Page 7 of Maverick

Striker looked between the two of us before putting his beer down. “Spill, brother. Who is she and what is she doing at my kids’ birthday party?”

I took a deep breath and looked towards Willow. I couldn’t understand why this primal feeling came over me anytime somebody looked at her. Don’t get me wrong, she was gorgeous and I wouldn’t mind some one-on-one time with her in the bedroom, but she wasn’t my type at all. Willow was wild, untamed, and a wandering soul. I, on the other hand, liked structure and familiarity. There was no way we would ever work in the long run, which was crazy because I wasn’t the type to settle down. I shook my head and looked back at Goose and Striker.

“I was on my way here and saw her on the side of the road. Steam was coming out of her van, I couldn’t just drive by and not offer help, that’s not how Mama raised us. Anyways, she automatically went on the defense and then I caught her on the phone. She isn’t fazed by the club and seems to know a lot, or at least think she does, about our lifestyle. It sounds like she’s in some deep shit possibly with another club. Here’s the big part, I offered her a job to help pay off the bill on her van. Tranny blew so it’s gonna be pricey. She’s broke and needs help.” I looked at Striker who’s blue eyes were cold, not giving away a single thought or emotion.

He took a deep breath and scrubbed his hand over his face. “Fuck, man. If I say yes, you are responsible for everything. I mean fucking everything, Maverick. The girl, the dog, the van, the job, every little Goddamn thing. You understand?”

I nodded and patted Striker on the back. I knew he would go for it, but was positive he was worried about what Willow was running from.

Goose took a big sip of his beer before clearing his throat. “I’m gonna put some feelers out. She’s probably running and maybe in danger. We need to know what we’re bringing into our own home. I mean shit man, she’s here at the twin’s birthday party for fuck’s sake. What if she’s a distraction or a fucking spy or some shit? Stop thinking with your dick, brother.”

I glared at my brother and was about to punch him again when my baby sister, Lilah, came walking over.

“No shop talk at the party, boys.” We all looked at her, trying to figure out how much to tell her. Lilah looked confused as she looked at us.”What’s going on?” Striker pulled her into his arms.

“Nothing, Little Lark. Don’t you worry.”

Lilah pulled back with an angry look in her green eyes. “You boys better tell me what’s going on right now.”

I unconsciously looked back at the barn and saw Willow standing there with Orion, a beer in her hand.

“Oooh, it’s about a girl. So who is she?” Lilah had curiosity written all over her face.

I took a deep breath and rubbed my hand over my face. “Name is Willow. Found her on the side of the road with her broken down van and the dog. Offered her a job cleaning the clubhouse and was just running it by the Pres. She’s definitely running from something, but I can’t figure out what yet. Doesn’t seemed fazed by the club life, so I think she may be in trouble with another motorcycle club. Goose is gonna put some feelers out.”

Lilah nodded and took a sip of her drink. “Well, if you need anything, let me know. She could probably use a few good girlfriends in her life.”

I barely nodded my head, I was lost in my own world, completely surrounding Willow.

“Go and be a gentleman, Maverick. Mama would kick your ass if she knew you brought that pretty little thing and left her alone.” Lilah nudged me to go.

I just laughed as I got up and made my way towards Willow. “Yeah, yeah, I’m going over there now.”

Goose was right behind me, giving Lilah and Striker some privacy. “Where is she gonna stay? I have plenty of room in my house!”

I turned and looked at Goose. “Stay the fuck away from her, Sawyer. I’m serious. We don’t know what’s going on, so just keep your distance.”

He shrugged his shoulders as we got closer to Willow. She looked up at me and I could see a small hint of a smile spread across her face.

“Finally. I was getting some weird looks. Can we get back to your secret clubhouse now?” She laughed and bent down to pet her dog.

Goose laughed and bent down to pet the dog too and it took everything in me not to deck him at our nephew’s birthday party. “Beautiful dog. What’s his name?” Goose was playing a dangerous game and he knew it.Nothing like some brotherly competition.

Willow smiled as she hugged him, “His name is Orion. Named him after the constellation. It was the first thing I saw when I adopted him that night. He’s a Belgian Malinois.”

She had a huge smile on her face as she recalled the story of adopting Orion. Willow was absolutely beautiful when she talked about something so close to her

A punch to my arm brought me back to reality. “Yo! Colton and Knox are getting ready to open their presents. Are you coming?” Goose had a sly look on his face like he knew I was daydreaming about Willow.

I turned to her and motioned for her to walk with us. We all started to walk towards to blanket laid out with a mountain of presents behind it. Lilah was sitting next to Striker, the boys on Striker’s lap. They looked so happy and it made my heart ache just a little. I never realized until now that I wanted something like that. They were lucky they had a past together so it made it easier for them to have that life. I had nothing compared to Lilah and Striker.

Lilah grabbed two little blue bags and handed them to the boys. “This one is from Mama. It’s a very special gift so be careful and make sure you show Daddy!”

They ripped open the bags, throwing the tissue paper all over the place and I laughed. They were so cute, yet absolute terrors and I loved it. They pulled out two little black shirts that looked like motorcycle vests, patches and all. Striker and Lilah were whispering and then he turned the shirt around. On the back of each shirt, it said ‘Don’t mess with our baby sister’.

“We’re due in January, babe. A little girl!” Lilah was crying as she told Striker about the new baby. Colton and Knox climbed onto their laps, hugging and kissing their parents. The boys ran to me and Goose with their shirts and we helped put them on. They ran around showing everybody, excited for a new baby sister. My Mama came over crying and pulled my brother and me into a big hug.

“Oh boys, I am just so happy! Another little grandbaby, and it’s gonna be a girl! Oh, so much pink and frills! I’m so excited!” Mama turned and saw Willow standing next to me. “Silas Charles Crawford! Did I teach you nothing? Where are your manners, boy?” I sheepishly looked down as my Mama berated me about my damn manners.

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