Chapter 40
40
CADENCE
" W hat just happened?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. I'm standing with Ransom and Trixie, watching Maverick's retreating back. My heart's still racing, adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Ransom clears his throat. "Mav's just in shock. This hits really close to home for him."
The little spark of anger in my chest erupts into a low flame. "It hits home for me too. I'm the one who had the gun pulled on me, not him." My hands shake, and I clench them into fists.
Ransom winces, his eyes softening. "How are you really doing, Cadence?"
I swallow hard, the reality of what just happened finally sinking in. "I'm... I'm a little scared," I admit, my voice cracking.
"You didn't seem like you were," Ransom says, surprise coloring his tone.
I shrug, trying to keep my composure. "I didn't want to match emotions. Mav was in his feelings, and I had to stay calm." It's the same technique I use with the dogs at the rescue. You can't yell at a panicked dog; you get nowhere. You just have to settle into your calm, and wait.
Across the room, Maverick's talking to Dean. When he finishes, he glances back at me, our eyes meeting for a brief moment. But before I can decipher his expression, a cop approaches him, and he turns away.
Trixie excuses herself and follows Maverick and the cop, leaving me alone with Ransom.
Ransom takes my hand, his touch gentle, and leads me into the dressing room and away from the chaos. He finds a sweater and drapes it over my shoulders. I sink into a chair, suddenly feeling exhausted.
"I don't understand what happened out there," I murmur, shaking my head. The events of the night replay in my mind, a blur of fear and adrenaline. I can still feel the cold metal of the gun pressed against my skin, hear the shouts and screams. My hands start to tremble again, and I wrap my arms around myself, trying to hold it together.
Ransom takes my hand, holding it as I breathe deeply. "Is this the first time you've been through anything like that?"
"The first time anyone's ever pulled a real gun on me? Yeah, it is." My heartbeat settles as all the times I've had a fake gun pulled on me flash through my mind. "My grandpa was paranoid. Well, not paranoid. He always said paranoid people think bad things might happen, whereas he knows the bad things happen, so you might as well get prepared."
"He sounds like a smart guy."
"Yeah, he was. He was a cop for a long time. He retired when I was a teenager. And the whole time he was alive, he was preparing me. For situations like this, it turns out."
"And you never needed to use it?"
"Well not to this extent. I've had to deal with some handsy men here and there, but nothing like this."
He smiles, and a little more of my fear trickles away. "I'm sure those handsy men regretted ever touching you. You did good, Cadence. Really good."
"I did, didn't I?" Yeah, I'm a little rusty, but I bet not nearly as rusty as I would have been if I hadn't had a chance to spar with Becca. "It feels good…or it did, until Maverick fucking fired me." My voice raises at the end, because seriously, what the fuck?
Ransom winces, letting go of my hand and pulling another chair over. "Yeah, about that. Please don't hold anything that happened today against him. Today has just been…a lot. He looked completely gutted when he got that call."
"I'm glad you were with him."
"A bunch of us were. Jonas, Declan, Micah and Kade are in the parking lot, coordinating with the cops. The guy you took out has a concussion, but he's awake."
"Good. I didn't want…" I trail off, unable to finish the thought. The idea that I could have seriously hurt someone, even in self-defense, makes my stomach churn.
"Taking a life is a big responsibility. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, especially you," Ransom says, sounding like he knows exactly how big that responsibility is.
I swallow hard, trying to push down the lump forming in my throat. "What do I do about Mav? He fired me. He promised he would never do that. That he would never put my job at risk. But he just did."
If I were in a better mood, I could maybe acknowledge that this is a unique situation. I mean, I was worried about being fired if our relationship didn't work out, but something like this never even crossed my mind. Not in a million years did I think I'd be sitting here, dealing with the aftermath of nearly hurting someone and then losing my job in one fell swoop. It was like the universe decided to play a cruel joke, turning my fears into reality in the most unexpected way possible.
