Page 28 of Maverick
Mostly, I missed Tavi’s presence. Even without speaking, I felt calm around her. Did I think this was all a ruse? No.
Van didn’t even know Hardy was his father. Kids can’t lie like that, which means the fear I saw on Tavi’s face was real, and that made me almost murderous. Almost.
His time would come.
First, I needed help in figuring out what the fuck was going on.
I slipped out of Chapel, past everyone enjoying their night, and toward my bike. The night air was doing nothing for myfrayed nerves. The amount of times I’d pulled my phone out to text Tavi, or even Mari, about her, had been insane. I felt like a fucking school boy waiting for the girl he likes to text him.
But I knew I’d hurt her.
I could only hope that I could figure this all out before it came landing on the club’s doorstep.
Tavi
“He’s married?” I found myself asking, completely shocked. Not only did I not know that about him, but I couldn’t exactly be surprised. I was married, technically, as well.
“No, love, he’s divorced,” she said with a smile. “We’re still friendly, much to my current husband’s chagrin. He still watches and looks after his kids. Lani and Bane.”
His daughter, a woman almost, scoffed and looked away, disinterested. But I knew the look. She was hurting. He must not see them often. I moved to look at his twin of a son, wondering if that’s what my son would look like if we hadn’t been interrupted five years ago.
Five years ago…
“How long have you been divorced?” I asked, suddenly aware that he may just be a player and I was now in his way.
“About twelve years. Bane was only a year old, and Lani, four.”
I felt lightheaded. Mari and Lani both grabbed for my arms and held me up. Lani held me close, making sure I didn’t topple over.
“You’re okay,” she said in my ear. “Don’t let that asshole make you feel like shit.”
“Lani!”
“What?” she replied, and I had to admire her spunk. Lani and Mari both helped me to sit down at a table near the kitchen.
“Right, Lani, go put the kettle on, love. I think Tavi needs to sit down and have a cuppa with me.”
Lani did as she was asked, and Mari sat opposite me at the table. I looked around at the simple dining room that looked into the kitchen where I saw Lani setting about making our tea.
“I’m sorry to be a bother,” I said, feeling the burning of tears at the back of my eyes. “I can call my brother, and I’m sure he’ll help us.”
“Now, Tavi, if Dane brought you here, he wants you safe. Trust me, he’d never put us in danger, which means he likes you.”
I scoffed, just as Lani entered the dining room with a tray of tea and biscuits. She smirked at my scoff, and made sure I had my tea in front of me.
“I like her.”
“Lani.”
She held up her hands and moved away. I turned back to Mari who sighed, and took a sip of her tea.
“Lani takes it personally that Dane doesn’t want to be around as much. He still watches her play sport, and attends every award ceremony at school, but she’s mad he couldn't be here for it all.”
“Why can’t he?”
“When we were together, the club was at war with the Ironborne Crew. Do you know who they are?”
I bristled, unsure what I should divulge. Slowly, I nodded my head, before taking a sip of the tea. It was warm, and comforting.
