“Embarrassing those who put him behind bars.”
“That’s what I believe.”
Her lower lip trembled. “Including you.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself. Who knows. My notoriety will likely increase with scandal.” I held up my hands, shaking them and purposely sucking in my breath just to tease her.
Her expression of concern switched to amused disdain. “Very funny, big boy.”
“What about your career?” I knew exactly what she’d say.
“Maverick, do you honestly believe I give a shit at this point? I’ve spent thirteen years wishing I’d remembered more. Had done more. Had screamed to the wind. I’ve felt guilty. I’ve experienced nightmares. I’ve avoided relationships. I’ve been so driven to right wrongs that I forgot all about the true meaning of living. I’m finished with second guessing. Whoever the bastard who wants me to relive the terrible experience is, he will not break me no matter what he ends up doing. I refuse to allow it.”
The way she was looking at me was a dare for me to argue with her. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Good. Then we’re in this together.”
“Together.” My repetition was met with a slight smirk. I did so adore seeing her smile. When she stuck out her hand, I grimaced and even allowed her to hear one of what my assistant called my infamous growls.
She wasn’t put off in the least, thrusting it in front of me as if a formal gesture. Somehow, I knew she wasn’t going to back down. Her grip was firm.
Enjoyable.
Electrifying.
Enough so my cock stirred as per usual.
“On that note, who were you talking to just now?” She kept a firm hold on my hand, still daring a single nudge of pushback.
“A buddy of mine.”
“A buddy in law enforcement. I could tell by the way you two were talking.”
“Maybe. Maybe not.”
She used her hold on my arm to pull herself closer. Why did I have a feeling her mischief was only increasing? “So the rumors are true.”
“What rumors?” Uh-oh.
“That there’s a vigilante group in town.”
CHAPTER 16
Maverick
“A vigilante group?” While I’d been prepared for Raven Intel’s discovery since the beginning, I’d yet to come up with the right words to dispel anyone’s accusation. Especially a beautiful woman who stood with a mischievous smile on her face.
She had me wondering if we were that transparent.
This time Alexia’s nod was slow and steady while the gleam in her eyes increased exponentially. Forget amusement or even mischief. She’d caught me not only with my hand in the cookie jar but also with my pants down.
And for all the wrong reasons.
“Uh-huh,” she continued. “Handsome, dangerous dudes taking the law into their own hands. Even the Python Killer is aware of your new persona.”
“I think you’ve been reading too many fantasy books.”
After another quick glance at my bank of computers, she laughed. “Oh, I don’t think so. There was a case almost a year ago where a man was let out of jail on a technicality. I forget his name, but I do remember some very bad things happened around his release, including with the only witness who’d testified behind shadow screens to protect her anonymity. Of course as soon as the bastard was released from prison, he went after her. Fortunately, for the witness, she sought protection and assistance from a hero. The judge who’d presided over the case.”
