Page 39 of Bane's Beginning

“I’ve been letting shit slide because I know that’s what she wants,” a heaving Maverick said. “But I’m done having you disrespect my woman. Get the fuck out of my club before I kill you, motherfucker.”

I had never seen Maverick so angry. I had an idea of what he was capable of, but seeing it reminded me firsthand how powerful he was. He had been tame in the whole situation to my benefit, and I didn’t know how that made me feel. It wasn’t safe, though. I knew that from the feeling of shock across my face that I just couldn’t shake.

My heart was racing as I watched some of the other club members pull Maverick from a very bloody Marcus. I could feel tears well in my eyes as I watched the scene in front of me.

“Go to the car,” Chase said as he gave Marcus a little push. “You too.” He said to Bridgette, and she looked at me as if she was going to say something, but quickly decided against it

“Walk me out,” he said to me. The shock hadn’t died off of my face as I followed him without looking back at the man who had been defending my honor.

We stood in the kitchen, and Chase looked into my eyes. I knew he understood the look in my eyes. The fear that rang in them.

“You know that wasn’t the same, right?”

I continued to stare at him in silence.

“Hey,” he said, grabbing my shoulders and gently shaking me. “It’s not the same. He’s not the same. Maverick seems like a good guy. Hate to get on that fuckers bad side, but a good guy.”

I shook my head in acknowledgment.

“I know,” I said.

“So don’t let this change things between you,” he said and pulled me in for a hug. “You seem happy.”

“I am,” I said, hugging him back.

“Then shake this shit off, say ‘thank you’ and let it go. He’s not him. Okay?”

I nodded my head, wanting to believe him. He was right, Maverick was nothing like Matteo. He may not be a fucking priest, but he wasn’t a devil incarnate either. Taking a deep breath, I relaxed and gave him a weak smile.

“You’re not the only one allowed to have psychotic breaks,” he joked and I shoved him away.

“You’re going to be okay here?”

Once again, I nodded my head. “Yeah. I’ll be okay.”

“I’ll call you after we land, okay?”

I heard a shuffle from beside me and saw Anna on the other side of the kitchen, looking as if she had been caught. Chase turned and walked out of the door and I looked over at her. I hope she didn’t hear any of that, but I wasn't sure how long she had been there.

“Sorry,” she said, bashfully. “Just grabbing a drink. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

“It’s okay,” I said, turning towards the kitchen sink. I grabbed a towel from the cupboard to the side. Turning the sink on, I ran the towel over the water. I could feel Anna watching me but I ignored her.

I let Chase’s words push me out of the door and make my way to Maverick. He looked like he was about to say something as an apologetic look gleamed in his eyes. I interrupted him, though, and grabbed his hands to place the cool towel across his knuckles.

His shocked expression quickly melted into a smile.

“Thank you,” I faintly said to him.

“Thank you,” was all he said, too, as he gestured to his now wrapped hand. He then pulled me back against his lap. I planted a smile on my face as the party proceeded if nothing had happened. I leaned into his chest and took the conversation in around me, smiling when needed.

Inside. A storm was brewing in me, but I kept letting Chase’s words repeat in my head.

He’s not him.

He’s not him.

He’s not him.