Still, I can tell by my superior’s face that there will be hell to pay when Grayson finds out.
A weight bears down on me as I leave his office.
I just lied for Mia. No turning back now.
But I didn’t break her trust.
I chose her.
Chapter
Eighteen
MIA
“You’ve been quiet since we left headquarters. What’s going on?” Maverick asks back at the cabin.
“Nothing.” My voice sounds far away, like I’m floating above it. A flash of anger tightens my core. I bite my lip.
He shifts uneasily.
“I need to use the restroom,” I excuse.
When I return, overnight bag in hand, the kitchen stool squeaks as Maverick jumps to his feet. I notice the subtle way he favors one leg.
“What are you doing?” he growls.
“Leaving. I’ve caused enough trouble.”
He grimaces, face reddening. His mouth works, but he doesn’t speak. He waits.
Rage rises in my chest.
“You’re just like everybody else,” I explode, dropping my bag and pacing. “Another handler in boots.”
His face storms, but hestillsays nothing, standing strong, swallowing my fury.
“I should’ve known.” I simmer. “My parents hired Lone Star—hiredyou—to pry into my life. To spy on me. God!”
The floorboards whine and squeak as my boots hammer across them. “And to think I confided in you. Itrustedyou. Maybe Edwin’s right. Maybe I’m mentally incapacitated.”
“Mia,” he says low and dangerous.
I pause mid-stride, exhaling sharply.
Tension thickens the air until I can’t breathe.
“Mia,” he repeats, softer.
I shake my head, hands balled at my sides, cheeks heated.
Maverick doesn’t move, doesn’t defend himself or make excuses. Instead, he holds space for me, even when I rant and yell—accuse him of things I know aren’t true.
But it’s easier.
Far easier than saying goodbye.
Tears stream down my face, and my shoulders droop as I try to hold it in.
