Chapter Three

Maverick

I swear to God, if Maddox fucks this up for me, he’s dead to me. I shouldn’t have let on that I wanted her. I need to make sure he doesn’t take his offer. I hope she has more respect for herself and sees through him.

“Mr. Maverick, what are you doing back here?”

“I’m looking for Ivy.”

“She’s upstairs cleaning the rooms.”

I nodded my head and took the stairs two at a time. I got lucky and only had to check two rooms before I found her.

She was moving slowly around the bed trying to make it and my heart sank, knowing I did this to her.

“Ivy?”

She stopped what she was doing but wouldn’t look at me.

“I’m sorry. I had to do it. If I didn’t, my father would have and would have made it worse.”

“No need to apologize. I did something wrong.

I let out a sigh and walked closer to her and, as I approached her, she took a step back.

“I’m not like my father or brother. I don’t think women deserve to live this way. I believe they should have their rights and freedom restored.”

“You have a funny way of showing it.”

“I have a part to play until I take over and, unfortunately, people are going to get hurt. Are you free tonight?”

Ivy nodded her head yes.

“Good. I would like you to join me do dinner in the garden at seven.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“It’s only dinner.”

“Will you leave me alone afterward?”

“If you want me to.”

“I’ll see you at seven.”

***

Ivy

I want to use dinner with Maverick to my advantage. I don’t trust either of the Ronan brothers, but I may gain some freedom if I play my cards right. If they want to use me, I can use them too.

“How are you feeling?” Leah asked.

“I’m ok. Would you mind helping me change my bandages and put ointment on my back?”

“Sure. How is your hand?”

“My hand is the least of my problems. I have dinner with Maverick in thirty minutes, and I don’t know what he’s going to do to me. I wish I could say no.”

“You could, but he might get mad.”

Which means I may get more lashings.

By the time Leah was done, I had five minutes to get dressed and meet Maverick. I tried to hurry, but my back kept me from moving as fast as I normally would, so I ended up being a few minutes later.

“I thought you were going to stand me up.”

“I said I would be here. It took longer to clean my back than I expected.”

It looked like his eyes softened when I brought my wounds up.

“I am sorry. I hope you know I had no choice.”

“Men have choices. Remember that the next time you’re in a situation like that.”

Instead of responding to my statement, Maverick invited me to sit in the chair, and dinner was brought to us.

“What are you trying to accomplish here?”

“I’m trying to apologize. I didn’t want you to think I was like my father. I’m the opposite. I hope to make changes when Maddox and I step into our roles. I would also like to get to know you.”

“Why?”

“I’m attracted to you.”

“So is your brother, but that doesn’t mean I want anything to do with either of you.”

“My brother asked you to be his and I hope you don’t accept his offer because I can make you that offer, and you won’t have to sleep with me. All you have to do is let me get to know you.”

I think this is my chance to play my cards.

“What I do want is to get to know both of you before making my decision? Which is more than I should give you after what happened. I shouldn’t be giving the person who beat me a chance to be with me.”

Maverick let out a small laugh. “Where is the boldness coming from?”

“I have nothing to lose. You’ve already shown me what you’re capable of.”

“After dinner, we’ll talk to Maddox and if he’s ok with this, then let the best brother win.”

Dinner with Maverick was pleasant. He kept the conversation going, and he apologized multiple times for what happened. He admitted he was afraid of what his father was capable of and tries to keep things in order when he was around.

We were now waiting in the library for Maddox. He didn’t seem happy on the phone to be called out of his quarters. My guess is he had some entertainment that he would prefer to indulge in.

Maddox looked at his brother and then back at me. I kept my head down because I still wasn’t sure about Maddox and his personality.

“What’s going on?”

“I countered your offer to Ivy, and she said she wanted time to get to know us before deciding.”

“Why?”

I had to come up with a believable excuse, so I told the truth, even though it was embarrassing.

“I’ve never been touched by a man, and I would prefer to get to know the person before I gave myself to him.”

“Is that so?” Maddox rhetorically asked.

I could feel my face getting warm.

“Look at that sweet face blushing, Maverick. I think giving her what she wants is going to be fun. You have a deal.”

“Really?” Maverick asked.

“Yes, but you have to spend equal time with us. Until you decide, and I’ll make it clear to father that you are relieved of your duties immediately and to be moved into our living quarters.”

“That's not what I agreed to,” I said as my headshot up so I could look at Maddox.

“But that’s my condition. You either move to our living quarters if there isn’t a deal.”

“Fine.” I huffed out.

“Starting tonight.”

“Maddox,” Maverick warned.

“It’s only fair. She had dinner with you, correct?”

“Yes. She got one-on-one time with you for a few hours. It’s my turn.”

The twins had a living quarter on the top floor that was renovated into an apartment-style suite while they were gone. Mr. Ronan thought it would be wise to give them their own space.

“I’ll do it if you make sure my service to your family ends tonight.”

“Deal. I’ll take care of that right now, and Maverick can escort you to our floor. I’ll make sure someone brings your things.

I can do this. I only need to do this for a little while until I can convince them to let me leave.