Page 38 of Sanction

It feels good to finally say it. To finally admit it out loud.

He keeps his eyes on me. After a few seconds, he nods. “Okay then.”

“Oaky then?” I ask.

“Yeah, okay then. I don’t have any room to be pointing fingers. If you recall we had a similar conversation about a month ago when you found out about me and your sister.”

My face scrunches as I pinch the bridge of my nose. I was an asshole.

Maverick chuckles. “To be honest, I didn’t really give a fuck if you approved or not at that point. I was in love with her and it didn’t matter what anyone else thought. I take it that’s the place you are in now?”

“Yeah…...I’ve wasted a lot of time and when I thought I lost her…...” My voice catches and I have to clear my throat. “I do love her Mav. I swear I would do anything for her.”

He rounds the bar and reaches out to clasp my hand. He hugs me, with a slap to the back.

With his voice low, he gets close to my ear. “Just know, you hurt her in any way…... I’ll fucking kill you.” He winks, then leaves the kitchen.

I laugh to myself as my own words get thrown back in my face.

There was other person who deserved an explanation and I knew where to find her. It was already almost sunrise and I knew Gerry would be out back by the pool. It was her favorite spot. I walked out of the door and sure enough I could see the back of her head just above the lounge chair. I stood there, trying to conjure the courage to face her.

“Are you going to stand there all day?” Her voice flowed across the patio and I shook my head to myself.

“No ma’am,” I said as I headed to the seat beside her.

I fell back, settling on the chair as I watched the sky begin to change color. I wasn’t sure how to start his conversation, but luckily, I didn’t have to.

“You know, Dani was probably thirteen when I realized she had a crush on you.” She laughed softly. “I thought it would eventually pass, but as she got older it didn’t. I could see the way she looked at you, even at sixteen.” She paused and turned her head to face me.

I felt her gaze, so I turned my attention to her.

“I knew that look. Because it was exactly the way I use to look at Zane,” she said softly.

“I miss him.” The words slipped out, making my chest tight.

She smiled. “Me too. Everyday.”

“I didn’t want to betray him.” I admitted. “I didn’t want any of you to think I took advantage of your kindness, or took advantage of her.”

“I know my daughter Travis. She may be young, but we both know she is an old soul. She’s smart and independent. If she’s giving you her attention it’s because she wants to.”

“Yeah…. I’m still not sure why she has ever wanted me.” I sigh.

“She sees something in you that I wish you could see in yourself.” Her eyes grew glassy as she sat up. “You are worthy of love Travis and you are worthy of her.”

I couldn’t keep my eyes from mirroring hers as unshed tears pooled. “I do love her Gerry.”

“I know you do son and I want you to know, Zane would be nothing short of proud for you to be the one to love his daughter. He loved you, just like his own. If there was anyone, we would trust to take care of her, it’s you.”

I felt my cheeks dampen and I swiped away the tear with the back of my hand. We both stood and I wrapped Gerry in my arms. She has been such crucial part of my life, of my growth in moving past my insecurities that were instilled by my parents. She never gave up on me, and never for one second wrote me off as a bad apple, or being incapable of loving someone. Too bad it took me this long to figure it out too.

Chapter 24

Daniella

I woke with a start. I sat up quickly as my eyes adjusted the room. It took me a second to realize where I was and I instantly grabbed my wrist to check if the chains were gone. It was like I could still feel them. Then I remembered his words, “because I love too.” Fear crept its way in when I couldn’t look away from the empty spot next to me. Was he doing it again? Running. When I needed him the most?

The flush of the toilet startled me, but at the same time filled me with relief. Travis stepped out of the door and I swear my heart skipped two or three beats. His expression changed when he met my eyes, like he could see right through me. My hands clenched the comforter as he leaned a knee on the bed before setting down next to me.

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