Bounded Passion

e room. He is Maverick's most trusted man-always by his side. "He said

p glowing faintly. Smoke slowly curled around him as he took one final drag, then crushed t

ment?" Maverick asked

didn't say, Boss. He just told me to tell you to re

t at his side. He had a strange feeling in his chest. Deep

ce hard. "Get the car r

dded quickly and hur

slipped it on smoothly, then carefully tucked two handguns into his waistband.

l sorts of crimes-assassinations, bribing government officials, illegal gambling,

his only son. At first, Maverick didn't want the job. He didn't like the idea of living in the shadows, surrou

ed for so long never loved him back. Hurt and full of anger, he threw himself into the

ng that continued to haunt him was the mystery of his parents' divorce

rd the mansion, Maverick sat quietl

announcement is really about?" he aske

father's been acting strange. He doesn't even take Si

was Don Henrik's most loyal bodygu

ck in his seat, his mind full of dar

as quiet-too quiet. Unlike the last time there was big news, th

th people, music, and expensive wine. That had been a show for the public. But

Maverick stepped out and adjusted his jacket. His face was serious

pped i

tfully, even though part of him still

No worries," he said in a steady voice. "Yo

narrowed in co

would be something to do with

d softly. Then he turned and

vehicles were getting closer. Maverick stood still, stari

g, with broad shoulders and a firm body that showed he still trained hard. He even had visible abs-a sign that he never gave up on staying in sha

Dean walked quietly into the room and leane

as a visitor,"

moved to stand beside him, ready to support his boss. Both men turned

the room, he wasn't alone.

p in respect, but his fathe

ut firm. There was no room for argument. Maverick sat back down, though his jaw tightene

expensive clothes, and the calm smile on her face showed that she came from a life of elegance and class. She is beautiful-t

Ferguson. She is going to be your stepmother. I expect you to show h

le. She started to rise from her

He stood up suddenly and wa

Henrik's voice exploded thr

. Even the staff in the mansion lowered their heads an

ed halfway, just enough t

id with anger in his voice. "But don't expect me

ia gently reached out and touched his

force him to accept me. Give him time. I'll earn his trust. I promise... I

were white from how hard he held it. His chest ached as he thought about his moth

eside him again. He leaned

another guest.

he heard his father's voice c

weetheart.

us. He watched as Henrik and Al

e traffic was bad," sai

young woman walked

dn't expected anything special. He thought this Roseline would be just another stranger. But th

e, and her face carried a quiet confidence. Her eyes met his for only a secon

t something he hadn't expected-curiosity, a