by L. Wilder
“Good. Be sure to let me know if you need anything. All you have to do is ask,” I told her.
“I know that, Maverick. I really appreciate you being so good to Dusty. He’s had a hard day today, and he loves being with you.”
“I like hanging out with him too,” I said, smiling. “Don’t worry about the money, Dallas. We’ll work it out.”
“Thanks, Maverick. I better get going. Katie has a game tonight and she’ll freak if I’m late,” she said as she reached up and gave me a quick hug. “Come on, buddy. We’ve got to hurry.” She took him by the hand and led him out of the kitchen.
I was opening up the refrigerator when I felt Dusty’s body slam across my back. His little arms wrapped tightly around my waist as he said, “Bye, Mav-wreck.” He quickly let go and ran out the door. Damn, I loved that kid. He was just the distraction I needed. For the first time since we got home, I had something to smile about.
After I finished my lunch, I went to my room, looking for Henley. She was lying on the bed reading one of her books, and I was tempted to lie down with her. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the time.
“I’ve got some club business to see about, so I’ll be gone for a few hours,” I told her.
“Okay,” she said, never looking up from her book.
“It shouldn’t take long.”
“Okay,” she mumbled as her eyes remained focused on her book.
“I might get attacked and eaten alive by a pack of wild beavers.”
“Okay,” she whispered as her teeth grazed across her bottom lip. Yeah. She was fucking with me.
“Alright, check ya later,” I told her as I took a step toward the door. When she still didn’t look over to me, I lunged toward her, pouncing right on top of her, and pinned her hands to the bed. Her eyes widened with surprise as her book went sailing across the room. “Are you pouting, Henley Gray?”
“Maybe,” she whispered as she gave me her best puppy dog eyes.
I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers before I said, “You missing me, Henley?”
She rolled her eyes and said, “Ummm… nooo. I’m not.”
“Yeah, you’re missing me,” I teased as I ground my hips against hers. When she bucked against me, I asked, “You miss my mouth, don’t you, baby?”
“Ummm… maybe a little,” she admitted as she squirmed beneath me.
“You want to feel my cock deep inside you, don’t you?” I asked, rocking against her.
A deep, frustrated sigh vibrated through her chest as she said, “Yes!”
“Good,” I taunted her as I pulled myself up off the bed. “I like you missing me. Now, behave until I get back.”
“Maverick?” she called out. “I’ve been thinking…” her voice trailed off as she thought about what she was about to say. “I know you’ve been having a hard time finding the guys that shot Skidrow, and I imagine they had something to do with your friend being in the hospital. I’d like to do something to help.”
“Henley, I should tan that pretty little ass of yours for even thinking about this. Trust me. I’ll take care of it,” I assured her. “Gotta go. Let Smokey or Boozer know if you need anything. The rest of the guys will be out.”
“Okay. Please be careful,” she pleaded.
“Always,” I assured her as I walked out of the room. I’d meant it when I told her that I liked her missing me. I hadn’t had much time to spend with her over the past couple of days, and I liked the thought of her thinking about me, longing for me to hold her, to love on her. Amidst all the turmoil that’d thrown her into my life, she’d given me a light I’d never known possible. I was missing her, too, and I was looking forward to making up for lost time as soon as I got back tonight.
Chapter 22
Henley
I hated watching Maverick walk out that door. I wanted to call him back, beg him to stay here with me, but I knew it was no use. He had so much going on with the club that I’d barely seen him over the past couple of days. I had too much time on my hands, and I was going insane. I felt useless. Having been around the brothers since the shooting, I’d come to really care for them. I was so tired of seeing the guys stressed. Their tension was palpable. Mostly, I missed Maverick. I craved the feeling of knowing he was always near me. I’d never had or wanted such undivided attention from a man before.
I couldn’t stop thinking about that guy in the hospital. Everything was going to shit, and I couldn’t take it anymore. I had been thinking about this for days, and it was time to take a chance. I needed to do this for Maverick.
