Page 37

I roared into the sleepy suburban street just after sundown, my Harley echoing in the quiet Texas neighborhood. A thick knot pressed at the back of my throat. The house at the end of the cul-de-sac had its porch light on, a welcoming glow.

Nova’s place. That’s where Chigger said he’d taken Lexi, where she’d run to escape the drama of the clubhouse. He gave up the address after I threatened his life. I told myself I came here to protect her, to keep her from Sky’s betrayal and Ralph’s mob threats. But deep down, I knew I was here to beg forgiveness.

I could take her away, protect her. We could be together on the run. I was a nomad, and she could be my ol’ lady. Live at the clubhouse in Kansas or another safe house. Maybe Lexi could do legal work for the club. It was perfect. I’d get rid of the threat and maybe we could have a real life together. Maybe I’d make a deal with Sky and Ralph. I knew Lexi would never want to be the head of a crime family. I was sure I had something they wanted. Like my knowledge about Kingpin’s ties to the Road Monsters MC. But would I betray the old bastard that, despite our bad blood, was in my corner?

A plan forming in my head already, I parked along the curb behind Chigger’s truck, noticing two unfamiliar vehicles up ahead, a big black SUV with tinted windows and a sleek foreign sedan that cost more than everything else. Reeking of money and danger, they stuck out like a sore thumb in this modest neighborhood.

No fucking way that was a coincidence.

I killed the engine and slid off, swallowing the pain from my freshly bandaged shoulder. The bullet graze from the shootout still throbbed, but the prospect of having Lexi again coated my nerves in steel.

Chigger emerged from behind a tall hedge, scowling. He wore his cut over a wrinkled Anthrax T-shirt, arms crossed.

“Brother,” he said, glancing around. “You sure you wanna do this?”

I narrowed my eyes. “You know damn well why I’m here. Where’s Lexi?”

He grimaced, eyes flicking toward the house. “Inside. But things got complicated. She’s… not alone.”

My gaze darted to the black SUV. “Syndicate?”

Chigger shook his head. “Not exactly. Or maybe. I… look, some suits came by. Lexi walked in with them. She’s… dealing with ‘em. That’s all I know. You probably shouldn’t go in there if you want to keep breathing.”

The hairs on my neck prickled. Suits. In my world, that meant lawyers or high-powered mob types. Possibly both. “I don’t care. She’s in danger.”

He stepped in front of me, tone urgent. “She’s hammered out some arrangement or deal, man. She said she’s done with the club bullshit, done with you, all of it. She’s got lawyers, or some kind of fixers. They were all cozy in the living room earlier. I’m telling you, she’s making a choice.”

My jaw clenched. “I gotta talk to her. She doesn’t know about the shootout. She doesn’t know Sky was behind it.” My voice nearly cracked. Sky, that lying snake. Anger flared at how I’d let her slither into my life again, risking Lexi in the process.

Chigger squeezed his eyes shut. “You sure? Because from where I’m standing, Lexi’s had enough heartbreak. She’s safe now, apparently, or about to be. Don’t stick your dick in, man.”

My nostrils flared. “Safe from who? The same mob that wanted her dead last week? That’s bullshit, and you know it.”

He shifted uncomfortably. “Hey, I’m on your side. But if you go in there guns blazing, you might screw up whatever negotiation she set up with these people. I guess they’re some branch of the… I dunno, Marciano or something. Heard the name a few times.”

Marciano. A name whispered in the underground, some cousin or affiliate of the bigger players like Ralph Getty. Otherwise known as Grinder. Man who had her mother killed. Man working for Sky. Fuck. My heart pounded as images of Lexi tangled with mobsters flashed in my mind. She wouldn’t do that unless she saw no other way. And maybe since she believed I’d chosen Sky over her. Maybe she felt forced to protect herself.

Pain forgotten, I gasped for air. “I can’t just walk away.”