"For right now, just let him take you home. Let him take care of you. And in a few days, I'm sure he'll settle down. Just give him a bit of time Cadence. Just a bit."
"Just a bit? I guess I can do that," I whisper.
Maverick's grip on my hand is tight, as we exit the elevator. He hasn't let go since we left the club, not even during the car ride home with Ransom. We just sat in the backseat, connected yet not, the whole way home. Questions bubble up inside me, but the heavy silence between us keeps them trapped in my throat.
I turn back, waving at Ransom. He gives me a small nod, and a little wave back. His advice from earlier echoes through my mind. Just give it time. It feels a little weird to technically be the victim in this situation, yet I have to give him time?
I want to get into it again with him, and get to the bottom of what happened tonight, but there's an emotional undercurrent to this that feels bigger than tonight's events.
Mav holds the door open for me, and the first thing I see is Nan on the couch, flanked by Janey and Cara. Her friend Connie sits in the armchair, and a relieved smile creases her cheeks when she sees me. The moment Nan's eyes meet mine, she's on her feet, tears welling up. I tug my hand from Maverick's and rush into Nan's embrace.
"I'm okay. I promise," I whisper, feeling her tremble against me.
Memories flood back - nights spent waiting up for Grandpa, the heart-stopping calls to come to the hospital. We always knew the risks that came with his job as a police officer. But not once did I imagine being the one she was waiting for, and I hate that she's had to worry.
Nan pulls back, her eyes searching my face. "I've been so scared," she says, her voice thick with emotion as she wipes away tears.
I swallow hard, feeling a lump form in my throat. "I know, Nan. I'm so sorry."
She cups my face in her hands, her touch gentle but firm. "Don't you dare apologize, Cadence Hayes. None of this is your fault. I'm just so grateful you're okay."
I nod, unable to speak past the tightness in my chest. The weight of the night's events crashes over me, and I lean into Nan's embrace once more, drawing strength from her familiar warmth. "I was so scared," I whisper. I don't mean for him to hear it, but Maverick's wince makes it clear that he did.
She sniffs and pulls back. "Well, of course you were. You're not a fucking idiot, and only an idiot wouldn't be afraid in a situation like that."
Janey and Cara are hovering behind Nan, looking relieved. I pull Nan in for another hug, and mouth 'Thank You' to them. They nod and smile, giving us a little hug as they pass. Connie stands, her cane tap tapping on the wood floor as she stops in front of us. "Glad you're in one piece, kid," she says, then gently pats Nan's arm. Then she stops in front of Maverick, waving him down for a kiss on the cheek. Then it's just the three of us left standing in the middle of the living room.
Nan looks up at me and brushes her fingers along my cheek. "Do you need anything honey? A cup of tea? Want to sleep with me tonight?"
"I'm okay Nan. I promise. I think I just want a shower, and bed."
She nods, looking between Mav and I. "Take good care of her, yes?"
"Yes, Ma'am," he says in a voice so low that the words are barely audible.
With one last hug and a shuddery exhale, Nan heads to her room, the door closing softly behind her.
I stand awkwardly in the living room, my body tense and my mind racing. Maverick's presence looms large beside me, but I can't bring myself to look at him. The silence stretches between us, thick and uncomfortable.
Finally, Maverick moves. He takes my hand in his, his touch gentle. "Let me take care of you tonight. Please."
I nod, not trusting my voice. He leads me to his bedroom, closing and the door. The soft click of the lock echoes in the quiet room.
In the bathroom, Maverick moves with slow deliberate purpose. He turns on the shower, steam slowly filling the air. The sound of running water is soothing, grounding me in the present moment.
He returns to me, his eyes soft but guarded. Slowly, reverently, he begins to undress me. His fingers brush against my skin as he removes my tiny uniform, piece by piece. I shiver, but it's not just from the cold.
"Are you okay?" he asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I... I don't know," I admit, my voice trembling.
