms and run away with her. She’s so fucking precious, and she’s completely unaware of how easily people fall in love with her. Maeve thinks it’s crazy I fell in love with her so fast. I’d be insane not to chase after her. A woman like her comes into my dark world, only a fool would let her slip away.
Her eyebrows pull together. “What? Why are you staring at me?”
“I wasn’t prepared for how good it would feel to be with you.”
She giggles. “Considering you’ve been with a lot of women, I can see how you might’ve had the bar low. Still, it’s kind of rude to tell me that.”
“No. I knew you’d be incredible in bed. I’m talking about us spending time together. Just being. I’ve never dated.”
“Glad I could be your first.”
“You’ll be my last.”
“That sounds creepy. Hey, I need to get to work. Want me to get a rideshare or can you drive me back? I understand if you’re busy.”
The last time she got in a rideshare was how I snagged her. So absolutely the fuck not will she be hopping in a car with some stranger. “I’m not busy.”
“I doubt that, but I appreciate the ride. We can discuss the event more on the way.”
“One question before we go.”
Maeve groans. “No, my boss is going to kill me. Okay, yes, I’ll go to the book event. It actually does sound fun. Let’s go.”
First of all, her boss won’t do a damn thing if she knows what’s good for her. I’ll ruin her reputation, tank her business, and then buy her out of it. Second, I’d already forgotten about that, but great. “That’s not where I was going, but good. I’ll let Cleric know and handle the arrangements. My question is, have you thought about going on your own and creating your own business?”
“Of course I have. It’s just…” A blush creeps up her neck. “It’s so scary.”
My lips twitch as I fight back my smirk. “What are you scared of?”
“Failing. I’m terrified to fail.”
Oh, Little Bit. I’d never allow it. “You’ll never know unless you try.”