Chigger studied me for a long moment, then sighed. “I figured you’d say that. Fine. But watch yourself. There’s at least two goons in there, armed to the teeth. And some stiff in a fancy suit who’s all up in Lexi’s space. They’ve been inside for half an hour, talking shit I couldn’t catch.”

Jealousy flared at the thought of some man comforting Lexi. No. She’s mine. I pushed past Chigger, ignoring his hissed protests. “Stay out here if you want. But I’m going in.”

He spat on the ground. “Your funeral, brother.”

I strode up the driveway, my boots scuffing on the concrete, the porch light gleaming off the black SUV’s tinted windows. A silent threat, lurking. The sleek sedan’s door was unlocked. I opened it to see some expensive bag on the passenger seat. Lawyer, probably. A wave of resentment brewed. Lexi was stuck dealing with these sharks because I’d failed to keep her safe.

No more waiting . I threw the front door open, stepping into a modest living room. The scent of air freshener and scented candles assaulted me. The overhead light was off, but I instantly spotted Lexi at the small kitchen table, back turned to me. She wore a skirt and a loose blouse, her hair up in a neat bun. Dressed like she’s going to work. Even from behind, I could sense her fear.

Across from her sat two men, both in dark suits. One was broad-shouldered, buzz cut, probably a bodyguard type. The other looked older, graying temples, entitlement in his posture. But my gaze snapped to the man with his arm around her shoulders. A slick, handsome prick in a tailored suit, tie undone just enough to look casual. He was leaning in as Lexi quietly wept, signing something on a stack of papers.

My blood ran hot. That was my woman, and some asshole was touching her, comforting her. In one stride, I stepped forward, my voice echoing in the cramped space. “What’s going on here?”

They all turned when I walked in. The older bodyguard type tensed, sliding a hand under the table. A flash of metal told me he was ready to draw a gun. The second goon, broad-shouldered, scowled, shifting as if to stand. The pretty-boy suit tightened his grip on Lexi’s shoulder, and she stiffened.

“You should leave,” the pretty boy said, voice smooth as oil. “You’re not needed.”

I ignored him, locking eyes with Lexi, who stared back through teary lashes. Her face was blotchy, heartbreak carved into every line. I felt sick. “Lexi,” I said, “Are you okay? Why are these men here?”

She lifted her chin, trying to hide her tears. “I’m… I’m fine,” she managed. But her voice trembled. “Everything is settled now.” She gestured to the papers, hand shaking. “I’m signing a contract.”

My hands curled into fists. “What contract?”

The older goon glowered, pushing his jacket aside to reveal a holstered pistol. A warning. But I was too furious to care. I took another step forward. “You can’t do this, Lexi. You can’t trust them.”

The pretty-boy suit stood, moving around the table to block me. He was about my height, but thinner, with well-groomed hair and an expensive watch. She said his name.

Mark? That name from when she told me about her law firm stabbed my memory.

“You’re not her attorney,” Mark said coldly. “And you’re certainly not her friend, from what I hear. This is a private legal matter. Everything’s settled.”

“A private legal matter involving Marciano, right?”

Lexi spoke up, voice thick with tears. “I agreed not to stake any claim to the Getty family empire, if Alexander Getty really was my father. Marciano and his associates will leave me alone. They’ll keep me safe from Ralph. It’s all here in writing.” She gestured vaguely at the documents.

Safe from Ralph Getty and Sky, who’d just tried to kill her, but she didn’t know that. The irony stung. “Grinder wants to use Lexi as leverage? Are you fucking insane?” I could protect her better than any mafia scumbag, if she’d let me. “Lexi, that’s a lie. They’ll never keep you truly safe. They’ll twist this into controlling you. I can keep you safe.”

The older goon cleared his throat, leaning forward. “We’re not here to harm her. We have an arrangement with her law firm. Ms. Bryan is a valued employee,” His tone dripped with condescension.

