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“I—” I cut myself off, quickly swallowing whatever I was about to say.
“JD’s right. You, we, could have run.” I nod, knowing he’s right. There’s just something about this place, or maybe it’s the men within it that stop me from wanting to do so.
Sure, the need to run to the other side of the world and leave all this behind lessened when Mav gave me a home. But the thought was never far from my mind. But here… the last few days. It’s barely been a whisper. Swallowed by the promise of justice, revenge and… pleasure.
“I think… I feel like I’ve been found but yet, I’m still lost.” He stills at my confession. “I know that doesn’t make any sense but—”
“It does,” he assures me. “Things are different up here. Perspectives and opinions aren’t the same as when you’re down there.”
Silence falls between us as the final bird song of the day fills the air around us and the breeze trickles through my hair.
I wish I had an answer for him. Something solid.
But JD is right. It’s not just Reid who’s up in my head. It’s all of them.
I do enjoy JD’s brand of punishment, and this new development with Mav. And bickering with Reid, yeah, it’s frustrating as hell, but also, kinda… fun.
But it’s crazy to think this could be something. The only reason we’re here is because we want the same men dead.
It would be stupid to think that there’s anything more.
When—if—we achieve our goal, the reality is that Reid will step into Victor’s shoes. He and Mav will go back to hating each other, and JD… well…
My chest constricts just thinking about where that might leave him.
It’s not until the sun finally dips behind the hill in the distance, bathing Harrow Creek in the darkness it thrives in, that I spin around.
My breath catches the second our eyes connect.
Mav’s are so dark, so full of longing and want. Full of promises and hopes for the future.
Sliding my hands up, I cup his unshaven jaw in my palms.
“I know that I want you,” I whisper. “What we’ve found here, it means everything to me.”
He drags his bottom lip between his teeth, his throat rippling and his Adam’s apple bobbing on a swallow.
“But what about them?”
I shake my head.
“It’s about us,” I argue. “All of this, it’s for our future.”
He licks his lips.
“It doesn’t look the same as it used to though, does it?”
His words give me pause. I think about us walking down the beach again, but unlike back then, there are two more figures with us.
But is that just a fantasy? Some stupid, fickle version of Stockholm syndrome from being stuck here with them.
All my life, I’ve craved connection, stability. The brand they’ve given me has been fucked up. But it’s there nonetheless.
“I don’t know anymore,” I confess honestly.
He stares down at me, conflict and concern darkening his eyes.
“I love you, Maverick Murray,” I whisper, pressing my body harder against his, loving that I can feel what our closeness does to him against my belly. “That will never change.” His breath rushes over my face as he dips his brow to rest against mine. “Kiss me,” I demand, needing more. Needing everything.
