Page 127 of Maverick

"I love you too," I respond, my voice breathless. "So, so much."

His thrusts stutter at my words, but he quickly recovers, moving with renewed passion. I meet his pace, my body instinctively finding a rhythm with his.

"You feel so tight, baby," he grunts, his eyes burning with intensity. "So fucking good."

The water cascades around us, steam filling the enclosure. Maverick's hair hangs in wet strands on his forehead, his eyeswild. He pounds into me, each thrust taking us higher, closer to the edge.

"Mav," I gasp, my fingernails digging into his shoulders. "I'm close."

"Me too, baby," he pants, eyes locked on mine. "I'm right there with you."

I meet his thrusts, my body moving in perfect sync with his. "Yes," I breathe, my head falling back as my climax builds. "Oh God, Maverick, yes."

His hands grip my hips tightly, his thrusts becoming erratic. "Cady, I can't hold on," he groans, his body tensing. "I'm gonna---"

"Yes," I encourage him, my own climax hovering just out of reach. "Come for me, Maverick."

With a hoarse cry, he surges into me, his body shaking as he finds his release. The feeling of him pulsing within me sends me over the edge. That is something I didn't expect, but oh my god, I love it.

"Oh fuck," I cry out, my body convulsing with pleasure. "Maverick!"

He holds me tight as I ride out my orgasm, my body trembling in his arms. Slowly, he lowers me back to the ground, then leans heavily against me.

"My knees are gone," he says between panting breaths. "They just…left."

I lean my head against his shoulder, laughing, my breath coming in ragged gasps. "Mine too." Maverick wraps his arms around me, holding me close as the warm water cascades over us.

"That was..." I trail off, unable to find the words to describe the intensity of what we just shared.

"Amazing," Maverick finishes for me, his lips brushing my ear. "Fucking incredible."

I smile, feeling a deep sense of peace wash over me. All the bullshit from tonight, all of the anger drifts away and we're just us again.

We're going to be okay. It's just a matter of time.

41

CADENCE

Istalk intoThe Escapea week later, shoulders back, fists balled at my sides. I'm a warrior going into battle. The familiar scent of alcohol and sweat hits me as I push through the heavy doors. I give my eyes a second to adjust to the dim lighting, then head straight for the first friendly face I see

"Dean!" I call out, spotting the burly bouncer near the entrance. His face lights up as I approach, and I throw my arms around him in a tight hug. The solid warmth of his chest is comforting. That night was a blur, but I remember seeing blood on Dean's face, and I'm relieved to see only a few small stitches in his cheek.

"Good to see you, Cadence," he rumbles, his deep voice tinged with concern. "You sure you should be here?" The rest of the question hangs in the air between us, unasked. 'Does Maverick know you're here?'

I pull away, forcing a smile. "Just need to talk to Trixie. You seen her?"

Dean jerks his thumb towards the bar. "Office, I think."

With a nod of thanks, I weave through the tables, my heart pounding with each step. I find Trixie hunched over paperworkin her cramped office. She looks up, her eyes widening in surprise, followed immediately by worry.

"Cadence? What are you doing here?" She stands, hugging me then clasping her hands tightly at her waist. She looks stiff and brittle. "Did you come for your last check?"

I shake my head, squaring my shoulders. "No, Trix. I want back on the schedule."

Trixie's face falls, and she sinks back into her chair with a heavy sigh. "Oh, honey. You know I can't do that. Maverick would never?—"

"Screw what Maverick wants!" I snap, my voice rising. "This is my job, my choice! He shouldn't have fired me. Even if we weren't in a relationship, it's crazy. A boss firing his employee for protecting his business? Tell me you hear how crazy that sounds?"

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