Sugar Boss

by Charity Parkerson

  Hendrix’s light green eyes didn’t scream insanity. They were clear. The man had a purpose. Zander felt... resigned and strangely relieved. Peace had finally come for him.

  “What the fuck is this?” Pytor roared, as he attempted to shove Zander behind him.

  Hendrix’s stare never wavered from Zander. His hand didn’t shake. “I won’t let you hurt Maverick. He doesn’t deserve someone destroying his life and career so the rich can get richer. This has to stop. It should’ve stopped with Gio. Yet, you’re running his businesses like he’s still here.”

  “Do not do this thing, Henny,” Pytor begged.

  Zander waved for Pytor to stay back. “Gio is dead,” Zander said, because he got the impression Hendrix needed the reminder. Sometimes, Zander also needed the words said aloud, reminding him a monster was gone. “Everything terrible he stood for, died with him. You don’t have to worry Maverick will end up like us. But I won’t apologize for taking control of Gio’s assets after he died. I took what was mine after almost twenty years of serving as his whore,” Zander said, feeling the rage of a cruel life boiling inside him. He took a step closer to the gun. “I took what he owed me for the months I spent in bed, recovering from internal injuries and broken bones. He owed me everything for every bruise I hid. Concussion I suffered. I know he stole everything from you too. Let me give it back.”

  “I don’t want your fucking money,” Hendrix spat, sounding enraged. “I want you gone. You know how I ended up like this. You know it wasn’t an accident. People like you and me, we’re not worth the air filling this elevator. But people like Maverick, he still stands a chance. He’s good. I think it’s time we get off this rock and leave it to people like him. He loves you and you don’t deserve it.”

  “You’re right. I don’t,” Zander said, shifting even closer. “So, don’t miss.” He moved forward until the barrel touched his chest. “I don’t want to live to see another family move in and take over. My sanity can’t withstand watching Pytor and Yaro forced to work for someone new, being whipped like animals for protecting a child.” He gripped the barrel, moving it slightly to the left, over his heart. “Don’t miss. I’m tired.” His eyes burned. Zander didn’t care. Losing Maverick was a final blow in a long and exhausting life.

  Hendrix’s body sagged, as if the life drained from him. Pytor snatched the gun and tucked it away. The elevator started moving again. Hendrix and Zander never broke eye contact.

  “You love him.”

  Even though it hadn’t been a question, Zander answered. “Yes.”

  “He loves you too.”

  Zander’s sucked in a ragged breath. “I don’t know why.”

  Hendrix looked away. “Maybe Gio didn’t completely break you.”

  “Yes, he did.”

  The man’s unnaturally light green gaze swung Zander’s way. “Maybe he did, but I think Maverick has been healing you.”

  The elevator stopped again. Zander turned away. The door slid open. “He doesn’t want the job,” Zander admitted, as he stepped off the lift. “And I don’t blame him. It’s too much to ask of anyone.”

  Pytor made sure the door didn’t close. Zander met Hendrix’s gaze one last time. “I was serious earlier. If you decide you need anything, come to me. I know you don’t want anything to do with Gio’s money, but I have no qualms spending it. You didn’t deserve what he did to you.”

  A flash of pain crossed over Hendrix’s features. He visibly swallowed. “Neither did you.”

  “Maybe,” Zander said, walking away. He still hadn’t decided if he was relieved or disappointed Hendrix hadn’t killed him.

  Going early to Vegas with Korey had been the worst and best thing for Maverick’s soul. They’d had a great time, drinking, talking, gambling, and making late-night drunken confessions. He’d been surprised to learn the depth of Korey and Zeke’s relationship. Zeke was a fool for pushing Korey away, but Maverick had a feeling it wouldn’t last long. He’d played witness to the way they stared at each other too many times to believe otherwise.

  At the other end of the spectrum, losing Zander was a constant gnawing ache that wouldn’t abate no matter how much alcohol Maverick consumed. It was also damn hard to pretend he didn’t see Zander sitting nearby. His gaze wouldn’t stop sweeping the man’s way. Zander looked two steps beyond fucking sexy in his expensive business suit. He stared back at Maverick, openly daring him to look away.

  “Who is that?” Korey asked over the top of the drink menu.

