Chapter 4 Maverick
Maverick
Climbing out of my car I follow my brothers into school, hoping today is the day Presley returns.
I know she was released a month ago. I also know she’s under The Radley's thumb living at her house. More times than not, I’ve tried to sneak into her bedroom but The Radley’s goon squad was in my way.
It doesn’t help that I fucking need her to help Axel.
He’s still in the institution. Not speaking.
Not doing much of anything, and we’re worried.
The only time he ever says a thing, it’s her name.
He just repeats it like a broken record.
It’s scary to witness because he’s a shell of a person.
Worse than I ever saw him which has been making Casp extra mad lately.
We are all in shambles without her. I don’t think any of us realized how much we truly cared for her.
I can admit that I fucking love her, and I will get her back.
But what if she doesn’t want us anymore.
What if those sick fucks have sunk their claws so deep in her that we've lost our girl forever.
A hand smacking my chest takes me out of my thoughts, and I look over at Brax, who is cracking his knuckles. I follow his line of sight and my eyes widen as I see Presley with fucking Jacob Lee draped all over her.
“We can’t do shit right now,” I remind them, and Casp snickers.
“If I have to watch her with him all day like this, I’m going to fucking snap,” he grits, and I nod.
“I refuse. I’ll knock Jacob Lee and all his bitch ass friends right on their asses. I plan on talking to my girl one way or another,” Brax chimes in, never taking his eyes off her.
“Let’s go the other way and get to first period,” I suggest, but Casp spins on me, walking backwards with an evil grin on his face as he snaps the chain that's attached to his jeans and wallet, wrapping it around his fists.
“Oh, fuck!” Brax spits as we hurry to catch up to our brother who is walking straight into enemy territory.
“Casp, no!” I yell, gaining everyone's attention as he goes to grab for Presley, and she steps back, mortification written all over her face, but also disgust. What the fuck?
“Get away from my girl, Cyprus!” Jacob Lee growls, getting in my brother’s face which only causes me and Brax to take another step closer.
“What the fuck are you going to do? Squeal like a pig, you little bitch!” Casp laughs, and my eyes collide with hers.
She frowns, slightly shaking her head. She looks so sad.
The fire in her eyes is long gone and that alone guts me.
I go to reach for her but she steps back, breaking my heart further.
The bell rings and Casp shoves Jacob Lee into his group of idiots and we head to class.
He stops and looks at Presley, causing her eyes to widen.
“I’m coming for you, Gumdrop. This isn’t over,” he whispers and walks off. I give her a small smile, grabbing Brax’s arm and pulling him along. Once we get to the end of the hallway, I shove Casp and he rounds on me, getting in my face.
“What the fuck was that, Caspian. You know damn well the end result of provoking Jacob Lee. Why would you put her in that predicament after everything Axel told us,” I snap, and he growls, showing his teeth at me like the hounds of hell ready to bite my face off.
“Because, unlike you, I’m not afraid of that prick, and he knows if he touches her, I will make good on my promise,” he fires back, and I shake my head.
“That is not the point. Jesus Christ. Go the fuck to class. I’ll see you both at lunch,” I order, and Caspian rolls his eyes as Brax pats me on the back.
Once they disappear up the stairs, I glance back down the hallway and see my beauty staring.
I give her a little smirk then walk into the classroom.
Hours later I’m walking into the cafeteria and I hear my brother going off yet again.
He’s been mad for months, and now that Presley is back and ignoring us, it’s got him in beast mode.
I’m not sure where Brax is, but fuck me.
Why am I the only level headed one today?
Rushing over to them, I try to step in the middle of Caspian and Jacob Lee but Casp shoves me out of the way.
“I’m really getting sick and tired of this shit, motherfucker. She’s not yours.” He looks at Presley who is staring right back at him. “Come on, Gumdrop. You don’t have to stay with him. You know you’re safe with us,” he says, but she casts her eyes down, making my blood boil.
“I can’t. I’m with Jacob Lee,” she whispers so low I can barely hear her.
