Maxum & Lily: Rebel Guardians Next Generation Read online

  “Might not be a bad idea. I want it to grow since there’s nothing nearby. If we get too backed up, we won’t be able to expand the way I think we can.” My thoughts have been going nonstop trying to figure out ways for the company to grow and expand. I didn’t want to bother the brothers with any of this, since they went out of their way to financially and emotionally support me.

  “What if we see if we can get a few of the brothers to be dedicated to the bullshit stuff? You know, oil changes, tire rotations, state inspections. That kind of thing. It would free us up to do the body work and major repairs,” he states.

  “I like that idea. Hell, if any of the women can do it, we can bring them on as well. Equal opportunity and all that shit.” I would trust a sister before I would an outsider, and now my thoughts are stuck on which one I can talk into coming and helping me out.

  “You’re just hopeful that Lily would want to be here so you can spend more time with her,” Jaxson teases.

  “Naw, it’s not like that with us. I’m not in the market for a long-term relationship, and she’s the kind of woman who needs red roses, romance, white picket fences and shit,” I reply. Although if I were built like that, I’d definitely choose Lily. Our time in the cabin was unbelievable, but I knew even then that I couldn’t let it go further. She deserves the world and I can’t give her that, thanks to my upbringing. My father did his best to show me that women were nothing more than mere objects to be used and abused. I don’t want to be that man; I’d rather be alone in life than make another person miserable.

  “I think you’re wrong, brother,” Jaxson says. “But if you’re not serious about a relationship with her, you need to cut her loose. Axe won’t like it that his little girl is being played with, especially not by a brother.” Does he think I don’t know all of this? I’m very aware, which is why I’ve made sure she knows we go no further than a roll in the sheets every once in a while. I like her, value her friendship, and I can’t lose her. She knows she only has to say the words and we’ll stop what we’ve been doing. Or did… fuck, I don’t know if we’re still doing the benefit thing or not. It’s been a few weeks since we burned up the sheets; at night when I’m lying in bed all alone, I miss her presence, warmth and laughter.

  I nod even though I’m still under the car and he can’t see me. I’ve kind of been waiting for Axe to pull me aside and question me about my intentions toward his daughter. She’s the ‘original’ club princess and acts like it through and through, but my dad’s words supersede anything I might actually want.

  “Brother, you know that what you experienced growing up is not the norm,” Jaxson states. He knows more than most since he’s my best friend, but he still has no clue that for sixteen years, I was witness to the emotional and sometimes physical abuse my father heaped on my mother. Then, for two years before I split at eighteen, he spewed his poison about women and relationships. Granted, since becoming a member of the Rebel Guardians, I’ve seen how relationships should be, what with pretty much every older brother finding and claiming his old lady. But that’s not for me.

  “Hard habit to break, Jax,” I say. “You hear how women are only good for one thing twenty-four seven and tell me how it fucks with your mindset.”

  “Jesus fucking Christ, Maxum. You see how all the brothers are with their old ladies, right? You think that’s an act or something? I can tell you, it’s not and if you examine your heart, you’d know I’m telling the damn truth. Each one of us would lay our own lives down for our women. Hell, we’d lay them down for our brothers’ women as well.”

  “Look, I know you’re all in love with Ralynn and shit, but that doesn’t mean that we’re all gonna find and settle down with our one true love. I’m not trying to be an asshole, but don’t try and force me to live a lovey-dovey type of lifestyle… it’s just not in the cards. Not for me and Lily, not for me and anyone. I’m meant to be alone, and that’s the way it is and is always gonna be. I won’t tie anyone down with the fucked-up mess that repeats in my head daily… it’s not fair to a woman and children stuck with my fucked-up ass.”

  “Then you need to cut her loose, brother. She doesn’t deserve to be strung along like you’re doing if there’s no future,” he says. I can hear the censure in his voice and sigh. I don’t want to be at odds with my best friend and if I don’t give Lily up, it’s going to cause us problems. I don’t know that I can let her go, though.

