“How do you know the code for this?” Mave inquires when I punch the 7-digit code in, then push the door open.
I don’t answer him, and once we’re insideFinesse, I shut the door behind us before leading him up the stairs that are behind the main counter.
“Nettie, stop.” He tugs at my hand. “Where are we going?”
I look over my shoulder. “Just trust me, please,” I say.
He sighs in evident annoyance, but nods and follows me.
We reach the top of the stairs, and I pause to collect myself before sliding open the door to Dorran’s loft.
Here we go.
Biting silence fills the air when Mave and I enter the living room, and, as soon as he sees Solo, Dorran, and the crew occupying the massive couch before us, he lets go of my hand and whirls me around to face him.
“What the fuck is this?” he spits, then briefly looks over my shoulder. “Nettie, what the fuck is going on?”
“Do try not to be so dramatic, Maverick,” comes Dorran’s silk-smooth voice. “Cignette, come here.” He’s wearing a green vest and grey sweatpants, and as casual as helooksright now, his tone is giving off completely different vibes.
Mave’s eyes widen in shock. “Nettie–”
“Just listen to what I have to say,” I plead. “Please, Mave.”
“We areleaving.” He makes to grab my hand, but I move back.
“No.” I raise my arms to my sides in defeat. “Just…just relax and listen to what I have to say, okay?” He tries to protest, but I cut him off by saying, “That’s anorder.”
His nostrils flare as he scowls at me. “This is borderlinemadness, Nettie.”
“And I thought you’d be willing to cross the damn threshold with me.”
He scans my face – reluctance and confusion still strong on his.
He’s quiet for a while, but then swallows and jerks his head forward. “Be quick about it,” he finally says.
I nod. “Let’s settle down.” I walk over to Dorran, who’s sprawled on the couch, and grins when I sit next to him.
Mave hesitates. He’s trying to balance his emotions right now, and it’s pretty clear from his fluctuating expressions that he doesn’t trust a single person in this room. Myself included.
“Oh, come on, you goddamn idiot,” Solo says to him, then shifts before patting the empty space next to him. “Sit your ass down so that we can get this over with.”
Mave cautiously joins Solo – gun still in his hand – then glares at me.
Dorran straightens a little and places his arms on the back of his couch, then widens his legs, which results in our knees to touch.
Mave notices, of course, and bristles visibly.
I lean forward and place my elbows on my thighs. “You’ll listen to me,” I tell Mave, “and you won’t interrupt me until I’m done. Deal?”
He scowls, but nods stiffly.
I take a deep breath in, let it out slowly, then tell Mave everything – from meeting Dorran atFinessefor the very first time to get my car fixed, to the events that took place after, including what happened last night, and the names of everyone who currently know about him and I.
When I’m done, I blink at my bodyguard, but his features give away nothing. It’s like he’s made of stone or something; he’s barely moving.
“Mave…” I voice, trying to test the waters.
He blinks back at me, but stays silent, and it fucking gnaws at me.
