“Good, I don’t have to explain then. It was bad. Families were being taken out by the leader…I think his name was Thomas. Anyway, Dane didn’t want us to get hurt. He removed his name from their birth certificates, and anything linking him to us, just in case. It hurt him to do that. Something about his kidsno longer being his, or whatever bullshit men think if their name isn’t on something. By that point, our relationship was a glorified friendship anyway. We got together too young, married and had Lani. He did what he thought was right.”
“He did it to protect you.”
Mari nodded. “Yes, and he still maintains a distance to continue to protect us. Thomas was killed a few years ago, but I hear his son took over for him.”
Nodding, without really knowing why I was, I tried to hide behind my mug. “My husband is evil. He wants to take my son from me. Maverick was helping us.”
Mari sighed. “I’m sorry you’re going through that, my love. You are safe here. It looks as if Van has a new best friend.”
When I followed her gaze, I saw Van playing with Bane on the living room floor. Bane had pulled out his lego, and was showing him how to build cars. I couldn’t help but smile.
“Are you hungry?” Mari asked. “I can make you something to eat.”
“Oh no, thank you. I think I’m just tired.”
Mari nodded. “Of course. Come with me. I’ll take you to your room.”
I finished my tea and moved over to pick up Van. He yawned as I held him close to me, and followed Mari up the stairs and down a hallway.
She opened a door at the end of the hall, and I looked in the modest room.
“It’s not the Ritz, but it should be good until we can get you set up properly.”
“I don’t want to be a bother, Mari. This is perfect for us. Thank you.”
Mari nodded. “I’ll see you in the morning, love.”
She closed the door behind her, and I moved Van over to the bed, laying him down on the duvet, before I removed my jeansand then set about moving his pants, before we got under the covers. Pulling him up into my arms, I tried to hold the tears at bay, but they fell anyway.
I couldn’t stay here.
Maverick was done with me. I could see it in his eyes when he left. I was nothing but Ironborne scum to him.
In the morning, I would take Van and we’d leave. Leave Sydney behind and find somewhere for just us. Where Hardy would never find us again.
Where we could be Tavi and Van.
Fuck Maverick. Fuck him to hell.
Maverick
“I need you to come with me, but I don’t want any bullshit clouding your judgment.”
Well, damn. When Prez called you on your bullshit, you knew you fucked up. The fact he wasn’t losing his shit meant that no one had told him about Tavi.
Yet.
It was only a matter of time, especially since she’d been ignoring my texts since last night. Four. I’d sent her four, and she’d left me onread. I was simmering in my rage that she wouldn’t talk to me. Not that she had to, but I found myself wanting to talk to her, to know if she’s okay, if Van is okay.
I remembered the feeling well. When Mari and I decided to cut ties so they would be safe, I found myself wanting to know about their every move as well.
“I got you.”
He nodded. “Chaos is busy, so I need you to keep your wits about you.”
“I got you, Prez. I promise.”
Reaper hesitated for a moment, almost like he thought he could figure it all out by watching me, but eventually he gave in with a firm nod of the head and led me outside. I checked my phone for what felt like the hundredth time since my last text, but she still hadn’t messaged me back. Fuck this shit.
