“You don’t have to be the girl who waits anymore,” she says. “If he wants you, let him prove it. Let him show up. Let him earn the version of you that survived his rejections.”
My throat burns.
“He says he knows his words don’t mean much,” I murmur. “But that he would prove himself to be with his actions.”
“Good,” Cody says. “Then let him.”
Silence settles between us, but it’s not heavy. It’s thoughtful.
“You weren’t unwanted,” Cody says one last time, softer now. “You were loved by a man who didn’t know how to love you properly.”
And somehow…
That truth hurts less than the lie I’ve been carrying.
***
Twin One walks me to the gate while Twin Two lingers back with Mike, murmuring something low.
“You know, Twin One,” I say, crossing my arms as we approach the gate, “your vehicle is literally five feet away. I’m fairly certain I could survive that trek without an escort.”
“Don says protect you,” he replies in that flat, unbothered tone. “The Don gets what he wants.”
I roll my eyes as the gate buzzes open.
“Good to know this is coming from the heart,” I mutter, stepping inside. “And for the record? Your Don is just as much a pain in my butt as the rest of you.”
“I’ve killed men for saying less.”
I shriek and jump back so hard I nearly trip over my own feet.
Luckily, a strong hand catches my elbow before I can fully embarrass myself.
Maverick steadies me, one dark brow arched in amusement.
“You’re going to give me a complex,Principessa,” he says smoothly. “That was almost insulting.”
“You can’t just materialize out of nowhere like some well-dressed assassin!” I snap, pressing a hand to my chest. “Normal people make noise when they walk. Something you and your men seem to forget. Which only confirms my alien theory.”
“Iwasmaking noise,” he replies mildly. “You were busy complaining about me.”
Fair point.
He releases me once I’m steady, hands sliding casually into his pockets.
“Were my cousins on their best behavior?” he asks.
“If by ‘best behavior’ you mean refusing to let me pee without first checking the bathroom for threats, and then one of them refusing to leave the dang room,” I say dryly, “then no.”
Maverick’s mouth twitches.
“They are thorough.”
“They are terrifying,” I correct. “One of my customers nearly fainted when Twin Two blinked too aggressively.”
“They take their job seriously,” he says. “You are important.”
I narrow my eyes. “To who?”