He nods, understanding in his eyes. "It's okay not to know. You're safe now."
Maverick guides me into the shower, the warm water cascading over my skin. He's meticulous, washing every part of my body with tender care. His fingers work through my hair, making sure no glass remains. No one's ever washed my hair like this, not since Nan did as a child. But his care isn't sexual. It's full of tenderness, and carries a weight of emotion that I desperately need right now.
As he rinses the shampoo from my hair, a sob escapes my lips before I can stop it.
Maverick freezes, then makes a low sound, tugging me into his arms, holding me tight enough to keep me together. That's when I realize he's still fully clothed, his shirt and jeans soaked through.
A laugh bubbles up through my tears. "Mav, you're all wet," I say, my voice muffled against his chest.
He pulls back, looking confused, then glances down his body, a sound of surprise rumbling through his chest. "I guess I got a little distracted."
I pull back slightly, looking up at him. Despite everything that's happened, I feel a spark of desire ignite within me. I reach for the hem of his wet shirt, slowly peeling it off his body.
"Cady," he breathes, his eyes darkening.
"Let me take care of you too," I whisper, my fingers working on the button of his jeans. The damn things are nearly impossible to get off, but thankfully he's totally willing to help.
As I undress him, the air between us changes, charged with a different kind of tension. When he's finally as bare as I am, I lean in, pressing my lips to his.
The kiss is passionate, desperate. It's a confirmation that we're both here, both alive. Maverick's hands tangle in my wet hair as he deepens the kiss, and for a moment, I forget about everything else.
That's not true. I do remember one thing.
"Mav," I ask, pulling back so I can see his face. "Did you yell at me that you love me in the club?"
I stare at him, my heart pounding in my chest. The warm water continues to cascade over us, creating a cocoon of steam and intimacy. His eyes, usually so confident and sure, now hold a vulnerability I've never seen before.
"Aw fuck. I did," he says, closing his eyes briefly before meeting my gaze again. "I'm sorry. That's not how I planned on telling you."
My breath catches in my throat. "But did you mean it?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
His eyebrows shoot up, surprise etched across his features. "Did I mean it?" He shakes his head, droplets of water flying from his hair. "Of course I meant it. I've felt it for a long fucking time."
Relief washes over me, more soothing than the shower's warm spray. I lean forward, resting my forehead against his lips. "Good," I whisper.
Maverick chuckles, the sound vibrating through me. "Good? That's all you have to say?"
The tension of the night finally breaks, and I laugh, pressing my hands against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat beneath my palms. Looking up into his eyes, I see everything I've ever wanted reflected back at me.
"I love you too, Maverick," I say, my voice steady and sure. "I love you so much."
His eyes light up, a smile spreading across his face that I haven't seen before. He looks carefree, lighter than air. Before I can say anything else, his lips are on mine, urgent and passionate. The kiss is electric, sending sparks through my entire body. His hands slide down my wet skin, leaving trails of fire in their wake.
I press closer to him, our bodies fitting together perfectly. The cool tiles of the shower wall meet my back as Maverick gently pushes me against it, his kisses growing more intense. The contrast between the cold surface and his warm body is delicious.
His mouth trails down my neck as his hands grip my hips. Slowly, he sinks to his knees, his mouth moving lower. My breath catches in my throat as he pressed open-mouthed kisses along my collarbone, lower still, until...
Yes. Right there.
My head falls back, hitting the shower wall with a soft thud. My eyes drift closed as goosebumps prickle my skin. He teases and tortures with his mouth and tongue, his hands strong and confident on my body.
"Oh, Mav," I gasp, my breath hitching as he explores further, his hands tugging on my leg, pulling it over his shoulder. My fingers tighten in his hair, guiding him, urging him on as my body arches into his, seeking more.
He seems to sense exactly what I need, his rhythm in sync with the beating of my heart. My breath comes in short, sharp gasps as the pleasure intensifies, my body tensing as I teeter on the edge. And then, just as I'm about to fall over the edge into happy town, he suddenly pulls away, leaving me wanting, desperate for more.