I had no idea when he would be back, so I didn’t waste any time. If my plan was going to work, I would need Cassidy’s help, so I went to see if she was at the bar. Thankfully, she was there, filling the beer cooler when I walked up. “Hey, Sis! You got a minute?”
“What’s up?”
“I really need to talk to you about something,” I told her after a quick glance around the room, ensuring we wouldn’t be overheard. “You’re not going to like it, Cass, but I really need your help with something.”
She came around the bar and sat down on a stool beside me. As I started to explain my plan, Cassidy’s body grew tense with worry. When I was almost done talking, she sat up straight in her chair and leaned forward. She glared at me with an expression of total disbelief as she tried to make sense of what I was saying.
Her face flushed red as she spat, “Have you lost your damn mind? Do you honestly think that I would help you get yourself killed? What kind of sister do you think I am? Hell will freeze over before I help you do this!”
“Cassidy… I love him… I really love him. Do you honestly think I want to go and get myself killed now that I finally found the one? If we play this thing right, we can help them get these guys. But I can’t do it without you. I need your help with this. It’s the only way. I’ve thought it through. You have to trust me.”
“I just don’t know, Henley. What if something goes wrong? I’ll never be able to forgive myself if something happens to you,” she said. However, I could tell by the sound of her voice that she was about to give in.
“We’ll get in and we’ll get out. Just trust me on this.”
“Fine… I’ll help you, but I’m not happy about it.” Filled with relief that she agreed to help me, I jumped up and hugged her tightly.
“Thanks, Sis. I knew I could count on you,” I whispered. “We need to go before Maverick gets back. Let me go get my stuff and I’ll meet you in your room in five minutes.”
After I grabbed my purse, I headed down the hall to Cassidy’s room. I didn’t take time to think about what we were about to do. I knew I just had to swallow my nerves and get this thing done. I walked into her room. She was sitting on the edge of her bed waiting with a pained expression on her face.
“Don’t go backing out on me now, Cass. This is a good plan.”
“I’m not backing out, Lee Bug. I’m just worried, that’s all. Come on,” she said as she stood up and reached for her keys. “Let’s get this thing over with.”
Cassidy was quiet while she drove me to the campus parking lot. My car was still parked in the front row of the Fine Arts Building. It had been sitting there since the day Clutch took me to the club. I prayed that the tracking device was still there and working. It was the only way they’d know that I had returned home.
I put my things in my car and sat down in the driver’s seat. I looked up at Cassidy and said, “I’ll park the car in my usual spot. You pull around back and wait for me there. I’ll come down the fire escape once I get everything ready.”
“What if someone is already there, waiting for you? This is crazy, Henley. I should’ve never agreed to go along with this.”
“No one is going to be there, at least not yet. Now, stop worrying.”
“That’s easier said than done. Just make it fast, okay?” she said with a shaky voice.
“Promise. I’ll call you once I am inside, so we can talk the entire time I’m in there,” I assur
ed her.
My mind was racing as I drove to my apartment. I tried building up my courage by reminding myself that I was doing this for Maverick, for the man I loved. Unfortunately, it didn’t help settle the nerves that were causing my hands to tremble against the steering wheel. I took a deep breath and tried to concentrate on all the things I needed to do. I tried to convince myself that there wasn’t much to it. I just had to park the car in front of the apartment and then rush inside to get everything ready. I needed to try to make the place look like I was returning home. I needed to turn on the lights and TV, straighten the place up a bit, and then arrange the bed to look like I was lying under the covers. Once everything was set up, I’d slip out the back down the fire escape. Cass would be waiting for me in her car, and we’d wait to see if anyone showed up. The plan was simple. The problem was, nothing with me ever seemed to go like it was supposed to.
