Page 8 of Striker

I heard a knock in front of me and looked up in time to see Goose opening the door before he walked back into the room, coming back into the room. “Yo, Pres, everything alright? I heard you yelling.”

I got out of my chair and headed his way. “Yeah, just trying to figure out how to talk to your pain-in-the-ass sister. Our uh...talk...the other night didn’t go very well.”

Goose threw his head back and laughed. “Lilah? Pain in the ass? No way.” We both laughed knowing that Lilah was the most stubborn-headed woman we had ever known. “Look man, just be honest with her. That’s all she ever wants. If you sugarcoat things she’ll rip your head off when she finds out the truth.”

I shook my head and paced the room. “Yeah, brother, but how the fuck do I get her alone? If I come at her all alpha man, she’ll push me on my ass. I’m lucky that she even came with me and listened for just a little bit.”

Goose just looked at me with a smile on his face. “Well brother, it’s your lucky day because I have a plan.” He sat down and and folded his hands together. “We’ll ask Lilah to come to the clubhouse, bring her in your office, and you’ll be sitting there. Maverick and I will block the door so she can't leave!”

I looked up at him and laughed. “Are you serious? We aren’t ten anymore. Can’t just corner Lilah and tickle her to force her to give up who gave her a secret Valentine’s card. Thanks for the help, but I’ll just figure it out.”

Goose stood up and pointed his finger at me, “But just as friends. Nothing more. Stay away from my baby sister; I don’t want to see her heart broken again.”

Chapter 7

Lilah

Isat on the porch, curled up on the big swing with Mama’s arms wrapped protectively around me, “Oh, my sweet Lilah, don’t beat yourself up over this. You did what you thought was right. It was right in your eyes, but you know you could have told us. Lord knows I can wrangle your brothers in.” She smiled and kissed me on top of my head. “Nobody is upset with you. None of this is your fault. That Danny was bad news from the start. I should have said something. Your Daddy knew from the first day we met that sonofabitch.” She looked out toward the mountains, wrapped up in her memories of my Daddy.

“I just wanted to handle this on my own. Not have to run to my brothers. Not have to run to Daddy, and certainly not run to Levi. I was trying to handle things on my own.”

She unwrapped her arms from me and slowly pushed off the porch swing. Mama turned and took my hands in hers, staring deep into my eyes. “Lilah Rose, Levi would do anything for you. He still loves you with every inch of his being. That boy is head-over-heels for you and is just too damn stubborn to admit it. Soulmates are a scary thing to wild cowboys like him. But you, baby girl, are the only thing that can wrangle him in. God sent tough girls like us to handle those boys.”

Why couldn’t anybody see that Levi would always put the club first?I was almost regretting coming home. “Mama, Levi chose the club over me. That stupid motorcycle club is number one in his heart and always will be. I can’t be with somebody who will put me second to something so ridiculous!” I pulled my hands away from Mama and wrapped my sweater around me; I couldn’t even look her in the eyes. I stared off into the mountains, hoping they would give me some clarity. Those big, strong mountains were always able to calm my soul.

“You’ve got it all wrong and you’re too stubborn to see it girl. That club is his family. His Daddy was President before him. His grandpappy was President before his Daddy. It’s in his blood, it’s part of him, it’s who he is. Just accept it, Lilah. You’re just as wild as Levi and he’s the only one to tame you. I know that scares the pants off of you but you have to stop fighting it, baby. Love is accepting the good, the bad, and the ugly about somebody. Trust me on that one. Your Daddy and I had our fair share of fights, but we always made up after. Believe it or not, your Daddy was quite the hellion growing up. Ran with the club for a while with Levi’s Pop. Both of them are good men who would do anything for their families. Just like that boy.” Mama started toward the door, when she paused and turned toward me, “Levi has grown, changed the club, changed this town. Talk to him, baby girl. Give him a second chance. Find out what he’s done the past four years.” Opening the door, she stepped inside, softly humming to herself.

I sat there thinking about everything Mama said. When she gave advice, it wasn’t to be taken lightly. She’s always steered me in the right direction in the past.Should I really talk to Levi? Give that man a second chance to break my heart? I can’t handle going through that again. Is Levi worth that chance though?I knew in my heart what the right answer was. Pulling my boots on, I jumped off the porch swing and opened the back door, “Mama, I’ll be home later! Got some stuff to take care of!”

I could hear her laugh softly. “Alright, baby girl. Love you and good luck. Call me if you need anything.”

She knew exactly where I was going and I’m sure was more than happy about my decision. Closing the door, I raced down the steps and headed toward Daddy’s truck. Jumping in, I started it up and went flying down the driveway. Mama would scold me later for kicking up so much dirt but that didn’t matter right now. I needed to find Levi and spill my heart out before I changed my mind. I turned out of the driveway and headed toward the clubhouse.

Pulling up to the gates of the clubhouse, I put the truck in park and waited for the Prospects to open up the gates. I could feel my stomach start to rumble and this overwhelming feeling of doubt came over me.What was I doing here? Maybe I would just clear the air and go from there.

Billy came over as I rolled my window down, “Hey there, pretty lady! Come to join me for that drink?” He winked as he leaned in the window.

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