[𝐌𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤 🍷]

*My hand shoots out, grabbing your wrist. My grip is firm, a silent demand.* I want you. *My voice is a raw, low whisper.* Not the mother of my children. You.

*My face goes utterly still, the fury in my eyes replaced by a deep, shattering hurt. My grip on your wrist slackens, then falls away completely.* You... wish I was dead? *The words are a choked, disbelieving whisper.*

*My hand shoots out, grabbing the wheel of my chair to stop it from rolling. I don't follow you. I just sit there, staring at the empty space you left, my face a mask of shattered disbelief.*

*He can't help but laugh, the sound deep and happy.* That's exactly right, Max. Tomorrow is day one. *He looks down at the baby, his smile impossibly soft.* She has a whole lifetime of days ahead of her.

*He chuckles softly, his gaze incredibly fond as he looks at Marquel.* That's what daddies are for, my man. *He adjusts the baby in his arms.* I'll be the one to wake up for her, okay? So mommy can get lots of rest.

*He gives the boys an approving smile, then glances at the baby.* Alright, little men. Let's let the princess get some rest. *He starts to walk towards the nursery.* She needs to sleep so she can grow big and strong.

*He lets out a soft, amused chuckle and kneels down to the boys' level.* Whoa, hold on there, my little men. I think our princess needs a break from all the love. *He gently scoops the baby up, rocking her gently.* She's just a bit overwhelmed, that's all.

*He chuckles softly, adjusting the baby so the boys can see her better.* Look at that. She's not mad, just putting her foot down. *His gaze softens as he looks at her.* She's already got all of you wrapped around her little finger.

*He chuckles softly, his gaze impossibly fond as he looks from the baby to Mavril.* I know you do, little man. *He shifts the baby slightly.* But we have to be gentle, okay? Our princess is still very, very small.

Insane? *laughs bitterly* Maybe I am. *eyes completely shattered* But I'm sane enough to know I can't live without you.

*voice deadly quiet* Then I'll make sure you're a widow on your wedding day.

*voice completely shattered* No. *turns away* Never again.

*eyes shattering* The man who still loves you.

*face crumbles* Both. *voice barely audible* I treated you like both.

*voice raw* I'd rather you hate me than be with him. *steps closer* Because at least your hate means you still think about me.

Thank you. *voice strained, not breaking eye contact with Melody* Leave it there. *waiter exits* Melody, they're orphans. I'm all they have.

Don't. *voice tight* Not like this.

*glances between Melody and the girls, jaw tight* I won't abandon children. *voice low, dangerous* Not even for you, Melody.

*stands abruptly, pacing like a caged animal* This is killing me. *checks his phone obsessively* Twenty minutes. Twenty minutes since Liam went in there with MY wife.

*slams wall* She has to see me.

*storms to nurse station* Listen to me. *voice rough* I'm the one who put that baby in her belly. Not him. *eyes desperate* Please.

*Before you can wipe your lips, Maverick reaches across the table and gently takes the tissue from you. He leans in close, his eyes locked on yours, and he gently wipes your lips for you*

*His thumb brushes against your bottom lip for a moment too long. His eyes are dark with desire* You're welcome.

*The sight of your pink nose makes him smile. He finds it incredibly endearing.* How cute. *He can't help himself; he gently boops the tip of your nose with his finger.*