Page 50 of You Saw the Best In Me

“Hi,” I fake a smile, but he knows something’s bothering me.

‘What's wrong?” he sits up, reaching out to pull me in for a hug.

“I’m so scared, Mav. I don’t know what to say. What if the cops don’t believe me? I’ve been running for so long, they’re probably going to … ” I’m rambling, and Maverick puts his fingers on my lips to shush me.

“Relax, Karina. Breathe, baby. They have no choice but to believe you. Remember, he left a letter in your mailbox, in our building that he doesn’t have access to,” he says, making me feel a little better.

“I can do this,” I repeat, trying to make myself believe it.

Maverick gets out of bed, still shirtless from our night's hot makeout session. I’m tangled in the sheets but also shirtless underneath. I bite my bottom lip, watching him get dressed, the muscles in his back flexing with every move he makes.

Those grey sweats he’s wearing leave nothing to the imagination, and I think his ass may be bigger than mine.

“See something you like, kitten?” he teases, his back still turned to me.

“Maybe,” I smile, watching the sweatpants come down, falling to the floor.

“What about now?” he asks, still rifling through his dresser drawers.

“Better. Much better,” I whisper, enjoying the view.

“Get that pretty ass in the shower. We have a busy day,” he tells me in a deep voice that sends a shiver through me.

I take his sheets with me, smirking at him as I walk by and get my overnight bag. I appreciate the free show he offered, but I want to drive him a little crazy with a shred of mystery.

I fill his shower with all my hair and body products, adding color to his bland bottles.

His shower is squeaky clean, though, and I’ve seen some guys who never bothered to take care of their bathrooms, so this is a welcome surprise.

I let the water steam the bathroom before getting in, allowing the hot water to scald my body, erasing any doubts about my actions.

I no longer want to second-guess myself. I’m making a decision about Asher, choosing to file a police report and take my life back.

I rub shampoo through my hair, recalling every single time he made me scared for my life and all the times he told me I was worthless to everyone except him. He was wrong, and today, I’m holding the power.

I’m making a choice with Maverick, allowing him to see my scars, heal wounds that he didn’t cause, and bring me back to life.

There’s a knock at the door, startling me and stripping me out of my inner monologue.

“Karina, can I come in?” Maverick asks through the door, and I give him permission.

“Where are your keys?” he turns his head, not sneaking any peeks through the glass door.

“In the bag on the floor, why?” I call out, running conditioner through my hair.

“I’m going to check on your place and feed your cat. Where do you keep the food?” he says, that protective fire coming out again.

I tell him where to find everything and thank him for caring for April. Once the door closes behind him, I lean against the wall, reminding myself I’m strong and can do this.

After we clean up breakfast, it’s time to head to the police station. I’ve been stalling, but Maverick is persistent. I grab my purse and Asher’s letter, following orders by staying strictly behind Maverick.

I can see the weapon in his waistband again, and something about that shiny piece outlined under his shirt drives me fucking wild. I breathe and try to keep my shit together, focusing on the task at hand.

We make it to the lobby, and he signals that the coast is clear.

“I need to check on my car first,” I say, and he stands right behind me as I do.

I press the unlock button, but the headlights don’t flash. My heart is pounding so loudly I can hear it in my head, and my legs tremble as I walk to the driver’s side.