CHAPTER 44
Kaya
Two days of nonstop investigating has taken a lot out of me. Beyond that, the soreness from the attack was worse yesterday and today as is my mental state. Gretchen and Sophia have both been checking in non-stop because I know they can see through my bullshit of saying I’m fine.
If Maverick hadn’t shown up things would have been a lot worse.
But my brain keeps going to what if? What if Maverick had been five minutes later?
What if Reese had managed to finish what he was trying to do?
I shudder at the thought. Looking down at my arms there are still bruises there, that I know will fade, but for now they are a reminder of what was almost taken from me.
I have zero remorse that he’s dead or that I basically watched him die.
None. Knowing that Maverick is willing to take a life to protect me doesn’t scare me or freak me out at all.
I actually revel in it. Maybe that makes me sick, but I don’t care.
Maverick makes me feel safer than I ever have before, despite what happened in that alley.
Today, however he’s gone. I’m not sure if he’s doing club business or he’s at the garage but he hasn’t stopped in to see me.
And besides a few text messages this morning, I haven’t heard from him all day.
I’m trying not to let my mind wander into thinking something’s off, but that’s me.
I have a bad habit of immediately assuming the worst.
With Cipher gone, the pressure of being the only person working on this end of the investigation is also weighing on me. I try to get back to it, but I’m coming up blank. “Shit!” I slam my hand down on the keyboard.
“Kaya?” Riley says.
“Yeah, come in.”
Riley enters the room carrying a plate and a bag of chips. She sets it in front of me and rolls one of the other chairs over to sit down. “How are you doing?”
“I’m ok. You didn’t need to bring me food.”
She smiles. “I did. Maverick called and asked Lexi if someone could feed you.”
I scoff. “Are you serious?”
She leans back in the chair. “Yep, it’s so obvious that he loves you.”
“I know. Did he say where he was?” I do know it, and the fact that he made sure I ate something has my heart squeezing.
“Lexi didn’t mention anything. Why?”
“He’s being weird today. I usually know where he is but today, he just said he had something to do.” I pick up the sandwich and take a bite. Tuna. I’m guessing Maverick also told Lexi I’ve been on a tuna kick lately.
I study Riley. She seems happier than when her and Sophia first reconnected.
Her hair is still dyed black but she has retired the dark black makeup and is also expanding her wardrobe to include other colors as well.
She’s wearing baggy blue jeans today with a band t-shirt that I’ve never heard, of along with a pair of Vans. “So how are things at Grayson’s?”
She grabs my bag of chips and opens them, before stealing one. “Really good. Me and Sophia get along great and I love the twins. It’s like having a little brother and sister. Grayson picks on me just like a big brother would, so it’s actually pretty cool.”
“I love that. You and Doug good too?”
She grins. “Yeah, we hang out more here than anywhere else, but we’re getting along too.”
She stands up before stealing another chip. “Well, I should let you get back to work. Me and Arianna are going shopping. Unfortunately, because of the lockdown we need babysitters.”
I chuckle. “Who are you getting saddled with?”
“Rebel and Eli.”
“Could be worse. You could have had Leo and Riker.”
She scrunches her entire face. “That is so true. Those two would be freaking embarrassing.” She gives my shoulders a quick hug. “Bye.”
I wave her off and she heads back upstairs.
Taking another bite of the sandwich I turn back to the computer and try to focus.
Nothing is coming to me though. I’ve looked into everything imaginable and not a single thing points to a brother being so desperate that they would turn on the club.
No trouble, no vendettas, no other clubs after anyone. It just doesn’t make sense!
I grab my phone to text Maverick. He left eight hours ago and I haven’t heard from him in six. What the fuck?
Me: When are you coming back?
Maverick: Be there in twenty.
Finally. Hopefully, I will get an explanation as to why he ghosted me half the day. I would understand if everyone else was gone, but he’s literally the only one. Everyone else is either at the garage or here.
After running a few more searches that result in absolutely nothing, the basement door opens.
“Hey baby, why don’t you call it quits for the day.”
I get up, stretching my arms and back before turning to face him. “Where have you been?”
He smirks. “Miss me?”
“That’s not the point. You didn’t tell me what you were doing. Did you have club business?”
He shakes his head as he turns and walks upstairs.
I follow behind him. “Ok, then where were you?”
He doesn’t say a word, just walks through the common room and down the hall towards his room. I follow him. “Mav!”
He enters his room and sits on the bed. He’s wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, and boots looking utterly delicious.
“Where is your cut?”
He points behind the door and sure enough it’s hanging on a hook.
“Why are you being weird?”
He grins. “I wanted to do something for you.”
I saunter over to him. “Oh yeah?” I ask, looking down and meeting his eyes.
He nods. “It took a while.”
He stands up, once again towering over me, and takes off his shirt. I love his body, so anytime I get a show of his chest is a good day. “Well, what is—”
I stop talking when he turns around and I finally understand. I gasp, throwing my hand over my mouth. Across the center of his back between his shoulders is my name in large thick Old English style lettering. Tears gather at my lashes as I stand.
“Oh my God, Maverick.” I grab his bicep so I can brace myself while looking at it. It’s covered with some type of plastic clear covering, but the lettering and detail is beautiful.
My knees feel weak as a flood of emotions rush in at once. He had no tattoos before this and now he permanently marked his body with my name. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper, barely able to talk without crying.
He turns around to face me, quickly wiping a tear from my cheek. “I thought maybe this would prove to you that I have no intentions of going anywhere.”
I have no words. I just wrap my arms around him and hug him tight. He cocoons me against him with his large arms, embracing me right back. “I love it and I love you.” I say against his chest.
“I love you too, baby.”