Page 61 of Punished
“Yep. We had to call in reinforcements from Vegas and L.A.,” Striker said.
Maverick nodded. “Good. When are they coming?”
“They’ll be here tomorrow,” Striker said.
“How many?”
“Five from each chapter.”
“Shit, if Vegas is sending Jesse, you’ll really be in good hands,” Maverick said, knowing that Jesse was a lot like him.
Striker cocked both brows. “That crazy fucker, hell yeah.”
The two men laughed at that before Maverick spoke. “Can I pay my respect to your pres and SA?” Maverick asked.
Striker nodded. “Sure.” He looked past Maverick to the Castiello crew that had accompanied him. “Five of us will be going with you.”
Akane nodded. “Your president informed us. Are your men ready?” she asked.
Maverick could float on the sexy cadence of her voice, it was that soothing to him.
Striker nodded. “A Lord was born ready.”
Akane smirked. “Your crew has proven such. But one in particular...” She set her gaze on Maverick. “I’m waiting to see results.”
That’s right, she liked actions first, then words, Maverick remembered.
Striker caught the transaction between Akane and Maverick and smirked. If the stories he’d heard about Maverick were true, this was about to be a slaughter. He snorted, then slapped Maverick’s bicep. “Follow me.”
Maverick walked behind Striker as he led him to the upstairs apartment that was guarded by two Lords. The men nodded at Maverick and exchanged handshakes before he walked in with Striker, who led him to the first bedroom and opened the door. The President of the New York Lords of Chaos chapter, Al, was lying in bed, his wife, Keisha, at his side with her hand under the blanket. She pulled her hand free and adjusted the blanket. Maverick knew what they were doing. He lowered his head, smiling with a bit of a chuckle.
“Jesus, aren’t you supposed to be on the mend, Dad?” Striker asked.
“Ain’t you ever heard of sexual healing, boy?” Al said, winking at his son. He sat up and both Striker and his wife helped him and repositioned his pillows to make him more comfortable. He looked at Maverick. “Damn, Maverick, it’s been a while. You’re all grown up now.”
Maverick laughed and nodded. “Yeah, it’s been almost ten years, right? Since the last reunion.” He walked closer and gave the man a light hug and handshake. He also kissed his wife, Keisha, on the cheek and gave her a warm hug.
“You’re handsome like your dad,” Keisha said.
“His mom ain’t slacking either,” Al said to Keisha’s playful roll of her eyes.
Maverick gave them one of his charming smiles. “Thanks.”
Al nodded. “You look good. You were like fifteen back then, right?”
“Yeah. I’m twenty-six now. Got five kids and shit. Keeping busy,” Maverick said.
“Good God, man. Five. What? One for every year after you were legal enough to drink yourself stupid?” Al asked.
Maverick threw his head back, laughing at that. “Three different baby mommas,” he said, then he thought about Melissa and his humor faded. “Unfortunately, one of my babies’ momma is out of the picture, so I’m raising my youngest on my own. Twin boys.”
Al nodded. “Well, let’s take out these assholes and get you back home to your family,” he said. He didn’t bother to ask Maverick more about the missing mom... her being “out of the picture” was all the explanation he needed.
“I hope your ass isn’t going anywhere with those broken ribs,” Maverick said, pointing at the man’s chest.
Al sneered and his wife shook her head. “No, he’s staying right here,” Keisha said.
“That fucking bullet broke two of my ribs and bruised the hell out of my sternum. Pepe’s just as fucked up as I am. We couldn’t join you even if we wanted to,” Al said.
