Page 17 of Fanatic

“Just did, babe. Get over it,” I teased, taking a bite of the burger.

Willow suddenly became serious. “Promise me one thing.”

“What?” I asked around my food.

“If you do find the one. Don’t run from her. Don’t push her away. You deserve love, too, even if you think you don’t.”

“Yeah,” I agreed. That was an easy promise because I’d no intention of letting anyone get that close to me. Someone had long ago claimed my heart, and nobody else could have it.

Willow’s eyes narrowed at the ease of my answer, but I shoved another fry at Danny and distracted her.

Willow

I parked behind Fanatic on the huge drive belonging to a house on Custer Street. It was a beautiful building and looked well taken care of. The flower beds had flowers poking out, and the home was large enough for us. I spotted a couple of curtains twitching as Fanatic got out, and I joined him.

“You approve?” Fanatic inquired softly.

“Yeah, it looks nice.”

“Four-bedrooms, man cave, small snug, living room, two half baths and two bathrooms.”

“Great. Plenty of space for any lady friends you might bring back,” I teased.

Fanatic rolled his eyes. “Not happening, Willow. If I wanted company, number one, I’d never bring them to where you and Danny are. Secondly, I don’t do long-term and bringing them home smacks of my offering more than one night. Thirdly, I do not need some clingy assed bitch turning up and creating drama.”

“Wow, you thought this through,” I said, laughing.

Fanatic nodded. “Seen enough drama with the hang-arounds and previous club whores. Bar flies still turn up at Hellfire, though they’re encouraged to leave, unless a brother takes a fancy. With nine new candidates, I reckon drama mightincrease. But God help the first bitch that disrespects an old lady.”

“Where would you take a woman?” I asked, interested.

“My room at the clubhouse, and then she’ll do the walk of shame. Shit, I sound like a right playboy. I fuck ’em and make ’em leave, Willow. I’m not interested in clingy or somebody reading more into a quick lay. Could you imagine them questioning when I take my meds? That shit’s personal, and I don’t want someone eyeing me like a meal ticket,” Fanatic stated.

“But you are shacking up with me?”

“Yeah. Because you’re my bestie, and you ain’t walking this road alone. You find somebody, Willow, I’ll step back, but you’re never gonna be alone.”

Fuck. That made tears well in my eyes, and Fanatic chuckled as he threw an arm around my neck. Gently, he hauled me in close and kissed the top of my head.

“Come on. Let’s check it out.”

“Are you telling me you didn’t tour this?” I gasped.

“Nah. I told the realtor if I find anything wrong, I’d break his legs!”

“Fanatic!” I squealed as he grinned.

“You’re so easy, Willow!”

“Fuck you!”

Chapter Four.

Willow

Ibegan to laugh as Fanatic looked around, a little chagrined. He rubbed his neck sheepishly, then faced me.

“Guess I forgot something!”

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