The pretty boy nodded, giving Lexi a side hug that made my stomach churn. “Yes, and once everything’s processed, she won’t need bikers or guns. She’ll have corporate protection. She won’t need to go anywhere.” He winked, which nearly made me lunge across the table.

Lexi’s eyes brimmed with fresh tears. She spoke softly, “Maverick, I can’t keep running. I can’t handle more shootouts, more betrayal. At least here, at home, in Texas and at Martin & Sons, I know what I’m dealing with.”

My voice dropped to a growl. “I don’t trust these men to keep you safe.”

The older man stood, smoothing his suit jacket. “We’ll manage Maverick, or whatever your name is now,” he said, letting me know he knew who I was. A threat. “This is done. Good day.” He gave Lexi a nod, then motioned to the other goon. They collected the papers with minimal fuss.

Lexi turned away, burying her face in the pretty boy’s chest, sobbing softly. My gut twisted with rage and hurt. That bastard, Mark, stroked her hair, shooting me a smug look.

“Everything’s settled,” Mark said, his tone dripping with finality. “No more bikers or running. She can get her life back. She’ll be at the office soon enough, right, Lexi?” He winked at her, trying to be charming. I was enraged at how close he was to her.

I wanted to throw the table aside, smash the pen, burn those fucking papers. But the guns under the suits’ jackets told me that would end badly. And the haunted look on Lexi’s face… Maybe I’d just make it worse.

A beat of silence lingered, then Lexi managed a whisper. “Thank you, Mark. And, thank you, Mr. Russo,” she added, addressing the older goon. “I appreciate this.”

Appreciate? These men killed her mother. She was handing over her freedom to some twisted mob-legal alliance, all because I couldn’t protect her.

She didn’t even look up from Mark’s shoulder. The men at the table gathered their things, the pen, the contract. The older man’s phone buzzed, and he muttered something about “Mr. Marciano expecting an update.” They started out, and Mark angled Lexi with him, a protective arm around her.

Once they were out the door, Lexi’s eyes met mine. “It’s not all bad. They’re paying me hush money. I’ll be under their watch, not the Gettys. I can go back to my life, my job… maybe in a few days.” She swallowed hard, blinking tears away. “You… you should go.”

My pulse pounded so loud I could barely think. “Lex, you don’t have to do this. If you come with me, I can help you.”

She shook her head, a quiet sob escaping. “No more clubs. No more… us. I can’t trust anything anymore. Especially you.”

“Let me explain,” I started, wanting to pour my heart out.

She held up her hand. “Don’t you think you’ve caused enough trouble?” Her gaze flicked to my bandaged shoulder. “I see you’re hurt. Another shootout, right? That’s exactly why I can’t do it.”

A crushing weight settled in my chest. She was given up on me. The revelation nearly buckled my knees. I wanted to scream about Sky’s betrayal, about how she’d set me up, how none of it was my intention. But the fear in Lexi’s eyes told me I was too late. She believed I was responsible for her heartbreak, and maybe I was.

“Lexi, you wear my brand, remember?”

She shrugged. “It served its purpose. I can get it removed, remember?”

I wanted to drop to my knees and tell her Sky deceived me again. That she was simply leading the mob to Lexi to kill her. But I swallowed the words. I couldn’t admit I put her in so much danger. Especially in front of her hero, Mark. And if I told her I wasn’t with Sky, would it even change anything? Instead, I nodded stiffly. “If you’re safe, that’s all that matters,” I forced out, bitterness coating every word. “I’ll… I’ll be on my way, then.”

“I’ll see him out,” Mark said coolly, jerking his chin at me. He was acting like he owned the place.

Lexi gave a trembling nod, wiping her eyes. “Maverick…” Her voice cracked. Then she just trailed off, turning away, letting Mark guide her further into the kitchen. My entire chest seized as he positioned her safely away from me, like he thought I might grab her and run away.

I wouldn’t lie. The thought had crossed my mind.

