“I think, maybe, I’ve been unintentionally starving a part of myself.” He explores his brother’s expression, finding only understanding. “Like, maybe a vital part of myself.”
DB and Omar shoot each other another look.Interesting.
Anders nods to himself. “I can see that. Do you think you'll need to make it a part of your life again?”
Hedy adjusts her headset. DB rubs Odd's back, sending him a look of quiet support. Odd runs his fingers through his beard.
“Maybe.” He frowns. “Sorry if I fucked everything up, Hedy.”
“Don’t….” she says, waving away his concern. “I mean. Yes, everything is fucked and we’ve got some shit to figure out.” She lets out a long breath. “But I’m going to see what my dad can work out with Gina.”
There’s a threat implicit in that statement. She looks over her shoulder at Odd, briefly.It’s okay, she mouths. Out loud, she says, “So. Do you need it? The... killing?”
Odd closes his eyes, letting scenarios spin out in his head.
“Maybe,” he repeats.
32
BOONE
There’san awkward moment when Hedy puts together that I was unofficially part of a Guardians’ operation.
By the way, I’m a Guardian now? Apparently?
Details are forthcoming.
All I know is that I did not make my first million because of a photoshoot. I made it because the Guardians split the profits of their operations evenly among the operators present.
Whitaker’s compound, held in trust for one of his dead sons, is now a holding of Elijah Energy. I’m told that’s Jake’s and Ryder’s doing. I can’t wait to meet them.
Anyway, the compound is worth several million, and I’m told my payout is nonnegotiable. Jake set up an offshore account for me while I drove us to Maverick’s condo.
Hopper, Maverick, and I have plans to work on our projects together this weekend, and Hopper has commandeered my cat until then.
Pretty sure he’ll return her at some point.
Conversely, Anders has refused to take back his car. Called it a sign-on bonus.
Not sure how I feel about that, but having seen his more sedate twin shear someone’s spinal cord with his own vertebrae, I’m disinclined to argue with the man.
In another first, I’ve never been inside a penthouse. Accessing the space from a private elevator is a helpful reminder that Maverick’s lifestyle is way above my pay grade.
Even with the Whitaker payout.
The foyer is posh, with marble flooring and heavily polished wood paneling, leading into a sunken living space that feels both grand and cozy. High ceilings, walls of windows overlooking downtown and the lake, and a gorgeous bar dividing a modern kitchen done in stainless steel and limestone.
Maverick’s cousins are waiting on a massive U-shaped couch, and they jump up, rushing over to us.
“I can’t believe Whitaker sent people to your apartment,” his female cousin says, sending a grimace my way. “How the hell did y’all survive that? By the way, I’m Maya.”
“Hi Maya. I remember you from summer camp. And it helps that Maverick is a martial arts expert,” I answer dryly, then wrap my arm around his waist and kiss his shoulder. “He saved my life.”
Maverick rubs his chest. “Only seems fair. You saved mine too.”
Maya pulls her chin back. “Wait, are you two…?”
“Yep,” Maverick says, leaning into me.
