MAVERICK
I knew something wasn’t right when he walked into the kitchen. We may have only known for a few weeks, but Lake was a ray of sunshine. But not tonight, though. He seemed to have carried the whole world on his shoulder, and I had a feeling that it had something to do with his announcement.
And that kiss- it was something- deep and meaningful as if he was pouring out all his emotions, wearing his heart on his sleeves.
“He can fuck with it.” He was mad. I could see it in the way his body was tense.
“Maybe you should care about his opinion.”
“Says the woman who doesn’t want to know about her father.”
Okay, this conversation was getting out of hand. “That’s a different story. My father hasn’t been there for me since birth. Your father, on the other hand-”
“He doesn’t like you!”
I opened my mouth to say something, but my brain went blank for a moment.
“Wallace always gets what he wants, and I’m not giving it to him this time.”
I chuckled bitterly. “What could I possibly expect from someone like Wallace Winston?” I turned off the fire before I burned the entire building. “Of course, I knew from the start that this would happen. Someone will rally against this marriage because I am poor, a nobody, and rich marries rich for business alliances. Maybe you should have married your ex. She came from a prominent family.”
He glared down at me. Eyes burning holes against mine. “I can’t believe you just said that.”
“Maybe seventy percent of arranged marriages always ended up in divorce, Lake, or abused relationships, but for the sake of connections and money and to keep the business running.”
“My cousin and his friends work just fine.”
I scoffed. “Because they’re all billionaires. And this is a contract marriage anyway. It ends soon.”
“Drop it, Maverick. I don’t wanna talk about it anymore.”
“You should-”
“Just fucking drop it!” His voice startled me, echoing in the entire penthouse, vibrating against the wall. “I don’t want you ever to bring up this topic again, Maverick. Ever.”
I dropped my gaze. I needed to remind myself more often about why I was in this situation. This was not some fairy tale. This marriage was a nightmare.
“On the other thought, I just lost my appetite.” He walked away, leaving me in the kitchen with what was supposed to be our dinner.
Shit.
I ignored the pain in my chest and the constant knotting in my belly. I was hungry. I left Cooper early at the thought of cooking dinner for Lake and spending some quality time with him on the couch with his whisky and a glass of red wine for myself.
I had no choice but to set up the table for myself. The marry-me chicken was delicious, tender, and juicy, served with smooth mashed potato and steamed beans on the side.
I always didn’t push people when I got into arguments because pushing and provoking them wouldn’t help. You couldn’t add fuel to a fire, so I let him go.
I cleaned the kitchen until it was spotless and put the leftovers in the refrigerator. Then, I went to the couch with a glass of wine, turned the tv on, and watched a crime procedural drama on Netflix.
When I got bored, I turned it off, went to my room, showered, and read some pages from my textbook. I didn’t expect him to come and apologize. Our relationship may be unconventional with benefits, but I deserved a little respect.
I might have fallen asleep. I woke up thirsty. I went downstairs to get water when I heard heavy footsteps from the living room.
Owen appeared with Lake’s arm around his shoulder, unable to walk straight.
“Is he drunk?” Why did I have to ask the obvious? Lake was wearing the same shirt and ditched his jacket and tie. I guessed he went out the moment he left the kitchen.
“Yeah. I tried stopping him, but he just cursed the hell out of me. I’m sorry, Mrs. Winston.”
“It’s not your fault. He’s a big guy who can decide for himself to act like an adult or a rich spoiled brat.”
“I’ll bring him into his room and put him in bed. Do you need anything?”
“No, thanks.” I stole a glance at Lake. He looked drunk but smirking with his barely open red eyes. “Do that because I won’t put him in bed.”
“Right.” Lake chuckled. “You don’t give a shit because you got my money.” Though he slurred, he seemed to know what he was saying.
“That’s enough, boss.” Owen tried to help him stand straight, but Lake had undone his arm on Owen.
“No. Wait.” He tried hard to stand straight, pointing at me. “You, woman. Go up in my room, get naked in bed. I’ll be there.”
“Take him.” I turned and walked away, my chest heaving. I wanted to run away, forget what I’d done, the contract and everything. It wasn’t worth it. It felt like I had just sold my soul to the devil and had no way of redeeming it back.
My chest was slowly filling with unspoken rage. I’d had enough humiliation in my life, but I never expected this one would come from Lake, the man I respected.
When Owen grabbed his arm, he jerked it off. “Why? Do you think they didn’t know? ”
I stopped, turned around, and faced him. “You’re drunk and hurting. Sleep it over, Lake. We’ll talk tomorrow. I don’t want to deal with you when I’m angry, and you’re not yourself.”
“You didn’t mind me having you while you were on your knees the other night. I paid you to be my wife, might as well pay you to-”
Before he could finish his words, I yelped in shock. My hands were on my mouth, and my eyes widened as I stared at him, dropping to the floor with a strong blow from Owen’s fist.
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Winston, but you don’t deserve to be treated like he did. I’ll pay the consequences later.” He grabbed Lake by the arm, threw him over his shoulder, and carried him as if he weighed nothing.
I was hurt, angry, and shocked at the same time. I went back to my room and forgot that I was thirsty.
I grabbed my phone and stared at the screen, torn between dialing Cooper’s number to come and take me or typing a text to Linden.
MAVERICK: Hi. I’m Maverick. I hope you remember me. I have a consultation, and maybe your branch can help.
Surprisingly, Linden was awake. What was I thinking of texting him at three in the morning?
LINDEN: Of course, Maverick. How can I help?
MAVERICK: Sorry to wake you up.
LINDEN: I changed the diaper for my child.
MAVERICK: You’re a good dad, Gabe. Anyway, I need someone’s professional expertise. I want to find someone.
LINDEN: Your father? Does Winston know about this?
MAVERICK: I’d rather keep it between the person handling the case and me. I want to open a file and pay for the service.
LINDEN: I can help you with that, but you have to tell your husband, Maverick.
MAVERICK: Thank you. I’ll drop by your office. Where should I go?
LINDEN: You don’t have to come here. I’ll make your request a priority.
MAVERICK: Thank you, Gabe.