Page 60 of Maverick

Wrench shook his head and sighed. “Then go and fucking tell her that, Maverick! Get on that damn bike and go get your woman before it’s too late.”

I glared at Goose before rushing out of the clubhouse. My motorcycle was sitting right up front and I hopped on and took off.

Flying down the road, I took dangerously sharp turns, but nothing was going to stop me from getting home. I needed to stop Willow before she left.

I flew past Striker and Lilah’s driveway and finally made it to mine. Dust flew up behind me as I hammered down on the dirt driveway. As I reached the end, I could see Willow’s van with the doors wide open.

Orion was laying on the porch and I walked up to him. Bending down, I gently pat his head. “I’m gonna keep her here, buddy. I’m not ready to let you guys go.”

I stood up and brushed the dirt off my jeans. Walking into my house, I made my way to the back. To my bedroom where Willow and I slept. Where we created memories that would never leave me.

Leaning up against the door frame, I watched as she folded her clothes and packed them. “Going somewhere?”

Willow jumped and turned to face me. “Leave me alone, Maverick. I’m not in the mood to play your games. Just let me pack in peace and I’ll be out of your hair.”

“Willow. Stop packing right now. Nobody wants you to leave.”

“Oh really? Because I heard what you said to Striker. Why would you want me to stay, Mav?This little town will never be enough for me. Remember that? God, why I ever thought you would be different is beyond me.”

I slammed my fist against the door. “Goddamn it, Willow! That’s not what I meant. You only heard part of the conversation.”

She glared at me then turned to pack her jeans. “A conversation you refused to have with me. Instead of asking me what I wanted, you just assumed. Once again, you are trying to make all the decisions for me.”

“Because I know what’s safe for you!”

“No, you don’t! I’m not your old lady. I’m nothing but a playtoy to you. Somebody to warm your bed until you find somebody better. Don’t try and fool me, Maverick.”

I ran my hand through my hair. Willow was so frustrating and I couldn't find the right words to say. “I’m not! And you aren’t just a playtoy, Willow. You mean more to me than that.”

“Well, you have a funny way of showing it.”

Willow pushed past me and walked out to her van. I stalked after her and stood on the porch, watching her pack.

“I’m not good at this shit, Willow. You know that. I’ve told you how you make me feel. I’ve shared so much with you. Did that mean nothing to you?”

She shook her head and glared at me. “You just don’t get it, do you? I heard what you said. You don’t love me. You won’t even open your heart up to me. Don’t pretend like you never said that. I get it, Mav. The club is your life, I’m just a happy little accident that came crashing into your world. My time is up here.”

I flew down the stairs and grabbed Willow by the arm, turning her to face me. “Stop! I was venting to my brother in a private conversation. You weren’t meant to hear any of that. You also didn’t hear what I said inside the clubhouse or my talk with Wrench. Or when I laid into my own blood brother about you. Stop fucking packing and listen to me, Willow.”

She ripped her arm away from me and slammed the door shut on the van. “No! You listen to me, Silas. The point is that you should have come to me first. You should have talked through everything and have been open and honest. Instead, you fucking played me. You made me fall in love with your family. Fall in love with your home and the club. Made me fucking fall in love withyou.”

I stared at Willow while tears streamed down her face.She loved me...

She stormed off back inside of the house as I stayed frozen in my spot.

Willow loved me. She wanted to stay here. I could imagine her, barefoot and pregnant with my child, painting as I came home. I could see her during the holidays with my family. Helping raise my nephews and niece alongside our own child.

But I needed to say those words out loud. I needed to open my heart and be vulnerable for once in my life.

Willow came barreling out of the house with her art supplies. She threw the sketchbook into the passenger side and glared at me. “Nothing to say? Figured as much. I guess my gut was spot on. Typical for a guy like you huh?”

“Enough! What do you want me to say? Get on my knees and beg, Willow?”

“I want you to say I love you back! Tell me how much I mean to you! Why is that so hard for you to understand?”

I couldn’t find the words to say and just stood there. Willow whistled to Orion and he came running. He looked at me, almost like he was begging me to tell Willow I love her. When I said nothing, he barked and hopped into the van, taking his place in the passenger seat.

“There’s nothing here for me. Maybe one day you’ll see the mistake you made. I love you, Silas. I always will.”

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