Page 15 of Striker

I gasped, amazed he knew about Levi and I already.We just got together last night!But nothing stays quiet for long in this small town. I laughed and shook my head. Standing up, I straightened my jacket and stethoscope. “Let me sleep on it, Doc. That’s an awful lot to take on with everything else going on.”Could my life really come together so simply like this?

“Well, I got to get back out there and you have some patients to see. We’ll chat later, dear.” Doctor Hank said as he stood and headed out my door. I took a deep breath and walked out toward my next patient’s room. Maybe coming home was the best thing to happen to me.

I grabbed my clipboard and headed to one of the patient's rooms. Opening the door, I was greeted by a scream and a little blonde woman wrapping herself around me. “Lilah Rose, it’s really you! I heard you were back in town, but didn’t believe it until now!”

I smiled as the blonde sat back down on the exam table. “It’s good to see you too, Bambi! Yes I am back and yes I am back with Striker, because I know that was going to be your next question.” We both laughed as I looked down at the chart. “So just here for a regular checkup?”

She nodded her head while playing with the paper gown. “Yeah, we get them every month. Striker’s new rules.”

I cringed a little, thinking about Striker with anybody else. “Oh no, don’t even think that girl! He never came after me and I certainly never went after him. Girls gotta stick together!”

I laughed as I wheeled myself over to the table. “Alright, let’s start with the basics. Just going to check your heart and ask you a few questions.” Bambi nodded her head as I pressed the stethoscope to her chest. “So still hanging at the clubhouse? What are you doing for work?”

She lay back as I gently pressed on her stomach. “Yeah, still at the clubhouse. Striker put me in charge of the girls. I do webcam shows and sometimes pick up shifts at the diner. I make pretty good money with the shows!”

I just laughed and shook my head. “As long as you’re happy, girl!” We talked some more while I finished up my exam. “Alright, babe, we’ll have those tests done by tomorrow and I’ll give you a call!”

Bambi stood and gave me a big hug, “I am so excited to have you back. Girls breakfast date soon? Cute new bakery in town! The owner is a sweetheart!”

I hugged her back and laughed. “Absolutely! See you around!” I walked out and headed toward my office for a quick coffee break before getting back to work.

My shift was finally coming to an end. I could not wait to get home and relax in a nice hot bath with an ice cold beer. I loved my job, but being on your feet all day is exhausting! I had done a ton of work and had even more to do tomorrow. All the night nurses were here and had checked in to get their color-coded patient files. I had organized everything by color to help with the confusion around here. Doctor Hank was a phenomenal doctor, but not the most organized person in the world.

The staff meeting with the night nurses was finished and I was ready to get out of here. Today had ended up being a great first day. I felt confident that this was a great fit and my ideas would be extremely helpful here. I headed to my office and grabbed my things, then made my way toward the nurse’s station.

“Goodnight, ladies! Call me if you need anything!” They all waved and said goodbye as I walked away.

Stopping at the front desk, I said goodbye to our security guard, James, and headed toward the back lot where my truck was. The stars were all out and it was a beautiful summer night. I grabbed my phone from my pocket to call Striker when I stopped in my tracks. My Daddy’s truck had all of the windows smashed. There was glass everywhere. My heart sank when I saw a note stabbed into the driver's seat; I knew exactly who had done this. I hurried and dialed Striker’s number, knowing I needed to get help before Danny popped out and confronted me. He picked up after a few rings and I had to take a deep breath before I finally opened my mouth.

“Striker. Please come to the Medical Center. Now. Please. Shit. Levi. I need you. I’m outside and it’s so bad.” I started to hyperventilate, it felt like the world was coming down on me. Tears started to pour down my face as my chest started to tighten.

“Lilah! Lilah, what’s going on? Baby girl, you need to take some deep breaths and get inside now.” I started running as fast as I could. I just needed to get to James, inside where nobody could get me. “Babe, you gotta tell me what’s going on. Are you inside yet?” I could barely breathe, darkness was closing in and I felt like I was going to pass out.