"You son of a bitch," I gasp.
His chuckle vibrates against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. Slowly, he rises back up to his full height, his eyes burning with desire. He lifts me with strong arms, wrapping my legs around his waist. His lips crush down onto mine, devouring me.
Neither one of us can do slow tonight, everything feels fiery and urgent, each taste only fueling my hunger for more. Maverick's hands grip my thighs, lifting me higher, closer.
He teases my entrance with the tip of cock. There's nothing between us for the first time and his eyes find mine, asking permission. I bite my lip, desire clouding my brain as I nod. "I'm on the pill. It's okay."
"Fuck," he groans, his voice hoarse.
My breath catches in my throat as he fills me, inch by exquisite inch. Maverick stills, his forehead resting against mine. I savor the feeling of him inside me, my body stretching to accommodate his length.
"Are you okay?" he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear, his breath warm on my skin.
I nod, my hands gripping his shoulders. "You feel so good," I whisper, closing my eyes as I adjust to him. There's something about letting him into my body bare that is so intimate, I'm a little overwhelmed.
His answering smile is soft, tender. But the spark in his eyes is pure desire. Slowly, he begins to move, his thrusts deep and purposeful. I gasp as he sets a relentless pace, my body moving with his, perfectly attuned.
Heat builds within me, radiating from my core outward. My skin prickles with sensation, every touch amplified. Maverick's hands roam my body, igniting sparks everywhere they land.
"Cady," he moans, his voice thick with need. "You feel so damn good."
My fingers tangle in his hair, tugging gently as pleasure coils tight within me. "Maverick," I breathe, my head falling back as I savor the feel of him moving within me.
He groans my name again, his thrusts growing harder, faster. The sound of skin slapping against skin echoes in the large space, mingling with our heavy breaths and frantic moans.
"I love you," he pants, his lips finding the sensitive spot just below my ear.
"I love you too," I respond, my voice breathless. "So, so much."
His thrusts stutter at my words, but he quickly recovers, moving with renewed passion. I meet his pace, my body instinctively finding a rhythm with his.
"You feel so tight, baby," he grunts, his eyes burning with intensity. "So fucking good."
The water cascades around us, steam filling the enclosure. Maverick's hair hangs in wet strands on his forehead, his eyes wild. He pounds into me, each thrust taking us higher, closer to the edge.
"Mav," I gasp, my fingernails digging into his shoulders. "I'm close."
"Me too, baby," he pants, eyes locked on mine. "I'm right there with you."
I meet his thrusts, my body moving in perfect sync with his. "Yes," I breathe, my head falling back as my climax builds. "Oh God, Maverick, yes."
His hands grip my hips tightly, his thrusts becoming erratic. "Cady, I can't hold on," he groans, his body tensing. "I'm gonna---"
"Yes," I encourage him, my own climax hovering just out of reach. "Come for me, Maverick."
With a hoarse cry, he surges into me, his body shaking as he finds his release. The feeling of him pulsing within me sends me over the edge. That is something I didn't expect, but oh my god, I love it.
"Oh fuck," I cry out, my body convulsing with pleasure. "Maverick!"
He holds me tight as I ride out my orgasm, my body trembling in his arms. Slowly, he lowers me back to the ground, then leans heavily against me.
"My knees are gone," he says between panting breaths. "They just…left."
I lean my head against his shoulder, laughing, my breath coming in ragged gasps. "Mine too." Maverick wraps his arms around me, holding me close as the warm water cascades over us.
"That was..." I trail off, unable to find the words to describe the intensity of what we just shared.
"Amazing," Maverick finishes for me, his lips brushing my ear. "Fucking incredible."
I smile, feeling a deep sense of peace wash over me. All the bullshit from tonight, all of the anger drifts away and we're just us again.
We're going to be okay. It's just a matter of time.