  Maverick didn’t have to ask him to clarify. Korey wasn’t an idiot. “That’s my version of Zeke,” Maverick answered tearing his gaze away from Zander for the hundredth time. Even he heard the pain lacing each syllable.

  Korey’s light-gray stare moved in Zander’s direction. He eyed the man who’d broken Maverick in every way. “Wow. He’s really beautiful, Maverick. What the fuck made you ask me to come here with you after being with him? He’s… whoa.”

  Irritation had Maverick swiping the menu from Korey’s hands, forcing the man to meet his stare. “Don’t do that. You’re right. He’s beautiful, but most liars are. Don’t compare yourself to him. If you weren’t in love with Zeke, and wanted to give me a real shot, he couldn’t compete with you.”

  The bright smile that overtook Korey’s face screamed that he thought Maverick was full of shit. Maybe he was. Maverick no longer knew himself. “It wouldn’t matter if I wasn’t in love with Zeke. You’d still be in love with that guy—liar or not,” Korey said, showing how well he understood. “It’s okay,” Korey added, setting his hand on top of Maverick’s. A hint of pain crossed Korey’s features. “If he didn’t scream at you that you should go live with someone else and let them support you, then you’re already doing better than I am.”

  Ouch. Korey hadn’t deserved that one, especially coming from Zeke—the guy who’d intentionally put Korey in that position, making the man dependent upon him. “You should come live with me,” Maverick offered without thought. Once it was out there, Maverick didn’t take it back. “I have a spare bedroom. Obviously, I can’t keep you in the style you’re used to, but you wouldn’t be homeless.”

  Korey pulled away and sat back, shaking his head. “Don’t worry over me. I’ve been thinking, maybe I should give up Stanford and head back to Alabama. Maybe moving to California in the first place was a mistake.”

  Maverick couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Zander’s presence was forgotten. “You have a full ride. Are you insane? Do you really intend to let Zeke steal everything from you, including your education and future?”

  With a shrug, Korey shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “There’s more to it than tuition. Once Zeke cleans out my savings account, taking the money I owe him for supporting me the past two years, I won’t be able to afford to keep living in California, even if I don’t have to pay for college.”

  He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Zeke intended to clean out the guy’s savings? At least Maverick didn’t have to worry over that.

  “Wow. This is a small world.”

  Maverick’s head snapped up as the words fell over the table. He looked up into a familiar set of eyes. A smile automatically pulled at his lips at the sight of Jude. “Hey. Maybe not so small since we’re all here to watch Zeke’s match tomorrow.”

  “That’s true,” Jude said, sounding congenial. His gaze slid Korey’s way before coming back to rest on Maverick. “I know this probably isn’t the time, but have you thought anymore about my offer?”

  An invisible weight punched Maverick in the chest. He’d lost Zander. The emptiness was staring him in the face again with that one question. For a moment, he stared at Korey. His gray gaze moved between them while he kept a polite smile in place. Maverick couldn’t fix himself, but he could help Korey. “Yeah, I think I’ll sign that contract.” He could give Korey a place to live with the money Jude offered.

  Jude slapped him across the back, nearly knocking him from his chair. “That’s awesome. Who’s your frie
nd?”

  Korey’s smile brightened. “I’m Korey.”

  With Maverick’s agreement to work for him out of the way, Maverick was obviously forgotten. Jude reached past him and held his hand out for Korey to shake. “I’m Jude. Since I see Maverick’s man over there, giving you both the death stare, I’m assuming you two aren’t together. As a couple,” he added, clearing up any doubts about this question.

  “Right,” Korey said, keeping his polite smile in place. “We’re just friends.”

  “In that case, I have no interest in being just friends. Would you like to get a drink?”

  Maverick dropped his gaze to the table to hide his smile. Jude didn’t mess around when he saw something he liked.

  A nervous sounding chuckle came from Korey’s side of the table. “Um. Sure. I guess.”

  “Perfect,” Jude said, moving to Korey’s side and helping him to his feet. Jude’s gaze moved Maverick’s way. “We’ll set up an appointment next week to get that contract signed.”

  Maverick dipped his chin. “Sounds good. Take good care of Korey. I’m keeping a close eye on him.”

