Maverick

does. He saw my scars. He knows my life has not been the best and he’s still here.
He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.
I just met him, but it’s like I’ve always known him. I don’t bother looking at the scenery, just Maverick.

5 Bell
I’m shaking by the time we reach the house. The sun went down a while ago.
“Come on, let’s get you warmed up.” He keeps the blanket around me, walking me inside his house.
“Why don’t you hop in the shower and you can borrow some of my clothes?” he suggests.
My teeth chattering, I nod. “That’s a good idea,” I manage to get out. He gives me a soft look and shows me his bathroom and goes to his chest, taking out a pair of sweats and a shirt.
“Here, I’ll shower in the guest room.” He uses his thumb to point in the direction of the room next door.
I walk into the bathroom. I start to lock the door but I close my fist, stopping myself.
He hasn’t done one thing to betray my trust yet. I need to start trusting others more.
He has proven to me that I can trust him, and I’m going to do just that. I turn on the water and let it heat up.
Maverick
I stand outside of the door, listening to her walking inside of the bathroom. I smile when she doesn’t lock the door.
Baby steps.
I practically fucking walk on air as I exit the bedroom. It fucking thrills me that she’s in my room. Hell, in my house.
Bell
I take too long in his shower. I sat with my eyes closed, letting the warm spray run down my face.
I use his shampoo and body wash, the bathroom filling with his smell. I close my eyes, imagining he’s here with me.
I get out of the shower and lift his shirt to my face, breathing deep. My bra is soaked, and I hesitate to put the shirt on without it.
I hang my bra over the shower so it can dry. I pull up my sweatpants and open the bathroom door, my hair wetting the back of my shirt.
There’s music playing downstairs. I walk downstairs and stop in my tracks when I see Maverick standing shirtless in the kitchen seasoning the steaks.
He turns around to look at me, his eyes moving over me. “I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight than you in my clothes, darlin’.”
My face burns at his compliment. I try to play it off like it doesn’t affect me. “Do you need any help?” I start to take the seasonings from him.
He pulls them out of reach. “I got this, relax.”
I pull away and take my phone off of the counter when I see a few texts from River and Jessica. I text them back to let them know I’m fine.
“Want to grab us a few beers? I have some wine if you prefer that.” He nods towards the refrigerator.
“Wine is good, thank you.” I grab him a beer, opening it for him and pouring myself a glass.
I won’t drink more than one or two because I’m a lightweight since I didn’t drink at all until the last few months.
I lean against the counter, sipping on my wine and enjoying the view. His back is covered in tattoos, just like the front of him.
His back muscles flex with every movement. It should be a crime for someone to be this attractive.
“Ready to go outside?” He holds up the tray of food.
I walk in front of him and hold open the door. He gives me a look as I do so, but I just smile.
I’m coming to realize that Maverick doesn’t want me to move an inch if he can help it.
His backyard is absolutely beautiful. I fall in love. He has a huge sectional couch with some soft blankets thrown over the back and a fireplace in front of it, with a massive TV on top of that.
“Wow, this is beautiful, Maverick.” I run my hand across the back of the couch.
A huge swimming pool is behind the large outside entertainment area.
“Sit back and relax, honey.” He motions to the couch and I sit down, running my hands down the soft fabric.
They live such different lives than I did. I lived in a one-bedroom house that was falling apart. I couldn’t walk through certain parts of the house or I would fall through.
I think back to that part of my life and it seems like a dream. You never know how horrible life is until you have a good life, and I’m saddened. I was so brainwashed.
Now, I’m sitting in the home of the kindest, most beautiful man as he cooks for me.
I sip on my wine, tucking my legs under me. I’m so comfortable and I feel taken care of.
“How do you like your steaks?” he asks, flipping them.
“Medium. I can cook them if you want,” I tell him.
He gives me a small smile, closing the lid. “Let me take care of you. I know that you’ve not had a lot of that. Let me spoil you.” He runs his finger along my jawline and I close my eyes, leaning my face into his hand.
“You’re a fucking angel.” Lips touch my forehead. I press my lips together so I don’t cry with how sweet he is to me.
I had fantasized about finding someone, someone who would treat me like an actual woman.
But this is so much more than I ever expected.
His hand cups my chin. “You are beautiful. I can’t wait for the day when you feel no fear. You are so brave. One day, baby.” He walks back to the steaks.
An arrow straight to my heart, he has left me completely floored. How does he see so much of me?
It’s like he can see every part of me. I’m so vulnerable right now.
“Dinner’s ready.” He plates the food for us and he brings me my plate, sitting down next to me.
“Thank you so much for this. I’m