The Biker's Fate Chapter 309

Maverick's friend Donnie had been boyfriend number thirteen, but Maverick had been right about his player reputation. Poppy had quickly figured out Donnie wasn't the monogamous kind, so she dumped him about two weeks in.

"Wait, he's pissed because she dumped another guy?"

Maverick shook his head. "He's pissed there ever was another guy."

"Ohmigod, he's pushed her away forever. What does he expect from her?"

"What every guy expects. Total devotion even when we're being assholes."

"Ahh, yeah, that makes more sense," I deadpanned. "Can I just say I'm really glad you've never been an asshole?"

"I've been an asshole," he said defensively.

"It's not a criticism." I rolled my eyes. "And you're not an asshole, Mav. You're not perfect, but you've never been an asshole."

"Wait." He raised an eyebrow. "I'm not perfect?"

"You're perfect to me," I corrected.

"Better."

"You're ridiculous." I chuckled. "Do you think she'll ever figure out she's still in love with Devon?"

"Don't know." Maverick shrugged. "Don't really care, either; just need Devon focused when we have shit to do."

"And this makes him unfocused?"

"More than a lot."

I scowled. "Which could put you in danger."

"Don't go there, Lil. It's not that serious."

"But it could be."

"Baby, don't make this a thing."

I hissed through my teeth. "Don't tell me not to make this a thing! Ohmigod, Maverick. If he's distracted, and you're somewhere you need backup, you could be shot or worse."

"Baby, what exactly could I possibly be doing that would get me shot... or worse?" He leaned back slightly with an incredulous expression on his face. "And as a side note... what would be worse than being shot?"

"Paralyzed by a fall, car crash, or some other freak accident... raped—"

"Okay, got it," he said with a chuckle.

"This isn't something to laugh about."

"Lil, I'm not going to be paralyzed or raped... or shot," he added before I could give him other examples. Which I could. Several. "And if I did, it wouldn't be because Devon's distracted by his feelings for Poppy," he continued.

"It'd better not be."

"Okay, can we acknowledge you're being a little crazy right now?"

"No, we cannot," I retorted.

He laughed. "Okay, baby doll, let's go back to making out then."

I wrinkled my nose but stood on my tiptoes to reach his mouth anyway. He lifted me again, but before anything fun like heavy petting could happen, we were interrupted.

"There you are," Mom said, sounding a little peeved.

I removed my lips from Maverick's and turned my head to face her. "Um, ever heard of knocking?"

"Um, open room, no door," she retorted. "And maybe don't do that kind of stuff where your dad can see, hmm?"

"Killjoy." I giggled and removed my legs from Maverick's waist. "What's up?"

"Wanna meet an ex-biker and his ex-nun wife?"

"Come again?" I said.

She waved us forward. "Ryder and Sadie. His dad's part of the Gresham Spiders."

"What the fuck?" Maverick snapped, positioning himself in front of me.

"Don't worry, honey," Mom said. "Ryder's got inside information. Hence the 'ex-biker' title. Sadie and Dani work together, and Dani adores her."

"Can this guy help get the Spiders off our back?" I asked.

"This isn't touching you, Lil," Maverick growled. "I'll meet this Ryder guy, and then you can talk to Sadie after that."

"Mav," I admonished.

"Don't make this a thing," he said and stalked away.

"Don't make this a thing," I mimicked in a male voice.

"I can hear you," Maverick called. I met Mom's eye, and we both laughed.

"Let him do his thing," Mom suggested.

"He's ridiculous."

"So's your dad, baby girl. But again, choose your battles."

I sighed. "Fine."

"Come on, I'll introduce you to Sadie. We won't tell Maverick."

I followed Mom out into the great room where I saw Maverick standing with my dad, his dad, Knight, Booker, and a tall, built blond man I assumed was Ryder.

Hatch and Poppy walked in and she smiled distractedly at me as I approached. I stopped walking so they could finish their conversation without me interrupting.

"I hear you, Sid," Poppy said.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," she said.

"'Cause I feel like you're brushin' me off."

"I would never," she deadpanned.

"Okay." He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Love you, sweet girl."

"Love you too, Dad." She kissed his cheek and then closed the distance between us and hugged me. I saw Maisie rush into the room and Hatch kissed her deeply, then gave me a chin lift and led her out to the patio.

"What was that all about?" I asked.

"Sid's just giving me boy advice."

"So fun," I retorted.

"Right?"

"I've never heard you call him Dad before," I admitted.

She giggled. "I only do it when he's doling out sage wisdom. Sometimes I need to drive home that I see him as far more than just my stand-in dad."

"Sweet."

"Shh, don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my tough exterior."

I chuckled. Mom interrupted us, hugging Poppy and pulling me to where Dani, Kim, and Cassidy stood with a drop-dead gorgeous brunette. Seriously, her hair was to die for, and she looked more like Mila Kunis than a nun.

"Sadie, this is my daughter, Lily," Mom said. "She's engaged to the tall jock glaring down your husband."

Sadie chuckled and shook my hand. "It's nice to meet you, Lily. And don't worry about Ryder, he'd do the same thing."

"Mom said you and Dani work together."

"We do," she said. "Dani dragged me to the dark side."

Dani laughed. "You love it, admit it."

"Love pre-pubescent girls who 'totally love' every cute boy they meet? Sure, we'll go with that."

"It doesn't change after puberty," I said. "Not that I'd know... I've been in love with Maverick since I was five."

Cassidy smiled. "Maverick saw her and claimed her early."

"Smart boy," Sadie said.

"Do you have kids?" I asked.

"Not yet," she said.

Strong arms wrapped around my waist from behind, and I grinned up at Maverick then focused on Sadie again. "Sadie, this is Maverick."

They shook hands, and then Maverick resumed his position, my back snug to his front. Dad and his posse were carrying plates of burgers and dogs out to the patio to grill. "Don't you need to help?" I asked Maverick.

"Too many cooks," he said.

I faced him and met his eyes. "I'm good, honey."

"Good."

"No, I mean—"

"I know what you mean, Lil."

"Maverick," I whispered.

He smiled down at me. "Don't make this a thing, baby."

I rolled my eyes but chose my battle and faced the group again. I had to get used to the overprotectiveness and let the irritation go, or I'd fight with Maverick every day. Once the threat from the Spiders was eliminated, he and I would have a sit-down talk about boundaries.