Page 119 of The Maverick
He took my hand. “It is. But I didn’t know someone like you existed for me. I don’t come here that often anymore.”
“You don’t need to.” I turned to the cane leaning against the wall. “Is your leg healed?”
“It healed years ago.” He led me to a lounge area and ushered me to a comfortable chair.
“What do you mean?”
“I had several surgeries on my leg after the event, and I depended on the cane for a while. But the will to survive—the drive for vengeance—helped me get stronger.” He opened a refrigerator that blended in with the wall. “Water, juice, or wine?”
“Water, please.”
He pulled out a cabinet door that was also integrated into the wall and retrieved two glasses. Then he poured water into each, offering me a glass.
“I continued physical therapy to get stronger until I didn’t need the cane anymore. Though I didn’t need it, I kept it fortwo reasons. One, it reminded me of my survival. I befriended it. Two, I wanted my enemies to believe that I was still injured. People get sloppy when they think you’re weak.”
“So you were pretending to limp all this time?”
“It wasn’t pretending. I limped for a long time. That habit was ingrained in me. I had to remind myself to stop, but it was especially hard on days when I was preoccupied with other things. You know how some habits are more difficult to let go?” He gulped down the water and placed the glass on the table.
“Yes,” I said. “If people could stop their bad habits easily, they wouldn’t have a lot of problems. Butthenyouentered my life, and that annoying habit disappeared. It was so easy. I didn’t even realize it until recently.” He walked up to me and kissed me. “You healed me in so many ways. Your art and your presence.”
“I’m happy to help you. So the cane is merely an accessory to manipulate your enemies?”
He nodded. “Yes.”
“I like that idea. Do your friends know you don’t need the cane?”
“They do now.”
I smirked at my cunning billionaire boyfriend, who was also my husband. Our relationship was strange, but somehow, it worked for us. To the public eye, we were a married couple. But in reality, we were in the beginning stages of dating.
“I guess we’re manipulating our enemies too. You’re not my real husband. We’re lovers. Just dating.”
“I think we’re perfect partners in crime.”
“Okay, Whistler.” I laughed. “Where’s the next crime?”
“A hike in the woods.”
“Where three roads diverge?”
He grinned. “Exactly.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
ATTIKUS
I wokeat eight in the morning—the latest I’d ever slept in—and found the spot next to me empty. Where was she? I wanted her soft body next to me.
Rain splattered against the window, making me want to stay in bed. Last night was adventurous in every way. In the woods and in bed.
I enjoyed every minute spent with Vanessa. It was the best date I’d ever had. We didn’t discuss any topics that brought sadness or stress.I could live with this peaceful lifestyle.
I got out of bed and walked into the bathroom to wash up, wondering what she had in store for me. When I entered the kitchen, Vanessa was wearing an apron and stirring something on the stove. It smelled delicious.
“What are you making, Lily Pad?” I came up behind her and kissed her neck. She smelled delicious too.
“Chicken porridge.” She turned and kissed me. “Perfect for a day like this. Have you had chicken porridge before?”
