Page 85 of Savage Cravings

I paused, studying Maverick carefully. His expression didn’t change.

“You spread the news.”

He nodded.

“Because you were hoping the news would get to Mila?”

I knew I’d guessed right as soon as the words left my mouth.

“Were you planning on dragging this on for months?” Maverick asked. “Should we wait for the two of you to get married before you tell her the truth?”

I crossed my arms over my chest. I hadn’t really contemplated marriage, but the idea did hold a certain appeal.

“Why, are you jealous, big bro? Don’t worry too much about that. You know me. I share very well.”

He shook his head. “No, you don’t.”

True. I had never shared my toys very well growing up. But I could make certain exceptions when it came to my brothers. Maverick knew it, judging by the look on his face.

I laughed. “Still going to pretend you’re made of stone, huh?”

He shot me a warning glance, as if that shit would work on me.

“I need you to head west of Louisiana, toward the border with Texas.”

That wiped away all my amusement. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. And you’re going to do as I ask of you, Silas. I might be your brother, but I am also the head of this organization.”

“Oh, don’t do that bullshit with me. You’re not seriously pulling rank to get me to do what you want, are you?”

He didn’t say anything.

I pushed away from where I stood and walked over to him. “And what are you going to do?”

“I would much rather go back to Chicago, but you’re not going to leave without the girl, are you?”

I didn’t bother with a reply. He already knew the answer.

He sighed. “I’ll stay here and coordinate with Ronan. He can only hold down the fort for so long. So do what you gotta do to convince the girl because when you and Killian return, we’re leaving for Chicago.”

Just a few days. That was too fucking soon. No time to prepare Mila for anything, and I wouldn’t even fucking be here with her.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “This isn’t going to convince me to leave her alone, you know.”

“I know. But perhaps you should use this time and distance to get your head on straight.”

I scoffed and headed back for the door. “Text me the details.”

I wasn’t going to waste any more time, and if Maverick was so determined not to see what was so clearly in front of him, I would just have to show him.

I smiled as I closed the door behind me.

All I had to do was set everything in place and let the pieces fall where they may. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be disappointed.

Time to go back to the motel where Mila was staying—not to see the girl, but her car.

17

---