her baby and as I watch him settle in her arms, I wonder how she got so wise. She’s right of course, its early days for us and we have a lot to learn about each other. From the sounds of it, we’re alike in many ways because like Maverick, I hold myself apart and let no one in.
Ashton brings me back to the conversation and says sweetly, “Why don’t you come with me later to meet the rest of them?”
“The bar?”
I look at her in horror and she laughs. “It’s not that bad, honey. A little daunting at first, but I’ll be right beside you. Come and meet the other girls and they will tell you everything you want to know. Don’t be put off by what you see because those girls are living the dream. When I first came here, the word ‘whore’ left a bad taste in my mouth. I felt it was so degrading and couldn’t imagine why any girl would call herself one with the obvious pride these girls do. But you should know the guys are the biggest whores in this place because they need those women more than the girls need them. When they catch feelings, they stay true and loyal and that is the greatest prize there is.”
I think about what she says and then remember Millie and ask Ashton about her. “One of the girls, Millie, told me she thinks Maverick is hiding something. It made me think and I asked him about it. He totally overreacted and we argued. He was so dismissive of her, but she was only being kind. I suppose it got my back up and made me wonder if he would be as dismissive of me in company.”
Ashton looks concerned and sighs heavily. “Millie does have feelings for Maverick but they have never been reciprocated. I feel for her but it’s her problem to deal with, not yours, or his. He has never given her the impression they could be anything more than the usual relationship they all share. She’s a sweet girl, like you said, and will find her way. I’m guessing that Maverick isn’t ready to talk about his past because I expect only Ryder and Snake possibly know what that is. I’m sure you understand that, honey, after all, you’re hiding a few secrets of your own, aren’t you?”
I look at her sharply and she smiles reassuringly. “It’s fine, I don’t mean you should tell anyone what they are until you’re good and ready, but secrets have a habit of coming out when you least expect it. Maybe if you open up to Maverick, he will do the same. Who knows, it may bring you closer together?”
“Maybe, then again, I’m still angry with him. I don’t think I’m ready for a heart to heart with him anytime soon.”
“Then come with me tonight, show him you are a strong lady and don’t need a man to hold your hand.”
Against my better judgment, I nod slowly, “Ok, what time and where?”
“Come and call for me at 8. The kids will be in bed and Lou will watch them if I ask.”
“Won’t Ryder mind?”
I feel anxious because I’m guessing they like to spend their evenings together and Ashton smiles. “Oh, he’ll be there, honey, he always is. He just doesn’t have to be there with me. A little independence keeps these men on their toes and it will do him good to entertain himself for a while.”
She winks and she rockets up in my estimation of her. Yes, Ryder King may be the hardest bastard that ever lived, but this woman has the measure of him. I’m guessing he would do anything she asks, which shows me where the real power lies in this place. Yes, the women rule this particular roost and that settles my mind. It’s the opposite to where I come from, where the women do exactly what they’re told at all times. This is so refreshing and gives me hope for a future I never thought was mine to enjoy.
16
Maverick
My day goes from bad to worse because Ryder calls me in and sends me out with a few of the others to deal with another low life that’s overstepped the mark. He was head of a trafficking ring that traded women for dollars. He got greedy though and was blackmailing some powerful suits who bought them, threatening to leak their involvement unless they paid him big time. The cops arrested him but