Page 16 of Maverick

As I sat in my office going over some paperwork, I couldn’t help but think about Willow. She was a wild spirit, but I can’t help but be attracted to her. There was just this magnetic pull toward her that I couldn’t deny. It’s something that I had never felt before, this ache right in my chest every time I thought about her. I slammed my head down on the desk as the door of my office flew open.

Standing in the doorway was the woman I had been thinking about; Willow.

“Oh fuck! Sorry, I didn’t know you were in here.” Her beautiful smile lit up the whole room.

“No worries, babe. I’m glad you’re here though. Got some things we need to talk about.”

Willow shut the door and sat down in the chair across from my desk. “What’s up, buttercup?”

I smiled as I leaned back in my chair. “As much as I love the cute name, this is serious, Willow. I need you to be one hundred percent honest with me. What are you running from?”

Her smile fell and a scowl spread across her face. “What the fuck, Maverick? I’m not running from anything. Can’t a girl just explore the world?”

I slammed my hands on my desk, “No! No, they can’t, Willow. Especially girls like you who know all about us one-percenters and don’t seem fazed by the club life. Especially girls like you who are automatically on the defense when somebody tried to help them. Especially girls who make secret phone calls and seems like she’s hiding something!”

Willow got up and headed toward the door. I quickly stood and caged her on the wall, my hands on either side of her face. “Especially girls who keep trying to deny their attraction to somebody. Just tell me Goddammit!”

“Fuck off, Maverick! My personal life is none of your business! Back off!” Tears started to roll down her cheeks.

I wiped them away as I leaned my forehead against hers. One minute I wanted to strangle Willow and the next I wanted to console her and fix all her problems. She had me all messed up and I couldn’t figure out why.

“Baby, just tell me. Please.”

The door flew open next to us and Striker stormed in, then stopped when he saw us against the wall.

Willow ducked underneath my arms and ran out the door. I shuffled back to my chair and slumped down, letting my face fall into my hands.

“Silas.” Striker sat in the chair across from me.

“Don’t, Levi.”

“Silas, look at me. Now.” I looked up and could see the concern on his face. “You gotta talk to me. What the fuck is going on with you two?”

“Nothing! I told you that. I tried to ask her what she was running from. She denied running. I got upset. I know there’s something going on and fuck, I just want to protect her. I just get this weird, primal feeling when I’m around her. But that damn woman, she just keeps shutting me down.”

Striker chuckled as he leaned back in the chair. “Fuck, brother. That’s called feelings. You like her and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s more than just a primal attraction. It’s how I feel about your sister.”

I snorted as I turned to look out the window. “Fuck that. I’m not settling down. She’s not my type anyway. Just get a room settled here for her, pay her well, and let’s get her the fuck out of here.”

“Yo, man. I’m not rushing her just because you can’t get your panties untwisted.”

I whipped around and pointed at him, “Watch it, Levi.”

Striker stood up and shook his head. “You and your brother, man. Is it your time of the month or something? For fuck’s sake. You’re both acting like girls, not Devil’s Highwaymen.”

“Fuck you, Striker!”

“Nah, I’m good. I got your sister for that.” Striker winked as he sat back down in the chair.

“Get the fuck out. You know what? Forget it. I’m out. I need to get the fuck out of here and away from you, my brother, and Willow. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Striker just laughed as I stormed out the door. “See you tomorrow, princess! Have a great spa day!”

I slammed my fist against the wall, making one of the Prospects jump. Wrench stood in the hallway, blocking my way out.

“What do you want Wrench?”

“We need to talk about Willow.”

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