Several cars were parked in front of my small apartment complex, but thankfully, my spot was still empty. I eased the car into park and slowly opened my door, looking around for anything that might seem suspicious. The streetlights gave off just enough light to create an eerie feel to the entire parking lot. I really wasn’t sure what I should be looking for, but I let my eyes roam over the area, hunting for anyone or anything that might be lurking in the dark. I was still searching the area, for God knows what, while I walked up the steps that led to the front door.
Before I walked inside, I looked to make sure Cassidy was pulling her car around back. After I saw her taillights heading down the back alley, I stepped anxiously through the door. My legs felt heavy as I walked over to the main elevator. I tried to push back my terror as the doors closed behind me. There was no time to let my fears get in the way. I had no idea if that tracking device on my car was actually even working, but I didn’t want to take any chances. If these guys thought I was back home, who knows how long it would take for them to come looking for me.
When the elevator doors opened, I stepped out into the empty hallway and crept over to my door. I didn’t know what to expect, but I never thought it would be like this. I felt like an intruder in my own home as I unlocked my door. The familiar smell of lavender and fabric softener surrounded me as the door creaked open, but being here didn’t feel familiar. I was scared. I felt so out of place, and I hated that I felt such fear in a place I’d always loved to be.
As promised, I took out my phone and called Cassidy. “I’m here.”
“Please hurry, Henley,” she pleaded.
“I’ve got to straighten up a bit. Just hold tight,” I told her as I looked around the room. Several of my school papers were scattered along the floor, along with several overturned lamps and chairs. I quickly started cleaning up the mess, trying to make it resemble the place I’d called home for the past three years.
Once I had everything picked up, I turned on several more lights and the TV, setting the volume loud enough for it to be heard out in the hallway. My adrenaline was in overdrive as I raced to my room and stuffed several pillows under the comforter. I tried my best to make it look like a body was lying there under the covers. I happened to remember a wig Cassidy bought the year we decided to be twins for Halloween, so I pulled the old costume box out from under the bed, hoping the wig was still there. Luckily, I found it buried at the bottom of the box. I quickly grabbed it and kicked the box back under the bed. I placed the wig at the top of the pillows, spreading out the hair in hopes it’d help, but I wasn’t sure anyone would truly believe it was me. I glanced around my small apartment. Everything was set.
I picked my phone back up and said, “Cass… you there?”
“Yes! Are you done?” she asked.
“Yeah, I’m on my way down.”
“Keep your phone on until you get in the car,” she ordered. “And be careful.”
“Okay. I’m coming now,” I told her as I eased the window up leading to the fire escape. Holding tightly to the ledge, I stepped out onto the railing.
The stairs clattered and shook as I ran down the steps, and I thought I had made it free and clear until I saw a man standing in the shadows. I froze. Panic surged through my body when I realized he was staring right at me. My breathing became rapid, and I thought I might pass out from fear, but I took a deep breath, forcing myself to stay calm. There was still a chance I could make it to the car without him catching me, so I took another step down the stairs. When I did, he began walking toward me… “Holy shit! Cass! Someone’s here!” I whispered into my phone.
“Get your ass to the car! Now!” she cried.
“I can’t! He’s coming this way! Call Maverick. Call him, now!” I was in trouble. He was one of them. I’d run out of time, and there was no one here to help me.
Chapter 23
Maverick
Henley was nowhere to be found, and I was getting pissed. I told Smokey to keep an eye on her, but he had no idea where she’d run off to. I would have to deal with him later. I figured she must be somewhere with Cassidy, so I headed to Big Mike’s room. He’d be able to trace her in a matter of seconds. I had lifted my hand to knock on the door when my cell phone rang.
Before I could say anything, Cassidy started screaming, “You’ve got to get over here! Now! He’s going to get her! He’s so close. Oh my god, Maverick!”
“Slow down! Tell me what’s going on!” I demanded. Hearing the panic in her voice made my heart pound against my chest.
“There’s no time! He’s about to get Henley. She’s trying to get down the fire escape, and he’s about to get her!” she cried hysterically. The sound of Henley’s name made my heart stop beating in my chest. I needed a minute to think, to focus on what she was saying.