  “We have an understanding, Jax. She knows all she’s gotta do is say stop and we quit. I’ve never hid what I do and don’t want from her, she’s a big girl and can make her own damn decisions. Let it go and keep your nose clean of me and Lily and whatever sort of relationship we’re having. We’re both happy and content for now. When that changes, we’ll move on.”

  “You’re an asshole, Maxum. That girl is in love with you and has been for a long time now. She’d say anything just to be even a small part of your life and it’s time you woke up and realized that!” Jaxson shouts.

  “Are you on your period or something, Jax? Are we gonna paint each other’s toes and give facials? Do I need to set some time aside for girl talk? Stop being a pansy and look down. Last I checked you had a dick not a fucking pussy.” My irritation at his interference is pissing me the fuck off!

  “I can’t with you today! This is all gonna blow up in your face and when it does, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I’m out,” Jaxson growls out as he stomps away.

  “Well, that went well,” I mutter to myself. “The conversation started out on a good note, then he had to go and bury his nose where it doesn't belong.”

  “Talking to yourself again?” I hear the voice of an angel and slide out from under the car so I can see her face. Just because I can’t commit to her, doesn’t mean I don’t want to see her beautiful face and hear her angelic voice every chance I get. I need it buried deep in my soul so that when she gets tired of me and moves on, I have something to hold on tight to. These times with her will get me through my miserable existence.

  “Well, you know, I like myself better than most other people. At least with myself I know I’ll have a great conversation,” I jokingly state. God damn, she’s fucking beautiful!

  2

  Lily

  I start laughing at his words. It’s one of the things I love about him, his sense of humor. Before I can reply, he asks, “How was your appointment?”

  “It went pretty well. Got the injection of Bio-TE so we’ll see if it helps with the headaches or not,” I reply. My ‘condition’ is well-known in the club as many of them have had to haul me to the emergency room for the cocktail, Maxum included.

  “I hope so, babe,” he says. “Hate it when you’re in pain like that.”

  “Yeah, you probably hate the puking as well,” I joke. He’s held my hair back plenty of times as I’ve puked my guts out. I don’t even get embarrassed any more since it’s happened so often.

  “Don’t much care for you looking like death warmed over,” he replies. “So, if this shit that Luca researched helps you, I’m fucking thrilled.”

  I look up at him; he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man, but he told me early on that he wasn’t relationship material. I keep holding out hope that he’ll see that we’re different and decide to go for it, but I don’t know how to approach that topic. Instead, I’ll let it go for now and take what he’s willing to give me for now. “You want to come over later?” I ask. It’s been a few weeks since we’ve spent any time together and I have to admit, I’ve missed him. Of course, he hasn’t reached out to me, so maybe he’s tired of our relationship.

  “Not sure, babe. I’m backed up right now and then have to do the paperwork before I can’t catch up.”

  “You have paperwork that needs doing? Jesus, Maxum, why didn’t you say something? I know how to do that shit with my eyes closed. What do you think I do for the club’s businesses? Hell, you probably don’t even have a website, do you?” The look he gives me would be comical if it wasn’t so important t
o the growth of his garage. He looks as if he’s constipated as he contemplates my words. I imagine the light bulb going off in his head before his head whips over in my direction. I watch his eyes widen at my words.

  “You can help me with that? You’re hired!” He pulls me into a hug and I breathe in his scent. Motor oil, leather, and the bodywash he uses that has a crisp, clean smell. It feels like home in his arms, although I’ll keep that to myself. “Do you have to work here? How will that play out?”

  “Once I get everything straightened out in your office and set up your website, I can work pretty much anywhere as long as I have my laptop and Wi-Fi,” I reply.

  “So, you’d what? Be like a satellite employee? How will we ever stay on top of that damn stack of daily paperwork if you’re not here?” I wanna laugh at the worry sketched across his face. He really has no idea what all I’m capable of doing, and he knows me intimately… it’s sad and pathetic if you stop and think about it. He knows what my skin tastes like, what noises I make when I come, and yet, he knows nothing about what I do for a living. I’m saying where we’re concerned, we’re batting zero. I pay attention when he talks to me, while he’s the typical male; he hears what he wants and the rest he just makes the fuck up.

