Unknown
Choose wisely.
Along with the message, there are multiple images that are taking forever to load. Rolling my eyes, I’m just about to close out of the message thread and toss my phone into the cab when the first image comes into view.It’s of Izzy. She’s sitting in what appears to be a restaurant across from Maverick, and they’re holding hands. Disappointment invades my thoughts.
She fucking chose Maverick.
Before I can jump to conclusions, the second picture loads, and panic floods my entire system.
A gun.They followed her to use her as leverage if I didn’t comply. This is another one of his threats, and it doesn’t sit right with me.
Frantically, I scroll to Izzy’s name and call just as I jump into my truck and head off, driving aimlessly, unsure where to go.
The phone rings multiple times, and then her voicemail picks up.
“FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!” I shout through the silence—a silence that’s crashing with guilt and helplessness.
Chapter sixty-seven
Izzy
December 2025
"So this is it, then?" Maverick asks with a sadness in his voice that breaks my heart.
I nod slowly. "I'm sor—"
My phone cuts me off, buzzing on the table beside my hand.
Jett.
I hadn’t heard from him in two weeks; of course, I’d hear from him now.
Before I can hit decline, Maverick catches sight of who’s calling. He scoffs with mild annoyance and says, “You can answer it.”
I shake my head, hitting ‘decline.’
“It can wait. Right now, everything else can wait,” I respond, regranting Maverick the full attention that he deserves.
My phone begins to vibrate again, and I let it ring, tossing it into my purse and focusing on the wonderful man across from me. “Like I was going to say... I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.”
“I don’t need your apologies, Iz,” Maverick begins, his tone slightly harsher than I’m used to. “I always knew you were holding yourself back from me. What I never knew was the reason why. Now I know. Do I wish I had been told all of this sooner? Absolutely. But am I going to hold back my own truth? Absolutely not.”
Maverick sighs, taking a moment to sip his water before continuing, “My love for you has never had any bounds. That includes now. With loving you comes a constant craving to ensure your happiness. I wish that could’ve been with me.” He sighs again, and I can visibly see his disappointment etched into how his body slumps forward. “But part of me always knew. I always knew you were too good to be true. I ignored it, thinking I’d eventually be enough, and that’s on me.”
“You are more than enough, Maverick. The right girl will—”
Maverick holds up a hand, stopping me from continuing. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do. But please, don’t.” He forces a smile, and I nod, respecting his wishes. “I do have one request,” Maverick adds, his voice low and hesitant.
“Oh, yeah? What might that be?”
“Don’t shut me out. I know it’s cliche to ask to remain friends, and most people rarely ever do. But—”
“Maverick. In no way, shape, or form do I want you completely out of my life,” I interject. “I will always have love for you. Maybe that love is just in the form of friendship, but it will remain unchanging.”
He looks at me intently, as if absorbing every word as it falls from my lips, then slowly nods in understanding. “Thank you, Izzy.”
“I just need to know that you’ll be okay, Mav.”
