Page 89 of Savage Hearts

Noises came from the kitchen, which told me Rachel was home and cooking up a storm.

My stomach grumbled, and Maverick paused and looked at me.

I shifted. “I had a small breakfast.”

Which, of course, he already knew, considering he was the one who’d gotten it for me in the first place.

He nodded. “Why don’t you change into something comfortable? I’ll see what Rachel’s making and bring it upstairs.”

I grabbed his hand when he was about to walk off. He looked back at me and I dropped it, as if his touch burned me.

I tried not to sound too eager when I asked, “You’re staying?”

He didn’t answer for one long second. Then he smiled and nodded. “Yeah. I’m done with work for the day. I’ll eat with you.”

I nodded and turned away from him.

I should not feel relief from that. I should be repulsed by the idea of spending any amount of time with him. Yet, with what had happened, I didn’t want to be left alone.

I felt off.

Vulnerable.

I quickly shook away the thoughts and ran up the stairs and into my room.

First thing I did was throw that dress off.

I found some black sweatpants in the drawers and quickly pulled them on, along with a baggy T-shirt I usually wore to sleep.

Then I sat on the bed.

In times like this I wished I had my phone.

For more reasons than one.

I was often bored.

There was nothing and no one around for me to entertain myself with, and a part of me was hesitant to try to get close to Rachel.

She was loyal to the brothers.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been so blasé about the fact that they had taken me to their home against my will.

I blew raspberries with my lips and stretched my sore muscles on the bed.

It was early evening.

Not even nighttime yet. I still had hours before my actual bedtime, and I would be spending it with Maverick.

A small shiver wracked my body from the thought and, grunting in frustration, I lay down on the bed and gazed up at the ceiling. I studied the textured wall, trying to find a picture.

I could make out a picture of a lopsided bunny when the door opened, and Maverick walked in, a tray in his hand.

I braced my weight on my elbows and warily watched him enter the room.

He set the tray down on the bed and took a seat next to me.

I shifted away when he stilled me with one hand on my stomach.

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