CHAPTER 6
Maverick
I watch Kaya’s car pull out onto the road, wishing like hell Jessica had never shown her face in New Jersey.
This could have been a good night, but now I need to deal with her shit.
I run my fingers through my hair and start toward the center of the lot.
Just seeing this girl fills me with so many conflicting emotions, and not one that I want to deal with.
I jam my hands in my pockets as I get closer to Ace and Lexi who are still talking to Jessica.
“So, after three years, I don’t even get a hug?” Jessica beams as she opens her arms.
“No. Why the hell are you here?” I expect pushback from Lexi for my attitude, but I get none.
She pouts out her bottom lip. “I told you. Trent—”
“Stop lying! Do you think I don’t talk to Phoenix? Do you think I didn’t get a phone call the day Trent was dealt with? Broken nose and leg, cracked ribs, and nineteen stitches. Does that sound familiar to you?”
Jessica takes a step back as I lean forward.
I point to my car. “And what about that? I told you, you could use my car, not destroy it! You have no respect for anyone or anything, and you have the balls to ask me for a hug?” I’m seething now.
Every time I glance at the car I want to put her in the ground.
I have no idea why Phoenix allowed her to keep driving it, knowing what she was doing to it.
Ace steps forward. “Come on son. I think we need to pull everybody into church.” He turns to Lexi. “Can you keep dinner warm for a little while longer? I promise we’ll be quick.”
Lexi nods. “I asked Sophia and Nora to cover everything before I came out, so it’s fine.”
“Thanks Lexi. I’m real sorry about all this.” Fucking up her Sunday dinner isn’t something I’m happy about.
I glare at Jessica then turn and head toward the clubhouse. I walk past everyone inside, without making eye contact, and go straight to church. I’ll say what I need to when everyone joins. I’m not repeating myself so I see no reason to engage anyone beforehand.
The table fills quickly and I can tell everyone is eager to find out about the crazy southern blonde that just blew onto Carnage property. Ace and Deuce are the last to arrive.
“The floor is yours Mav,” Ace says, before giving the gavel a bang on the table.
“My life before Carnage is not up for discussion. Ever.”
The guys all nod and I can see understanding in their eyes. “My little sister died 16 years ago.” I jerk my chin to the door. “Girl out there, Jessica, was her best friend. Took it bad. They were only kids, but she tried to kill herself more than once afterward.”
Silence. Looks of pity and surprise sweep over the guys as they listen intently.
“I watched out for her, treated her like family. That changed when she got older. She became dangerous, thinking she had some claim over me. Went after club girls and any woman she caught wind I had been with.”
I glance around the room at the faces of my brothers before continuing.
“Slashed tires, brick through a window, even got caught trying to cut brake lines. Showed up at the clubhouse at all hours demanding to see me.”
“Jesus Christ, man.” Dom says.
“And she’s out there with the girls?” Rebel asks, glancing toward the door.
Ace puts a hand up. “Your mom’s got it, son.”
“She’s the reason I left Tennessee. She got to be too much.
Phoenix sent me to Texas. He’s been keeping an eye on her since.
She leveled out for a while when she got a man, but he started smacking her around.
She showed up at the clubhouse last week, beat pretty good, so Phoenix and the boys dealt with the guy. ”
“And now she’s here.” Deuce says.
“Did she tell you why she drove all this way?” Riker asks.
I shake my head. “No. She’s acting like it was to get away from her man, but she had no idea I already knew he was dealt with. Just wanted everyone to know what we were dealing with before any of you decide to hop into bed with her.”
“Why are we even letting her stay here?” Rebel asks.
Ace laces his fingers together on the table. “As a favor to Phoenix and Maverick.” He tips his chin toward me.
“But if she’s dangerous, it seems pretty risky having her here with our girls.” Tank adds.
“Most of the crazy shit she pulled was years ago when she was a teenager. Not sayin’ to put your guard down, just that she hasn’t done anything like that in years. The last time she did anything like that was when she was twenty-one.”
“You think she’s here now to try to get with you?” Flip asks.
I shrug.
Leo goes to open his mouth. I glare at him. “Say one word about Kaya and you’ll be drinking your meals through a straw.” His jaw snaps shut.
The table chuckles, knowing damn well that’s what he was about to do.
“I’m going to get her out of here as soon as possible.” I offer.
“That’s your car?” Riker asks.
I nod while clenching my jaw. “She’s been driving it and fucking destroyed it. It was in great shape the last time I saw it.”
“Why not take it with you?” Tank asks.
“Didn’t need it,” I answer simply. And that’s the truth. I move around a lot and when I decide to take off, I only need my bike. I left the car with Phoenix but told him if Jessica needed it, it was hers to use.
“So, you’re not claiming her?” Leo asks.
I glare at him. “She’s fair game, but she won’t be here long.”
Ace picks up the gavel. “Alright. If we don’t get out there to eat soon, my wife is going to have all our asses.” He bangs the gavel.
Everyone starts to get up, groaning about how hungry they are. I stand, but Ace raises his hand to me in a stop gesture.
After everyone clears out, Ace eyes me. “Phoenix told me she was probably going to show up.”
My eyes snap to his. “Excuse me.”
“She’s been there constantly asking where you were. She hasn’t done anything, but he said she was getting to be a nuisance. Showed up drunk a few days ago and made a real spectacle of herself. Phoenix had enough.”
I nod my head in understanding. This is all my damn fault.
I let her get away with too much for too long when she was younger, always giving in to her whining and demands.
I tried to use her as a replacement for Tatum and instead I created a monster.
Phoenix was no better. He gave into her just as much as I did, but he’s also been the one dealing with her the most for the last ten years.
“Are you saying I shouldn't send her back to Tennessee?”
Ace stands. “I’m saying she probably won’t be welcome back.”
I stand as well, not sure what to do with that information. I don’t want her here, but if I can’t send her back home, what the hell do I do with her?