Page 41 of Hawk

Luna sat next to me and grabbed my hand in a show of support. I took a deep breath and looked at Lily.

“Of course, Mrs. Banks.”

She laughed and shook her head. “Oh god, not married. Single, just how I want it. And you can call me Lily, please.”

I smiled at her. “Perfect.”

Luna tapped the back of my hand. “You good?”

I nodded, then turned back to Lily and folded my hands together. “Alright. I guess I should start at the beginning. Lloyd and I have been together since my senior year of high school. He went off to college while I had to stay behind. Uhm… I guess he was always abusive, I just couldn’t see it.”

Lily reached out to gently touch my hand. “It’s hard to see the whole storm when you’re directly in the eye of the hurricane.”

I took a deep breath and continued on with the added encouragement. “He first hit me at the graduation party. He also... well... he took advantage of me. That was just the first time. He changed who I was and made me into this perfect housewife. The past few years have become even worse. The slaps have turned into punches and kicks. To the point where I end up in the hospital for care.”

Lily furiously took notes down to document everything.

“The last time before I ended up here, it was him and his father, Eckhart. They both kicked and punched me. Lloyd told me if he can’t have me, nobody can. He threatened to hurt Hawk and the other men in the club. And I know he would try to destroy their lives.”

Lily nodded, then looked up at me. “And what was this fight over?”

“I was going to leave him. His father was talking about introducing him to another girl and told him to keep me on the side... I called Bambi on my way to our bedroom and that’s when he attacked me.”

“I think I got what I need right now. Do you have questions?”

I nodded. “What if he comes after me? What if his father gets him off, and the judge doesn’t believe me? They’re well known in this town… What if they hurt any of these people?”

Lily barked a laugh out. “They aren’t getting past me. We will file a restraining order right away to start. Lilah also has pictures from each visit and has kept her own record for you.”

A small tear escaped from the corner of my eye. “They’ve been looking out for me like that all this time?”

Lily just nodded. “You have a great group of friends to lean on.”

I turned to Luna and grabbed her hand. “Thank you. Thank you all so much.”

Luna just shrugged her shoulders. “Lilah and Bambi started this all, then dragged us along. But I’m so glad they did.”

The front door creaked open and heavy footsteps came nearer to the kitchen. All three of us looked up to see Hawk standing in the doorway.

He smiled that gorgeous crooked smile at me that made my heart stop for a few beats. He nodded and took his hat off.

“Hey there. I’m Hawk. And you are... Miss Banks?”

She smiled and held her hand out for him to shake. “Just Lily around here.” Lily turned back to me and gathered up her papers. “I’ll get this filed right away, along with the charges. Remember, I’ve got your back no matter what. This town has no clue who just came barreling in. My card is on the fridge. Call or text me if you need anything.”

Luna got up with her, “I’ll walk you out and give these two some space.”

Hawk and I watched as they walked out the kitchen door. He turned to me and whistled.

“Well, shit. She’s a fucking shark, huh? Cold and to the point.”

I nodded. “Yeah. But I think that’s what we need. She doesn’t seem like the person to take any shit from anybody, judges included.”

Hawk came over and kissed me on the head. “That’s exactly what this town needs. How are you doing with all of this?”

“I’m nervous. But happy I can finally move on from all of that. I haven’t loved Lloyd in a very long time. I should have left senior year but…”

He just shook his head. “You were trapped. It is what it is, babe. You got us now to help you and nail that sonofabitch. And I heard what you said about him hurting me or any of the other guys. That will never happen. He wants to play dirty? We can play dirty too. Let me help you, babe. Take some of that stress off your shoulders.”

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