Page 10 of Maverick

“Don’t worry about all of this. It’s just to protect the club, not to keep anything in.” The Prospect, Erik, waved his hands around.

I smiled and hopped out of the truck next to him. “Thanks. It’s definitely intimidating, but glad to know you guys care enough about your club to keep it safe.”And whatever else you have hidden behind these walls...I kept that part to myself as we walked up to the huge, metal doors.

“Just ignore the guys here. We can drop your bags behind the bar and then get right over to the shop. Wrench is already working on that sweet van of yours.” Erik opened the big doors and ushered me inside.

I had only put one foot in when I stopped to stare at the interior of the clubhouse. It was like something out of a magazine! A huge bar was off to the side; copper bar top with a rich mahogany base. Four pool tables sat opposite the room; the red velvet stood out against the sleek black sides. There were huge flat-screen televisions scattered around along with huge, deep red, velvet armchairs, and black leather couches. Black and white pictures of motorcycles, club members, their families, and the town, were all along the walls of the clubhouse. I could see black, wrought iron stairs past the bar and right to the side of them were two huge wooden doors, The Devil’s Highwaymen emblem burned and carved into them.

“Dude. Holy shitballs. This place is fucking amazing!” My mouth was wide open and I’m sure I looked ridiculous, but I didn’t even care.

Erik laughed as he put his hand on the small of my back and led me further into the clubhouse. “Striker did a pretty good job with this place. Helps that his Old Lady came back and spruced up this place even more. Lilah is a fucking angel.”

He grabbed my bags and placed them behind the bar, safe and sound. “Thank you. Can I see my baby now? I really want to know the damage so I can get to work.”

Erik motioned toward the door and we headed out. “Right over here, babe. Wrench runs the club’s private garage as well as the one open to the public. That one is on the other side of the fence. Your van is at the private garage.”

We walked toward another huge brick building, motorcycles and cars lined the outside. I could see my van inside on the lift. “Oh no. That can’t be good.”

A tall, burly man came out from the side and wiped his hands on his jeans. “Darling, you nailed it. Name is Wrench and I’m guessing this beautiful baby is yours?”

I nodded and ran my hand down the side of the van. “Yeah, she is. I’ve done all the work inside.”

Wrench looked me up and down, “So you can do restoration, but can’t spin a wrench?”

I laughed and nodded. “I know, I know. Give me power tools and art supplies, and I’m your girl. But for the love of God, don’t ask me to work on anything mechanical.”

A deep laugh behind me sent shivers down my spine, and not the bad kind either. I could feel that shiver all over my body and down to some very certain lady parts.

“You cold?” Maverick came closer to me and I knew he could see the goosebumps down my arms.

Clearing my throat, I stepped away and moved towards the back of my van. “Nope. Nope. I’m good. Just feeling sentimental about my baby here.”

Maverick winked and gave me a gorgeous smile, sending my traitorous body back into a tailspin.Fuck me! I need to get it together!

“Whatever you say, baby girl. Wrench, give us the lowdown.” He turned to Wrench and gave me the space I needed to get myself back in control.

Wrench lowered my van back down to the ground, “It’s gonna take a while to fix. Parts for this old girl are hard to find. They are also pretty pricey since they are in high demand and not a lot to go around. I’m thinking it’s gonna cost a couple thousand.”

“Well fuck me sideways. This day is just getting worse and worse.” I leaned up against my van and tried to hold back the tears.

Wrench came over and put his hand on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll take care of your baby and fix her up. I’ve got some connections that I can call. You’re in good hands.”

Tears started to run down my cheeks.

Maverick pulled me into him and started to rub my back, “No crying, pretty girl. We are going to help you out. Let’s get you inside and settled in your room. You need some good food and rest. We can deal with all of this tomorrow.”

“Thank you. And thank you, Wrench.”

Wrench just nodded and got back to work on my van.

Maverick led me out of the garage and back into the clubhouse. Tears were freely falling down my face now and I’m sure I looked like a hot mess. He led me up the stairs and into an office. It was small, but the whole back wall was a huge picture window. A small black desk sat in the corner facing the window and two chairs were on either side. There were no pictures on the wall, no knick-knacks on the desk, nothing that personalized this space.

“Uh, I know I said I’m okay with staying here, but I really would prefer to sleep on a bed.” I sniffled and sat in the chair behind the desk.

Maverick laughed as he stood in front of the window. “This is my office, Willow. I just wanted to grab the key to your room and let you dry your eyes first.”

I stood and made my way next to him. “Thanks. Nice office, but it could use some art on the walls.”

Maverick went to his desk and grabbed a small key out of the top drawer. “When I find the right art, it will. Let’s get you to your room, babe.”

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