Page 92 of Maverick

As Jason is finally removed from the courtroom, his shouts echoing down the hallway, I turn to Alexis. Tears stream down her face, but there's relief in her eyes.

"It's over," I tell her softly. "You did it. You and your daughter are safe now."

Alexis nods, unable to speak through her tears. I give her a moment to compose herself before turning back to the judge.

"Thank you, Your Honor," I say, my voice thick with emotion. "We appreciate your careful consideration of this case."

Judge Hernandez nods. "Mr. Walker, ensure that Ms. Rodriguez is aware of the resources available to her for protection and support. This court stands adjourned."

The gavel comes down with a resounding crack, and just like that, it's over. Months of preparation, sleepless nights, and constant worry, all wrapped up with a bang of the gavel. This is exactly why I became a lawyer – to help people like Alexis find justice and safety.

I guide Alexis to my car, her body still trembling from the courtroom ordeal. The drive back to her house is silent, save for her quiet sobs. I can feel the weight of her relief and fear mingling in the air between us.

As I pull up to her house and cut the engine, I turn to face her. "Alexis, you can't stay here anymore," I say, my voice gentle but firm. "It's not safe. My brother Colton works with a group that helps women and children in domestic violence situations. They can provide you with a safe place to live."

Her eyes widen, a mix of fear and hope flickering across her face.

"I'm going to give them your number," I continue. "This place... there's too much access. Jason knows it too well. And I'll increase security at the club, just to be safe."

Alexis nods, wiping away a stray tear. "Maverick, I... I don't know how to thank you. Everything you've done for me, for my daughter... I've never met a man as good as you."

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, her praise making me feel awkward. "It's nothing," I mutter, then gently nudge her. "You should head inside now. Pack what you need. They'll be in touch soon."

She nods, but before she opens the door, she leans in suddenly. I realize what's happening a split second before her lips are about to touch mine. Gently, I put my hand on her shoulder, stopping her.

"Alexis," I say softly, "I'm flattered, but... I'm too old for you. And besides," I pause, the words forming on my tongue before I even realize it, "I'm in love with someone else."

It's the first time I've said it out loud, and it feels right. Like a truth I've known for a while but was afraid to acknowledge.

Alexis's cheeks flush red, and she backs away quickly. "Oh God, I'm so sorry," she stammers. "I didn't mean to... I just... I'm sorry."

"It's okay," I assure her. "You've been through a lot. Go on inside now. Take care of yourself and your daughter."

She nods, still blushing, and gets out of the car. As I watch her walk to her front door, I can't help but think about Cadence, and how right it felt to finally admit my feelings, even if it wasn't to her.

31

CADENCE

Ilean back in my chair, watching Molly move around the rescue with practiced efficiency. It's late afternoon, and the place is eerily quiet. No barking, no whining, no chaos. Just the soft pad of Molly's shoes on the concrete floor as she goes about her tasks. In the weeks since I hired her, this place has become a little bit of heaven.

"You need anything, Cadence?" Molly calls out, her arms full of freshly laundered towels.

She's running around here, doing all the things, and still asks me if I need more help. She's a fucking gem. "Nope, I'm good."

She nods and disappears into the storage room. I hear her humming as she organizes the shelves, probably color-coding the supplies again. She's got a system that puts my haphazard approach to shame. Though to be fair, I had been so busy I only organized what needed organizing, like the feeding schedule board. The rest of the stuff went on my "one day" pile.

My phone buzzes, and I fish it out of my pocket. It's a text from Maverick:

Hey beautiful. I’ve got a little something planned for us. I’ve been working on it for a while. I just need your yes. You in?

I bite my lip, a mix of excitement and nerves fluttering in my stomach. Before I can reply, Molly emerges from the storage room, a clipboard in hand.

"I've updated the inventory list," she says, handing it to me. "We're running low on flea medication for the bigger dogs. Want me to place an order?"

"Yeah, that'd be great," I nod, seriously impressed. I'd completely forgotten about that. Why didn’t I hire someone earlier?

Oh right. Because I was poor.

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