Badass in Disguise (Shadow) novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197

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“Get the fuck away from me,” Jade muttered, shoving his face back.

A knock at the door interrupted Night’s theatrics. Maverick stood outside, his weathered face creased in a cautious

smile.

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“I’d like to offer you folks more suitable accommodations,” he said, his eyes darting between Night and Jade. “Given the recent excitement, it seems prudent to relocate you.”

Night immediately straightened, his playful demeanor vanishing. “How convenient,” he said coldly. “Explosions rock Scorpio territory, and suddenly you’re offering us shelter. Why the hospitality, old man? Did your people blow up those Scorpio casinos?”

Maverick’s eye twitched almost imperceptibly. “Uh… it was an accident. A misunderstanding. You burned down their auction house, we blew up their casinos. Makes us something like allies, doesn’t it? Care to be friends?”

Night snorted. “Everyone wants to be our friend these days. How do I know you’re not setting us up? Seems suspicious, you showing up now. Maybe you heard we were planning to blow up your territory next?”

Maverick’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”

Jade moved toward the door, brushing past Maverick without acknowledging his shock. “Let’s go.”

“Baby, wait-” Night called after her.

Jade didn’t break stride. “Didn’t you say you wanted to change locations?”

“Please,” Maverick said, regaining his composure as he gestured to Night and Chris. His eyes lingered respectfully on Ethan, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, offering him a slight nod of deference.

—

Maverick led them to a compound at the edge of his territory–a cluster of small but clean buildings surrounded by armed guards. The contrast with their previous accommodations was stark.

I hope these quarters will suffice,” Maverick said, showing them the last of four separate rooms. I’ve arranged for private security and meals to be delivered.”

With a respectful nod, Maverick left them to settle into their new surroundings.

After leaving his guests, Maverick found Sloane waiting anxiously at the command center of their compound.

“Is it true, sir?” Sloane asked eagerly, eyes bright with anticipation. ‘Is Mr. Haxton really here in Crimson Valley? I could bring him breakfast tomorrow.”

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8:22 Thu, Sep 25

Chapter 197

“You’ll do no such thing,” Maverick replied firmly. “The last thing he needs is your fawning attention causing complications.”

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At eleven that night, Jade heard Ethan’s door open. Seconds later, Night’s door creaked open as well. She moved silently to her own door, cracking it just enough to observe.

Ethan stood in the hallway, dressed in the same clothes from earlier. Night leaned against his doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Midnight stroll?” Night asked. “Perhaps you could borrow one of the arms dealer’s guard dogs for protection. I hear they’re very effective at keeping unwanted company away.”

“I’d suggest you take one yourself, but they might mistake you for a fire hydrant.”

Night pushed off from the doorframe, his posture shifting from casual to threatening. “You want to say that again?”

Jade pushed her door open wider, leaning against the frame. Both men immediately froze, their heads snapping in

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