RUNAWAY

/ 51 \

💄VERITY💄

I pulled into the Death Runner's garage, quickly parked, and dashed inside with my gear on. I pulled off my helmet as I was passing the kitchen and saw Rev. I waved, and she robotically waved back with a puzzled look. I continued running through the club, ignoring stares and greetings. At the door of the shop, I stumbled and grasped the door frame. As I huffed, I scanned the shop and found Mav on a bench while an artist held a tattoo gun.

"STOP."

The artists dropped what they were doing and turned to me, as did the clients.

"Verity?" Mav swung his legs to the floor but stayed put.

I inhaled and confidently strode over to Mav's table.

"Why stop me? Isn't this what you asked for?" Mav crossed his arms and gave me a pouty lip.

"Let's discuss this privately," I plastered a customer service smile as I glanced from Mav to the tattooists.

"Whatever you say, you're the boss. Sorry for wasting your time, Teri."  Mav smiled at the girl as he stood.

"Eh, it's fine. You know how to pay me back," she winked, and I had to fight the urge to scowl at her.

Wait, what do I care about whether some girl winks at him? He roped you into a poster marriage. Girl, you're here to sock him in the gut.

"You comin' Verity, or you want another tattoo?"

I shook myself from my thoughts and saw he was a few steps ahead of me. I offered him a scowl and fought the urge to hit Mav upside his head. Instead, I grumpily clasped his ear and began leading him the way to his office.

"OW. OW. OUUCH. EASY, VER," he whined as he lightly grabbed my arm.

I gave him a warning look, and he let go of my arm. Halfway to his office, we came across Mav's trio of buddies. Who I can confidently confirm are now mine.

"Ugh, guys, aren't you going to help me?"

"We wouldn't dare go against Ver." Jess answered for all of them as they filed behind Mav and I.

As I continued on out of the corner of my eye, I saw a scowl appear on Mav's face. Which happened to elevate my angst and make me smile. I entered his office and stepped to the side, switching Mav to my left. To allow room so the guys could enter. As it was my way of temporarily claiming ownership of Mav's office. After they entered, I closed the door and sat Mavros in one of the guest seats. While I perched myself in front of him and on my "borrowed" desk. As Mav huffed and massaged his ear, the trio lounged on the couch.

"S.."

Mav began, but I arched my eyebrows, and he instantly shut up. I leaned forward and clenched  him by the neckline as I looked to Jess and Rad.

"Hold his chair," I ordered, and they braced themselves behind the chair.

"Wha-."

I raised my fist and struck his left cheek. Though he reeled back by the force, the guys were able to keep the chair in place.

"UGH."

"'That,' was for not telling me that our "marriage" was registered."

I pulled back my fist once more and punched him in the same spot. As I'm aware that my strength level is less than the men here.

"UGHH."

Honestly, I would've liked to give two hits to his other cheek. However, twice was punishment, while the third and fourth would be assault. After Mav rolled his head forward, I nodded at Jess and Rad. They obediently sat back on the couch as Dav went to the mini fridge for an ice pack. I released his shirt and folded my arms.

"'That last one' was for attempting to follow through with the marriage tattoo. Especially knowing it would solidify our "marriage," when you knew registering for divorce is what I'd want."

"I'm so so-." He began, but I immediately raised my hand.

"We're going to visit the tattoo shop, and DAV is going to tattoo my name and the red X 'divorce' mark on you. After tattooing the X on mine, Rad will take pictures, them the four of us will watch you email them to the Motor Club Association Council. Got it?"

Mav nodded awkwardly while holding the pack, almost making me laugh.

"Dav, when are you available to do our tattoos?"

"I don't have any appointments till this evening."

"Good, let's get this over with." I nodded as I stood and walked to the door.

I opened it and waited for the guys to file out before following them back to Dav's parlor. Mav obediently and without a word sat on the chair as Dav prepared his tools. I sat across the room with arms crossed while overseeing Dav's work. After three hours had passed, Dav finished and bandaged Mav's arm. Once Mav stood, I didn't immediately plop onto the chair. As I was conscientious to know Dav would a break.

"Just give me an hour break, then I'll do yours, Ver."

"No, prob."

"Let's head to the reck room," Rad mentioned, possibly to ease the tension.

"Sure." Dav and I agreed while Jess nodded.

We exited the parlor, but from the corner of my eye I saw Mav head in the opposite direction. I allowed him without a complaint and followed after the guys.

💄💄

AN HOUR LATER...

"And that's final game! You and Rad lose." Dav pointed to Jess and Rad as he danced around the table.

"Dammit, I thought no one could best you at Trivial Persuit." Rad whined at Jess.

"Well in my opinion, I think the average woman is smarter than a man with a high IQ." Jess smiled at me as he patted Rad's arm.

"HUH. How could you call Ver an 'average woman?'" Dav scolded as he glanced at me apologetically.

"I'm not offended." I laughed at their shared tense glances.

"Well, I'm ready to tat if you're ready, Ver."

"I'm ready as death," I joked and we all laughed.

As we stood Mav walked into the room with a serious look.

"What's wrong, dude?" Dav playfully teased him as he walked over.

"Ver's brother and a girl are waiting for her in my office."

"Are they here to take her?"

"They know it's not safe for her yet."

"They're probably jus-."

I ignored everyone and dashed to Mav's office.

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