“What fire escape?”
“The one at our apartment. She was trying to help you, and…”
“I’m on my way,” I snapped. Without knocking, I opened Big Mike’s door and shouted, “Get your ass up. Now!”
He turned from his computer and asked, “What the hell, man?”
“Gather up the guys! Henley is in trouble. We’ve got to get over to her place! NOW!” I shouted. I couldn’t hear his response over the loud beating of my heart as I went along the hall, pounding on all the doors until I got to Cotton’s room. I knocked as I opened the door, not even giving him a chance to acknowledge my presence and said, “We got trouble.”
“And?” he questioned as he stood up to face me.
“Henley… Cass just called. They are at their apartment, and they’ve got company. We’ve got to get over there,” I told him as my voice rattled with nerves. None of this made any fucking sense! Why? Why would she do this? Just a few hours ago she was lying in bed kissing me, and now I might lose her. I might fucking lose her!
“Don’t… Don’t go thinking the worst… We’ll get her,” he assured me.
“I won’t lose her,” I told him as I headed for my bike. This was my fault. I should’ve talked to her, explained how things worked in the club. I was too fucking stubborn, and now it might be too late.
With my brothers following close behind, I raced over to Henley’s apartment. The road blurred before me as my imagination ran wild, thinking about what might be happening to her. I pushed the throttle forward, increasing my speed to a dangerous level, but I didn’t give a fuck. I had to get to her. It was the only thing that mattered.
The loud rumble of our engines had to draw the attention of everyone in that apartment complex, but there was no time to go in quiet. Every second counted, and we were running out of time. When we parked our bikes in front of her apartment, there was no one in sight. I instantly spotted Henley’s car, but there was no sign of Cassidy anywhere. I turned back to Clutch and said, “Cassidy… find her.”
“Cooter and I will check around back,” he told me as they walked toward the alley leading to the back of the building.
“Let’s move it,” I ordered, and my brothers followed me into the apartment building. While Cotton and I took the elevator, Guardrail led the others
up the stairwell. I only had one thought on my mind as I waited for the doors to open… get to Henley. I prayed I wasn’t too late.
Chapter 24
Henley
I was so close… just a few steps away from the car when his hand reached out and grabbed me. I tried to jerk free, pulling as hard as I could, but it was no use. I expected him to kill me right there, end this thing once and for all. But seconds later, my feet were dragging against the pavement. He reeked of sweat and cigarettes as he pulled me closer to him. My shoes clanked loudly against the metal steps as he yanked me toward the top of the fire escape. I didn’t make it easy for him. I kicked. I screamed. I tried to claw myself from his arms, but it was no use… I couldn’t get away. When he finally managed to get me back inside my apartment, I panicked. I knew my time was running out.
My back was pressed firmly against his chest with his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. I couldn’t breathe. He was so much stronger than I was, and there was little I could do to keep him from squeezing the life out of me. I kept trying to fight him, doing anything I could to work myself free. I could feel my blood pulsing in my temples. My eyes were blurred with tears as he tightened his grip around my chest. I tried to call out for help, but nothing came. I couldn’t get enough air into my lungs to even make a sound… not a cry… not even a whimper. I knew I had to do something. I had to try to get away from him before it was too late, so using everything I had, I reared my elbow back, slamming it into his lower abdomen. The heat of his breath blew against my neck, and with a loud grunt, he loosened his hold. I was finally able to get away from him. Tears streamed down my face as I gasped and coughed, trying to fill my lungs with air.
“She’s a feisty, little thing, isn’t she?” a man snickered from behind me. I didn’t have to turn around to know who the man was. I would never forget the sound of that voice. Still panting for breath, I turned to face him. His arms were crossed over his chest, and I instantly recognized the python tattoo that wrapped around his arm. It was him. The man who killed Skidrow.