“Bullshit, after everything he’s done, you choose him?
” Caspian shouts, making her jump, and I hold my breath as she looks up at him, then at me, and a lonely tear falls from her face.
I go to reach for her but she flies past me and runs out of the cafeteria.
Jacob goes to go after her, but Caspian looks at me and nods, then rears back and punches the prick in the back of the head.
Jacob Lee rounds on him, swinging wide as my brother jabs him in the cheek, sending his head snapping back.
I take this as my chance to get her alone and I book it out of the cafeteria as Brax comes waltzing in deep in conversation with someone. He looks at me with worry in his eyes.
“Go deal with your twin. I’m going to get our girl,” I say with a smile on my face as I run down the hall, catching a glimpse of her long dark hair as she turns into the women's bathroom.
Swinging the door open, a few girls scream as my beauty stands in front of the windows with her back towards me.
“Hey, this is the ladies room, get out, Maverick,” some girl yells, and I look at her with a snarl.
“Get out! Now!” I order, and they scamper from the room, and I lock the door behind me.
Stepping slowly towards Presley, I whisper, “Beauty?” and she whips around, running into me.
I wrap my arms around her little waist, taking a deep inhale of her scent.
“It’s okay, baby. It’s okay. You’re safe now,” I whisper, rubbing my hands up and down her back as her nails dig into my chest while she sobs.
“Hey, hey, look at me. Let me see those eyes,” I tell her, lifting her chin as her sea blue eyes shine brightly with sadness.
“Beast. I-I…” She trails off, and I lean down, pressing my lips against hers.
She pulls me closer as I back her up and lift her by the backs of the thighs and place her down on the sink.
I cup her face, deepening the kiss, letting my tongue explore her mouth that I missed so fucking much.
She slides her hands underneath my shirt, making me shiver at her touch.
She pulls away, reaching up and running her finger down my jaw.
“I missed you, Beast,” she breathes.
“I miss you so much, Beauty. Are you okay? We’ve been calling you like crazy. I’ve been to the house and—”
“You have to back off. All of you! We…” She looks down and I lift her chin, forcing her to look up at me.
“What? What do you mean?” I ask frantically.
“I-I have to be with him, we can’t do this. I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” she stammers, and my heart drops.
“No–they hurt you. How can you want to be with him?” I ask, feeling like she just stabbed me in the chest.
“This is not about what I want. I have no choice. No voice. No say. Don’t you get that.
I’m surprised I was left alone this long with you.
I don’t have any privacy. No fucking peace except for fifth period and after school, but Mr. Radley picks me up every day except for Fridays.
That’s it. 1 period a day and 1 day a week,” she informs me, and I growl.
“We will come up with a plan. I promise we will get you out of there. This is bullshit. We are all going crazy without you,” I tell her, and she nods.
“I know, and I’m going just as crazy. How’s Axel and Harley? Please tell me they are okay,” she begs, and I shake my head,
“Axel’s at Hillsboro. He’s not doing good or talking,” I tell her, and she gasps as tears fall from her eyes.
“Shit! I need to see him. We need to figure a way to get me out of here so I can go see him. He needs me. If we show him I’m okay, he will be okay. Right?” she asks, looking hopeful, and I’m hoping she is the trick.
“That’s what I’m guessing,” I answer just as pounding on the door has her jumping. “Listen, meet me every day for fifth period. Library? Art room? Outside? Those are the three places I’ll come looking for you. But meet me. Promise me you’ll be there,” I beg, and she smiles.
“I will do my best. Get in the stall and I’ll walk out alone. Count to thirty and then come out,” she says, pressing her lips against mine, and I wrap my arms tightly around her not wanting to let go.
“See you soon, Beauty.” I wink, walking into the stall and sitting on the toilet. I listen as she opens the door and walks out yelling at someone.
If all I can get is one hour with her a day, That’s what I’ll do, and I’ll make it the best hour of her fucking life so she remembers who she belongs to.