  Jude’s expression shifted, turning serious. “I am taking care of Korey. Otherwise, you’re likely to get him hurt,” he added under his breath as he led Korey toward the bar. Maverick’s stomach cramped at the accusation. His gaze moved Zander’s way. Was Zander capable of hurting Korey if he thought the man was a threat? Maverick would like to think Zander would never do such a thing, but then again, Maverick wasn’t sure he knew Zander at all.

  A beer landed on the table in front of Maverick a half second before Hendrix filled the chair beside him. At the sight of the man’s familiar light green gaze, a genuine smile pulled at Maverick’s lips. For some reason, with Zander sitting across the room, Maverick needed all the friendly faces he could get.

  “Hey. Damn, everyone is here tonight.”

  Hendrix shrugged at Maverick’s observation. “The hotel attached to the arena where the fight is being held is booked solid. Since a few of the other guys from Powerhouse were staying here, and the prices were good, I figured I’d come too.” His gaze slid toward the bar. “I see you came with Korey after all.”

  “Only as friends,” Maverick said before Hendrix could get the wrong idea.

  “I doubt Zeke will see it that way.”

  Maverick shrugged. Considering everything he’d heard from Korey, Maverick wasn’t sure he gave a fuck what Zeke thought. “Korey’s headed home in the morning. He’s not staying for the match.”

  To his surprise, Hendrix didn’t ask why. Instead, he nodded toward the bar. “Who’s that with Korey at the bar?”

  “Is this for me?” Maverick asked, lifting the beer Hendrix had set in front of him. At Hendrix’s nod, Maverick sucked back half the bottle before answering. “That’s Jude Green.”

  Hendrix’s eyebrows rose. “The guy who owns Green’s Fighter Fuel?”

  “Yep.”

  At Maverick’s response, Hendrix eyed the man a minute longer. “He’s pretty damn hot for an old dude.”

  A snort escaped Maverick. He needed a laugh. “I’m glad we ran into each other. It’s been forever since we had a drink.”

  “That’s true. You’ve become boring.”

  Another chuckle escaped Maverick. He’d always liked Hendrix. The man never held back a thought. “Some people might disagree.”

  Hendrix polished off his beer. “Some people or just one person?” Hendrix kept his gaze locked on where Korey and Jude stood as he asked the question, giving Maverick time to hide his wince. His gaze slid Zander’s way. He was gone. Maverick fought the urge to leap from his chair and hunt the man down.

  “He left the moment I sat down.”

  Maverick’s gaze shot to Hendrix at the man’s claim. “Who?”

  Hendrix pulled a face. “Don’t do that. You know who.”

  Maverick’s eyes skirted away. He hated that Zander still owned him when the man refused to tell him a damn thing about himself, or the truth for that matter. Maverick rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry. I’m...” He sighed and pasted on a fake smile, giving Hendrix his full attention. “What’s going on in your life? How have you been?”

  Hendrix’s smile turned sweet, easing some of the pressure in Maverick’s chest. “Would you like another drink?”

  “Sure. Let me get this round.”

  Hendrix shifted to his feet. Before Maverick could guess at his intentions, Hendrix touched his lips to the corner of Maverick’s mouth. Maverick froze. He didn’t know how to react. If Hendrix had ever shown any interest in him, Maverick hadn’t noticed. He noticed now. “I’ve got it,” Hendrix said, walking away. Maverick’s gaze followed him across the room. For the first time, he realized he wasn’t the only one. Several heads turned as Hendrix passed. Hendrix walked with a slight limp, but it added to his appeal in Maverick’s opinion. Otherwise, he’d be too pretty.

  When Hendrix reached the bar, he stepped between Jude and Korey, making Maverick laugh. Hendrix had gumption. He stood up for what he thought was right. The man obviously didn’t think Jude hitting on Korey was right. Maverick shook his head. Life had been so damn eye opening lately. Maverick wondered if he knew anyone anymore, or if he’d always been blind. Hendrix glanced over his shoulder, meeting Maverick’s stare. He winked. The guy was so fucking beautiful. Maverick felt nothing, except empty. He wanted Zander.

