Page 26 of Maverick

They both turned to me and started to laugh. I opened one cabinet and grabbed three glasses and brought them to the table. Lilah grabbed the whiskey bottle and three chocolate bars. I poured myself and Mama Crawford a glass, water for Lilah, and sat down on the couch.

“You know, I never had any friends growing up. I tried to just keep my head down and stay unnoticed. Especially growing up in the club, I learned to stay out of the eyes of cops. The Shadow Raider’s aren’t bad people. They just have some bad eggs in their club. There’s one guy, Joker, he’s actually really nice. He’s been like a big brother to me for a long time. Joker was the one who actually helped me escape...I had to run to save myself and him. He’s the only family I have...or used to before you guys.”

They both just looked at me as I rambled on. Lilah took a sip of her water and cleared her throat. “Girl, keep talking. We’re here for you. It will feel good to get it all off your chest.”

“I know. But there is so much more to it. So much more, Lilah.”

She got up and patted me on the head, “I know. We’ll be here all night for you, don’t you worry.”

Lilah headed outside and I turned to Mama Crawford. “I’m so sorry I brought this to your doorstep.”

“Oh, baby girl. Fate brought this to my doorstep. It knew you needed a family. It knew you needed a protector. Now, let fate take its course and stop fighting it.”

Lilah came back in and sat down. “I called Striker. He and the twins are coming. I gotta check on the boys and Striker is worried after what happened at the clubhouse.”

I sighed and leaned my head back on the couch. Not even five minutes later and we could hear the rumble of the Ranger coming up the path. I looked out the sliding glass doors and saw Striker, Colton, and Knox coming up to the house. Striker ripped open the slider door and pointed at me.

“You better tell me what the fuck is going on. Right now!”

Lilah quickly stood up and grabbed the boys. “Levi. Not now. Not in front of the boys.”

Mama Crawford got up and took Colton and Knox from Lilah’s arms. “Come on, boys. Let’s leave the grown-ups to talk. I’ve got some of your favorite cookies at my house!”

The boys cheered as they walked out the door. Mama Crawford looked back and winked before she shut the door.

Striker turned and looked at me. “Let’s go, Willow.”

I took a deep breath and sat down on the couch. “I’m not part of the Shadow Raiders. My mother hangs around and gets drugs from them. That’s it.”

“I don’t believe you. You better tell me what the fuck you’re hiding!”

Lilah came over and put her hand on his arm. “Babe, come on. Give the girl a break. She’s gone through a lot. I believe her when she says she isn’t part of them.”

“I promise, Striker. I’m not part of them. I grew up in the club, but never took an active part. Never dated or messed with any of them, never took drugs from them, never did anything for them. When your mom is one of their club bunnies, you really have no choice in where you live or who you get dropped off with.”

“Doesn’t change the fact that they are after you. You owe them money. DRUG MONEY, WILLOW!”

Striker was getting closer and screaming at me now. I was trying my best to keep my cool, but between the argument with Maverick, the conversation with Lilah and Mama Crawford, and the whiskey, I just couldn't hold it in much longer.

I pointed my finger right at him, “Listen here, asshole. I don’t need to explain shit to you. It’s my life. I don’t need you to solve all my problems. I don’t need you to protect me. I don’t need you, your brothers, or your club. I knew you were all the same! Just send me the bill for the fucking van. I’m out of this shit town.”

Striker slammed his hand against the wall. “GODDAMNIT, WILLOW!”

Lilah stood right between him and myself and put her hand on his chest. “Levi. That’s enough.”

He turned and glared at her. “I love you more than anything, Little Lark. But you need to stay out of this. Club business.”

“That’s the biggest load of shit I've ever heard. You better watch yourself or you’ll be sleeping in your old apartment tonight.”

Lilah stood there with her hands on her hips and an angry scowl on her face.

“Please don’t fight over me. Please. I promise, I’ll leave. Give me tonight to pack my things and tomorrow I’ll grab my van and go. I’ve caused so many issues in your family. I’m so sorry.”

Lilah took my hands in hers and looked at me with those same beautiful green eyes as Maverick. “Listen to me right now. You are not leaving. You have not caused ANY issues. I promise you that.”

She turned to Striker and leaned up to kiss him. “Let’s go. We have a few things to talk about, cowboy.”

Striker looked at me then down at his feet, “I’m sorry. But you still need to tell us what’s going on. Take some time tonight to think about it.”

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