I still can’t believe Lincoln’s cousin is wrapped up in this bullshit. Do the Saints ever take the easy path? What’s wrong with a nice, normal, quiet life?
I swear to God…
Once I’m showered, I find Maverick half awake, but still in bed. “Morning, princess,” he mumbles sleepily. “Why are you up already?”
“Indi,” is all I say and he yawns, nodding. I head to my dresser and dry my hair roughly, scraping it back into a messy ponytail before getting dressed. Once I’m wearing an outfit that makes me feel like a powerful bitch, I quickly do my face. By the time I’m done, Maverick has showered and redressed.
“I have fresh clothes over at Linc’s. Finn’s still there from yesterday. You good to go?”
“Yeah, just need shoes,” I say, before ducking into my closet and grabbing a pair of boss-ass-bitch stilettos. Is my body in the best condition for this outing? Absolutely not. I’m going regardless. Indi would do the same for me. Ride or die.
I’m more shocked that Ryker hasn’t said fuck it and broken her out himself. That’s a question for Linc later.
I slip my shoes on and straighten my jacket before following Maverick downstairs. “What do you know about Alexander?”
“Not much,” he says with a shrug. “He’s run with the Rebels for a long time from what Linc told us. Worked his way up through the ranks, and now he runs the city.”
I frown, wondering how much Linc knows of what my dad did. Surely if he knew, he’d have used what he knows? Or maybe he isn’t as motivated as I am.
That or he just doesn’t want to be an asshole to his cousin.
Either way, Alexander Saint is going to have a bad day if he doesn’t hand Indi over willingly.
“Miss Octavia! Good, you’re awake,” Smithy says as I stride across the living room toward the kitchen, but he frowns when he looks at me properly. “Where, exactly, do you think you’re going? You should be resting.”
“I have something to take care of. Indi needs my help. I’ll rest later.”
He purses his lips, glancing over at Mav who shrugs. “Don’t look at me, I’m just following her lead.”
I roll my eyes, little traitor. He just doesn’t want to lose his food privileges.
“I don’t think you should be doing anything right now, Miss Octavia. I called the school and told them you wouldn’t be back today. I told them you’ve been ill. I do wish you would stay home and rest.”
I sigh, folding my arms over my chest. Arguing with Smithy isn’t something I want to do, but he isn’t going to stop me right now. “I appreciate that, but I’m helping Indi.”
My tone brooks no argument and he shakes his head. “You’re too headstrong, just like your father.” I level him with a glare and he backs off a little. “Fine, fine. But on Sunday, I’d like us to have dinner with Matthew. Miss Indi is welcome to join if everything is okay with her.”
“Thank you, Smithy.” I walk over to him and kiss him on the cheek. “I’d love to meet Matthew finally. I’ll be fine. Hopefully, I won’t be gone all day, but I’ll keep you in the loop, okay?”
“That will make me feel better, do you want something to eat before you leave?”
I shake my head, smiling softly. I feel sick even thinking about food. “No, but thank you. My stomach still isn’t really feeling up to much, but I promise I’ll eat later.”
He gives me a quick one arm hug and mutters, “You best.”
Once he releases me, I move back to Maverick, taking his hand and heading out the back and through the gate to the Saints’. By the time we enter the kitchen, Lincoln and Finley are already sitting at the kitchen table, coffee in hand.
“I’ll just go get changed,” Mav says, kissing me quickly before jogging out of the room.
“How is East?” I ask as I pour myself a cup of coffee before joining them at the table.
“Sleeping,” Linc says, draining the last of his cup. “He took his painkillers this morning, so I imagine he’ll be out for most of the day. Mrs. Potts is keeping an eye on him while we head into the city.”
I’m glad Mrs. Potts is here. It means I can focus on Indi without worrying about East. I’d have liked to have seen him this morning, but I’m not about to wake him up just to make myself feel better.
“We doing this?” Mav asks as he strides back into the room in fresh jeans and a long-sleeved black tee and boots. How do they all make such simple things look so goddamn hot?
Lincoln nods and stands while Finn takes my hand and squeezes it. “You sure you’re up to this?”