Page 56 of Maverick

I half-laughed, half snorted. “No.”

“Awfully quick answer.”

I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. “It’s complicated. I love her, Striker. I fucking want her to be my Old Lady, I want to put my babies in her and all that shit. But all this shit with the club doesn’t make any of this easy. I mean my own fucking blood brother wants nothing to do with her. What the fuck do I do with that?”

Striker leaned against the other side of the doorframe, “I honestly don’t have an answer for that. I’m still trying to figure that out myself. Lilah thinks Willow wants to stick around for a while.”

“Why does she say that?”

“You. The kids. Having a real family. Fuck man, talk to your woman instead of just bending her over your bike.”

We laughed and turned to watch our family. Willow was showing the boys how to paint different shapes while working on her own canvas. It was a sketch of the mountains and she was starting to paint it with all these complex vivid colors.

Her art was beautiful, but it told so much more than she said with words. I groaned and looked at Striker, “She’s not gonna stay, Levi. She’s a traveling soul. Pretty sure Wrench is all set with her van too. It’s only a matter of time before she picks up and leaves. This little town will never be enough for her.”

“Give her something to make her stay. Come on, Mav. Don’t be a fucking idiot. You have a good catch on your line and you’re just letting it go. She needs you, just as much as you need her.”

I turned back into the Clubhouse and slammed my fist against the wall. “What the fuck am I supposed to do? Turn my back on my brother? On my Club? All for a woman?”

Striker got right in my face, “When you fucking love her, yeah you do. You do anything in your power to make her happy. I would give up all of this if Lilah asked me. I’m not a fucking kid anymore. Your sister is my entire life. Wake the fuck up man before Willow is gone.”

He turned and walked out into the courtyard, scooping his boys up in his arms. Wrench came around the corner and pointed at me.

“You. We need to talk. My garage. Now.”

I ran my hand over my face and groaned. As I followed Wrench out, I started to think about what Striker said.Was I ready to admit out loud that I loved Willow? Would I give up everything for her?

Lost in my own thoughts, I didn’t realize Wrench had stopped walking. I bumped right into him, almost causing him to fall.

“What the fuck, man?”

“Sorry. Just...lost.”

He shook his head and shut the garage bay doors. “Lost your damn mind. What the fuck was that about with Willow? I heard everything you said. Are you trying to push her away?”

“No! I just don’t think she’ll stick around. I...I love her, Wrench. But I’m scared that I’m not enough.”

He pointed his finger right in my face, “Cut the shit, Mav. You’re going to break her heart. And when that happens and the only person outside of this club who means something to me is gone, I’m coming after you.”

“I can’t keep her here. What the fuck do you want me to do?”

“Tell her how you feel!” Wrench turned and slammed his fist against an old car. “Fuck, Silas. Stop listening to your dumbass brother and listen to your own heart.”

I sighed and sat down on an old chair. “Man, I just don’t know what to think.”

“I’m not your fucking therapist, Mav.”

I looked up and saw that Wrench was smiling. “Fuck off, brother.”

He laughed and walked over to me and placed his hand on my shoulder. “Just take some time to think. Do what you need to do to make yourself happy for once. Oh, and don’t break her heart.”

I nodded and Wrench made his way out the door. Getting up, I walked toward her van and opened the side door. It was empty except for the bed and a few kitchen things. A wet nose pushed up against my hand and I looked down to see Orion standing next to me.

“Hey, buddy. Just checking out your mama’s van. It’s all done and ready to go and I know Wrench won’t charge her a dime. He’s finally found himself a baby sister. I wouldn’t even want to charge her for it. I’ve got plenty to cover.”

I sat down in the door opening and Orion sat down next to me, leaning his head on my lap.

“What do I do? I don’t think this small town is enough for her. What happens a year down the road? Five years? Ten years? Will I still be enough for her? This life isn’t for the weak. Plus, my own brother doesn’t like her. Fuck, man.”

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