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He stands taller, puffing out his chest. “You’re fucking right.” He lets out a long exhale. “I can’t believe I was perpetuating the problem. What kind of brother am I that I couldn’t see she was struggling?”
I step forward, placing my hand on his shoulder. “Sometimes we want the people we love to succeed so much in the future that we’re blind to what they really need in the present. That’s not a crime, Mav. As long as you catch it and fix the issue, you’re doing okay. You’re a fucking goodbrother to her, and sheadores the ground you walk on.”
“She talks about you, you know,” Mav admits, and my eyebrows scrunch.
“What do you mean?”
He turns, leaning against the wall, his leg up and folded at the knee. “She idolizes you. So I’m not surprised you’re the person she opened up to. I mean, am I pissed that she felt she couldn’t come talk to me about this? Yeah. But I get it. I have been pushing her, and I think she’s been missing that strong female influence in her life since Mom died. I’m glad you guys have a bond. Thanks for looking out for my sister, Haven. Appreciate it.”
Slumping my shoulders, I sigh. “I am more than happy to help. Should we head off for her school? It’s just past four. If we leave now, the principal might still be there?”
He gently caresses my arm. “I really appreciate your help, but I need to talk to Clover. Get to the bottom of who’s been harassing her, and thenIwill take care of this as her guardian. I’m nottrying to push you aside, butIgot her into this mess.Iwant to be the one to help get her back into a smooth routine. I want to be the brothershedeserves.The brother she cancounton. Ineed to do this for her. I hope you understand?”
My heart floods with warmth, and without knowing it, I have helped not only Clover but also Maverick at the same time.
This club is changing me.
These people are changing me.
And I have to admit, I like this feeling. Of giving back. Of helping people instead of tearing their worlds apart.
This feels right.
Being Blue Jay suddenly feels foreign to me.
“Of course, I understand. But just know that if you or Clover need anything,anything at all, I’m here for both of you. Please know that.”
Maverick exhales, moving forward in a move that shocks me and embraces me. My eyes widen as I wrap my arms around his body, hugging him back. He feels safe, like a person I can count on whenever I need to. I close my eyes, enjoying this tender moment, which starkly contrasts his speculative accusations of me moments before.
I am glad I was able to change his mind about me.
Because this feels nice.
Pulling back, we smile at each other, and I raise my coffee mug at him in cheers. “Go talk to Clover. I know she will appreciate an honest conversation with you.”
He dips his chin, moving to walk off. “Thanks, Haven.”
“No problem,” I reply. My well is full of happiness, knowing I have done something to mend a fracture in a very tight-knit unit.
A bright smile lights my face before I turn, heading back out to the barn. I need to check on Fajita, ensure she is on the mend, and give the little pig her afternoon medicine.
Though I can’t help but wonder if Maverick is watching me at night, who else is watching what I’m doing when I’m not paying attention? And that thought has my skin pebbling in unwelcomed goose bumps.
If I get found out before my mission ends, I might not have to worry about The Nest terminating my contract because the club will execute me first.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Haven
With my headphones on, I’ve decided to go way back. Normally, to get into the zone of a mission, I will listen to Five Finger Death Punch or something equally heavy, but I’m not feeling that mood right now. I want something more nostalgic, something upbeat, something I can connect to my childhood, somethingbeforeThe Nest.
Blasting old-school Backstreet Boys into my ears, Nick Carter croons directly to my inner child, asking me to tell him why. I shake my hips from side to side slowly, grabbing the hose to begin spraying out the water trough for the pigs. Then, I bring the hose to my mouth and begin singing into the nozzle, not giving a shit. I am letting go for the first time in a long time.
I’ve always had to be switched on, always on guard, always thinking twenty steps ahead when working a job.
Here, I can just be Haven and not have to—
Suddenly, someone grips my shoulder forcefully, trying to spin me around. My instincts kick in, and I reach for their hand, twisting their arm over me, bending my back forward, and flipping them over my body. They fall straight over me, landing in a pile of pig shit on their back as I take a step back. Not hesitating, I bring up the hose and begin to spray the assailant full force. My heart rate spikes as pig shit flies all over them. Their hands come up, trying to stop the water splashing on their face, while the Backstreet Boys continue to sing about heartbreak and mistakes in my ears.