James came running over to me as I toppled onto my knees. “Miss Crawford, are you okay?! What’s going on?” James looked panicked as he tried to radio for the sheriff.

“Lilah Rose. Listen to me right now. What. The. Fuck. Is. Going. On.” Levi’s voice was angry. I knew I needed to get my shit together and tell him. I never acted like this, I was normally calm in emergency situations like this.

“Daddy’s truck. The truck. The windows. All smashed. There’s...there’s a note. I didn’t see it. Oh, Levi.” Tears started rolling down my face. The night nurses came out and got me inside, lying me down on the couch in the front entryway.

“Stay put. I’m on my way.” Levi’s voice was flat with no emotion. It wasn’t the sweet Levi I knew. This was Striker. Devil’s Highwaymen MC President. Ruthless. Dangerous. Wild cowboy. The man I loved.

Not even five minutes later I could hear the roar of motorcycles coming up the drive to the Medical Center. Not only did Striker show up, but he brought the entire club. I was finally starting to see what my Mama was telling me about. These men were a family and always there for each other. The automatic doors opened and Levi came running in.

He fell to his knees, taking my face in his big strong hands. “Lilah, baby! Are you okay? Are you hurt?” His blue eyes were dark, full of worry and anger.

“No, no. I’m okay. I’m so sorry. Normally I’m so calm. I’m an ER nurse for goodness sakes. I grew up with you three idiots and saw much worse.” I motioned toward my brothers, “I just...I know it’s him. I’m scared. I’m finally realizing how dangerous he really is.” I collapsed into Striker’s arms, tears streaming down my face. I was definitely ugly crying and I didn’t even care who saw. My world was caving in on me.

Maverick and Goose bent down on either side of me, their voices calm just like our Daddy’s voice always was when we got hurt. “Baby sis, everything will be okay. I promise.” Goose kissed the top of my head and stood up. “I’m calling Mama. She needs to know. Billy, take the truck and go get her. Now. I don’t want her alone out there. Mama is one tough lady, but I don’t want to risk anything.” He stepped away, cell phone in hand, breaking this horrible news to our Mama.

Maverick rubbed my back and finally spoke up. “Lilah. He had a tracker on the truck. Wrench found it when he was performing some maintenance. You need to tell us everything you know about Danny; every little detail you can think of. I promise we will take care of him, but you’re going to need to be extra careful from now on. If you aren’t with Striker or me or Goose, a Prospect will be following you. No debate.”

I just nodded my head, too tired to even argue. “I can write everything down for you. He works with the mob so you need to be careful. Danny is sneaky, resourceful, and determined. He wants things his way or nothing at all. I’m so sorry I never came to you three. I was in over my head, but so embarrassed I let it go that far. Now I’ve brought it home and put everybody in danger. I’m so sorry.”

Striker was still holding on tight to me, his hands gently running through my hair. “Little Lark. You have nothing to be sorry for. He has done this all on his own. None of this is your fault. Now listen to me, I’m going to end this. Nobody crosses the Devil’s Highwaymen. Nobody messes with my girl or my family. Come home with me tonight. Your Mama will be there, we have plenty of space for her to stay. Everybody will be safe there.” I looked up at Striker and gently kissed him as I stood.

“James. Please call back-up and do not let any nurses leave alone. Even for a smoke break. Striker will make sure there is at least two Prospects staying here for the night. Right?” Striker just nodded his head yes. “Alright then. Ready whenever you are, babe.”

He stood and took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. “Zane. Erik. You stay here. Do checks around the building. Keep an eye on things. Call me if you see or hear anything weird. No matter what. We keep this town safe. Wrench, grab the tow truck and bring the truck to the shop. We’ll deal with it tomorrow. Maverick, call the sheriff and let him know we’ve got it handled. I’m going to take care of Lilah and her Mama. See you boys back at the clubhouse.” Striker led me out toward his motorcycle. He grabbed my helmet and strapped it on my head. Turning toward his motorcycle, he threw his helmet on and swung his leg over the Harley. I climbed on behind him, hugging him tight. Striker revved the engine and took off into the night. I closed my eyes and let the cool night air take me away from this nightmare.

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