Page 25 of Maverick

Chapter Seven

Willow

Maverick’s screaminghad finally stopped. I was just sitting on the bed while Orion sat by the door. He got up and hopped onto the bed, putting his head in my lap.

“I know, buddy. I liked this place too, but we clearly aren’t welcome here.” Tears started to fall down my face and I laid down and just let them come.

A knock on my door made me sit up. “Go away, Maverick! I don’t want to talk or see you. You’re an asshole!”

“Hey! I’m not an asshole. And I don’t have a stupid face like my brother.”

I laughed as I got up and opened the bedroom door. Lilah and Mama Crawford were standing on the other side.

“Let me in here, girl!” Mama Crawford pushed past me and laid on the bed. “Come on now. Lay with Mama Crawford and tell me what’s going on.”

Lilah grabbed my arm and pulled me down on the bed with her. Mama Crawford threw her arm around me and the other around Lilah.

I snuggled in and it felt so nice to be wanted and cared for.

“He’s gonna get his ass whooped for that language. I can promise you that.”

I started to laugh so hard that more tears started to roll across my cheeks. Lilah was laughing so hard she was holding her cute little preggo tummy.

“He accused me of being a club slut. He accused me of being like my disgusting mother. She uses any drug she can get her hands on and is one of the club bunnies back home. No respect for herself. She used to leave me at the club as a kid growing up so she could get high. The other club girls and some of the brothers helped raised me. I’m not like that.”

Mama Crawford stroked my hair. “Shhh now, baby girl. We know you aren’t like that. Silas is just feeling all types of emotions and isn’t good at expressing them.”

“Not to mention my other asshole brother, Goose, is putting ridiculous ideas in his head. He’s got some secrets going on and taking it out on everyone else.”

“But it isn’t fair! I’m not like that. None of them are giving me a chance. I just want to get my van fixed and get out of here. I never asked for any of this.”

I started to cry again and Lilah and Mama Crawford just held me tight.

“You know, I was in the same position not too long ago. I mean my brother’s and Striker had my back, but they still had their doubts. So did the rest of the club. My ex was pulling some shady shit. Ended up kidnapping me and trying to take me back to the city. Once I realized that the club could help me, things got better. I promise they aren’t bad men. Can you try and talk to Maverick? I really think it could help. You could even tell me and I could tell Striker.”

I sighed and sat up. “No. I won’t be here much longer. I’m not meant to be here. My van is almost fixed and it will be time for me to go.”

Mama Crawford took my face in her hands. “You stay as long as you want. Sweetie. Don’t let them bully you into leaving. I’ve got room in my little house and would love to have you.”

“We have PLENTY of room in our house too. Plus the twins would love to have you around more!”

I hugged them both and started to cry again. “I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you two in my life. Nobody has ever taken care of me like this. My grandpa tried, but he was so sick. He couldn’t take me on. I always feel like such a burden to anybody around me. Thank you so much for taking me in like this. I wish you were my family.”

Mama Crawford and Lilah gave me another big hug and then Lilah stood up. “Blood or not. We are your family now, Willow. Now let’s get up, wash your face, and get something to eat.”

I walked to the bathroom and quickly washed myself up then headed back out to the kitchen. Mama Crawford and Lilah were raiding Maverick’s cabinets and fridge, looking for something to eat.

“He keeps the whiskey in the freezer and a stash of chocolate in the frozen peas box.”

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