Page 80 of King of Pride

The hardness in Maverick’s eyes softened slightly, and Rose caught the subtle change in his expression.

Without warning, he reached for her hand and pulled her toward the bedroom.

Rose followed reluctantly, her stomach tightening. She couldn't shake the worry that he was about to scold her—or worse, lose his temper with her.

“Do you still not believe me?” she asked, her voice a little unsteady.

“Stay right here.”

His voice was as cold and commanding as ever.

Rose stopped obediently while Maverick walked toward his suitcase. He crouched beside it and began rummaging through it.

Rose watched him nervously.

‘Is he going to hit me with a belt?’

She took the tiniest step backward.

‘Zoe told me he once beat up his cousin when he did something Maverick didn't like. Is it my turn now?’

Her imagination immediately ran wild. She pictured herself crying dramatically and collapsing at his feet like some helpless damsel in a drama, with absolutely nowhere to run.

Rose bit her lip, growing more nervous by the second.

Then Maverick turned around.

Rose stiffened.

“I should leave now. You need to rest, right?” she blurted, already turning toward the door.

She barely made it a step before Maverick reached out and caught her arm.

Rose froze.

He pulled her back toward him, one arm wrapping around her to keep her close. Then he held something out between them.

“Here.”

Rose looked down.

Her eyes widened.

There was no belt.

Instead, he was holding out a box of chocolates.

Her mouth fell open slightly.

“Oh. I love chocolate.”

She immediately opened the box, picked one up, and took a bite.

“I know,” Maverick replied without hesitation.

Rose's gaze flicked up to him.

He knew?