Page 47 of March 5

Tears welled in Skye's eyes. He cupped her face, using his thumbs to catch the tears. His girl never cried. She was tough, strong, stubborn, and he was breaking her.

"Maverick?" His voice came out rough and deep. "Do what you gotta do but I'm not walking away from her."

He pulled Skye to him, claiming her lips. The sweet, warm sanctuary of her mouth engulfed him. It was his turn to taste her. He drew her tongue into play, getting a moan from her.

He fisted her hair, knowing he'd made his point to everyone in the room, including Skye. Pulling back, he peppered her lips with kisses and pressed his forehead against hers.

He worked his lips, wanting to place them on her again. "Trust me?"

She nodded. Her hands tightened on his arms. He turned around, facing Maverick. The emotions in his MC brother's gaze spoke volumes.

"I will be with her, with or without your permission. I swear on the patch, I will love her," he said.

In the hallway, Brooke sniffled. He refused to look away from Maverick. Whatever he needed to do, he'd do it.

It took everything in him not to take advantage of what Skye offered him when she'd crawled into his bed. He'd done everything in his power to keep his distance.

But his heart was involved.

He followed the bylaws.

Swearing on his life—whatever happened next, he wasn't going to walk out of the house without Skye.

Chapter Twenty

Dio's body stiffened. Skye wrapped her arms around his waist and stood by his side. She was still trying to process everything happening and yet wanted to tell him he was overblowing his commitment toward her dad.

She did not need him to ask her father for permission.

Once she turned eighteen, she made her own decisions and proved to everyone around her that she could make mature, smart, business-like choices as she navigated schooling and her career. Her aunt raised her to be strong and independent. Her dad taught her to love and take chances.

"That's my baby you're holding." Her dad never once looked at her but had locked gazes with Dio. "I'll always be her dad. If you fuck up and hurt her, I'll kill you."

Dio nodded. "I'm not going to ruin the best thing in my life."

She squeezed his waist. Nobody was going to take her off him. She'd waited too long to touch him.

Maverick bent over, picked up the two pistols, and handed them back to Dio. Then, he leaned over and kissed her forehead.

From the hallway, Aunt Brooke blew kisses her way. She smiled, practically floating as if in a dream

"Love you." Her dad kissed her forehead again and then stepped back. "Now, get out of here."

Dio whirled her around and escorted her through the front door. Outside, the cool night air slapped her in the face.

"Why didn't you tell me?" She took her helmet from him and slipped it on her head. "I thought you couldn't see me—"

"I'm not blind, princess." He kissed her quickly, putting on his helmet. "The bylaws don't allow me to touch the old lady, daughter, or sister of a Havlin member. I had to ask your dad's permission first."

"What if he would've said no?"

He swung his leg over the seat and toed the kickstand. "I'd be dead because nothing would stop me from returning that kiss you gave me."

She climbed behind him, wrapping her arms around him. She never questioned him about where they were going. Wherever he wanted to take her was fine, as long as when they stopped, they could be together.

The ride was short.

He'd taken her to his house. To the place she'd always run to because he was there.