Mark escorted me to the front door, stepping onto the small porch. Outside, one goon lit a cigarette, leaning against the big SUV. The other opened the driver’s side door, talking quietly into his phone. Mark turned to me, arms folded. I noticed the flicker of triumph in his eyes.

“You see,” he said softly. “Lexi’s in good hands. She doesn’t need your brand… of justice anymore.”

My jaw was clamped shut. “You might think you’re saving her, but these mob connections aren’t a guarantee of safety. If you or these suits hurt her, if Marciano pulls some shit, I’ll kill you.” My voice trembled with barely leashed rage.

He gave a thin smile. “Maybe you don’t know who I am. Mark Martin, of Martin and Sons. The, Matthew Martin’s son.”

I snorted. “Who’s he, the Pope? I don’t give a goddamn. You’re no one in my world. You hurt her and you’ll be dead.”

He smirked. “I wouldn’t hurt her or lie to her like some lowlife thug.” He was digging at me. “She’s a valuable asset to the firm. We look after our own. And Marciano finds her… interesting. But that’s not your concern. She’s out of the Getty crosshairs now. That’s the best outcome, right?”

I studied him, hating every inch of that smug face. “She’s more than an asset. She’s a woman who’s been through hell. Keep that in mind. And watch your back. I’ll be watching you.”

He shrugged. “Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her, better care than you did, apparently.” He stepped closer, voice dropping. “She’s done with bikers, but if you come around messing up her arrangement, you’ll just drag her deeper into trouble. Get her killed. Think about that.”

My fists clenched. Chigger hovered a few yards away, eyes flicking between me and Mark, ready to intervene if I lost my shit. I forced a measured breath. “If I hear a whisper that she’s in danger, from you, from Marciano, from anyone, I’ll come back and burn your entire operation to the ground. You got that?”

Mark’s expression stayed cold, but a flicker of caution showed in his eyes. “Understood. Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. For her sake.”

With that, he turned and strode back inside, presumably to rejoin Lexi. My chest ached, imagining him wiping her tears. That should be me. But apparently, my world had no place in her life anymore.

I glanced at Chigger, who exhaled a long breath. “You done here, brother?”

I nodded slowly, hands trembling at my sides. “Yeah, I guess I am.”

“Wanna blow off some steam? We could knock that stiff’s teeth in,” Chigger suggested grimly.

I declined with a headshake. “She’d hate me more. Doesn’t matter. She’s safe, or so they claim.”

Chigger grimaced, glancing at the SUV. “You buying that?”

My mouth twisted. “No. But if Lexi’s decided she trusts them more than me, not much I can do.” The words tasted like acid. “Let’s get out of here.”

He bowed, and we went back to our bikes. I felt like I was dragging my feet. I looked back once at the house, half-hoping to see Lexi run out after me. Of course, she didn’t. The porch remained empty. The black SUV’s door slammed, one of the goons climbing behind the wheel, a silent reminder that the mafia’s tendrils had claimed her now.

My Harley roared, and I nearly cried. I lost her. She’d told me to my face, no more clubs, no more me. The distressing noise she made the other night when I tried to force her to be with me echoed in my ears. I couldn’t make her hate me more than she already did. My heartbreak seared deeper than any bullet wound. But I couldn’t force her to see reason. If she believed she was safer in the suits’ arms, who was I to stop her? My entire life was a rolling disaster, and like every woman before her, Lexi wanted off the ride.

As we pulled away from the curb, the house lights faded in the rearview mirror, leaving me with a hollow ache in my chest. Sky tricked me. Lexi hates me. The Syndicate probably wants me dead. There was only one path left. Keep riding. Keep breathing. I’d lick my wounds and plan my next move.

I sped down the street, ignoring Chigger’s concerned glances. The night wind slapped my face, but it couldn’t numb the agony ripping apart my insides. You’re free, Lexi, I thought bitterly. Free of me, free of this life. If that was what she truly wanted, I wouldn’t stand in her way.