  Eight

  With Zeke’s fight over and everyone celebrating, Zander was back at the Luna. Back to stalking Maverick. He was alone now. Zander couldn’t look away. Judging by Maverick’s inability to completely hold his head up, the man had passed shitfaced two hours ago and moved into a territory of unknown drunkenness. Zander had watched his every move all night. Last night too, which Zander should get a medal for since Maverick had brought another man with him to Zander’s hotel. Of course, Zander hadn’t killed the boy the way he wanted. It hadn’t taken him long to put out feelers and learn the boy belonged to Zeke. Not to mention, if there was a chance in hell Maverick might take him back, Zander didn’t want to lose it by hurting some child Maverick flaunted in his face.

  Maverick swayed on his stool. Zander motioned for Yaro to intervene since he was closest. While Yaro and Pytor flanked Maverick, stopping him from falling out, Zander crossed the room. He winced as Maverick came into earshot.

  Yaro was attempting to lure Maverick from the bar. “Mr. Kapra requests the pleasure of your company.”

  “Tell Zander he can go fuck himself.”

  Zander pressed against Maverick’s back, boxing him in while Yaro and Pytor melted away. “Why would I do that when I can fuck you?”

  Maverick’s phone buzzed, keeping the man’s attention from Zander. Despite being ignored, Zander refused to budge. He stood silently as Maverick brought his phone close to his face and drunkenly answered his texts.

  Once he’d obviously done all he could to avoid Zander, Maverick’s sexy honey-colored eyes landed on Zander. “Did you say something about fucking me?”

  Damn, Zander hated the way Maverick asked that—like Zander wouldn’t be anything more than a one-night stand if he accepted.

  “That depends,” Zander said, sounding harder than usual even to his ears. “Did you bring that child with you to Vegas to taunt me?”

  For a moment, Maverick blinked at him. Zander could practically hear the man sifting through all his scathing thoughts to choose a retort. In the end, he turned away and said nothing.

  Love made Zander stupid and mean. Then again, maybe he’d always been both those things. “I shouldn’t have said that. It’s not my business who you spend your time with.” Zander ground his back teeth, fighting the urge to take it back. It damn well was his business. Maverick was his. “Tell me to fuck off.”

  Nothing.

  Zander didn’t give up. “Tell me you hate me, and I make you sick. Stand up and scream at me for doing what I had to do to survive when I had nothing else.”

  Still, Maverick wouldn’t loo
k his way.

  “You don’t want to talk to me.” Zander pressed his forehead to Maverick’s shoulder for a moment, hoping to stave off the pain. “That’s fine. You can listen. A person doesn’t need water to drown. I’ve been suffocating for so long I forgot what it felt like to breathe properly before I met you.” Zander swallowed. He couldn’t fix this. This was his life. There was no changing it. He needed Maverick to love him as is, including the ugly parts. “Don’t take that away from me. Don’t take away the only—” Zander dropped his forehead to Maverick’s shoulder again. He squeezed the man’s arms and held on. There was no sense in him continuing. Nothing he said would make Maverick accept something he couldn’t. He kissed Maverick’s shoulder one last time. “I’ll leave Yaro with you. He’ll make sure you don’t die of alcohol poisoning and that you make it back to your room.” He couldn’t let go right away. His fingers wouldn’t unclench. “I love you.”

  Zander pushed away before he ruined Maverick’s life. He motioned for Yaro to watch Maverick as he headed for the lobby. He kept his head down as he made his way to the elevator. Zander didn’t slow even when people called his name. He’d known Maverick was done with him before speaking with him or seeing him with another man. His heart just hadn’t wanted to accept it.

  At the lift, Pytor reached past him and pushed the up button to take them to the penthouse. Zander stared at his shoes.

  “Is that really how you plan to announce you love me?”

  Zander didn’t allow hope to rise. Maverick’s dry tone didn’t inspire much confidence in him having changed his mind. He met Maverick’s gaze. There was so much pain in Maverick’s eyes, Zander wondered if his chest would cave. “I assumed you knew.”

  Maverick visibly swallowed. He glanced away. The elevator opened. “That makes sense,” Maverick said almost too low to hear while still staring at something in the distance. “I guess I thought you understood I love you too, and you didn’t need to lie to me about anything.”