  “Maxum, I can work from here and satellite into the other websites once I get the paperwork that you’ve got taken care of,” I state.

  “Fuck, this might save my ass,” he mutters.

  “That’s what I’m here for. To keep that lush ass full, can’t have it wearing down… it looks too damn good in a pair of Levi’s.” I snort out laughter at my own words.

  The look he gives me is full of desire and he grabs my hand and pulls me close. “C’mon, let me show you what you’re working with, babe,” he whispers. “Then I think we’re done for the day, unless you’ve got something else to do.”

  “I-I’m supposed to run by and see my mom.” I can’t blow her off, either. I’ve done that several days in a row and got the ‘stern-voiced’ Mom when she called and left a voicemail about today. If I miss it, then I’ll have to deal with my dad and when Mom is upset, he pulls out his president voice. I try to avoid that as much as possible.

  “How about you go see your mom and I’ll wait for you to text me. I’ll order Chinese for delivery and you can just come here instead.” He has great boyfriend potential; I just wish he’d recognize these traits in himself the way that I do.

  “Yeah, that’ll work. Do you want me to write down what I want?” I hold my breath because I may know a lot of his likes and dislikes, but I don’t think he pays attention to mine. It’s crazy to worry over if he knows what foods I like and which ones I dislike when just a second ago the worst I was concerned with was that he has no clue what I do for a living… for the club, his club.

  He scoffs. “Are you kidding? You either want beef pepper steak with fried rice, or pepper chicken with green beans and fried rice. Do you know which you’re in the mood for tonight?” he asks. I’m so shocked that he knows what I want that I’m speechless. When I don’t answer, he says, “I’ll just get both, with plenty of that duck sauce you like, and eat whichever you don’t.” Color me surprised; I’m surprised my eyes aren’t popping out of my head with the knowledge that he does know something about me that I personally consider important. I’d cut a bitch if she tried to mess with my Chinese food… okay, so I’m a little obsessed. I have stabbed Ralynn with my fork before when she tried to take some chicken from my platter. I love her, but I don’t love anyone that much.

  I’m not a good sharer.

  Never have been, just ask my parents if you don’t believe me.

  That’s in all aspects of my life.

  “That sounds good to me, Maxum. Now, show me the paperwork pile from Hell,” I tease, as I bump my shoulder against his then I end up taking his hand. I try to be affectionate without being pushy and sometimes, he goes along with it, like right now. He laces our fingers together and drops a kiss on my forehead before walking beside me to his office. When I see the desk, I groan because it’s going to take a few days to get it organized before I can actually work. “Guess I know what I’ll be doing the rest of this week,” I state, looking around. Wow, he wasn’t joking when he said he was behind.

  He rubs his neck and grins. “Sorry, babe. But it’s not my fault; I had no clue I’d be slammed every day when I opened the place.”

  “We’ll get you on track, Maxum,” I promise. “I’ll get started tomorrow.”

  Maxum

  I finish my day, then head upstairs to my small apartment over the garage to take a shower and get cleaned up. Once done, I order our Chinese for delivery then settle in to watch a ball game. My thoughts are all over the place from my earlier conversation with Jaxson, as well as briefly seeing Lily. “Fuck you, Dad,” I grind out. “If you hadn’t fucked my head up, I would claim her in a heartbeat. But no, you were a Grade-A asshole and that has colored every ‘relationship’ I’ve ever been involved in.” If he hadn’t taken off, I’d probably go beat the shit out of him.

  Thoughts of him swirling, I get up when I hear a knock on the door. Expecting the delivery man, I step back when I come face to face with my president, Axe. “Pres?” I question.

  “Thinking it’s time we have a talk. Don’t you?” he asks as he pushes his way into my apartment.

  “Um… sure,” I draw out. Not one-hundred percent sure what he’s doing here, but I have a good idea of what talk we need to be having. “Would you like a beer or something?” I walk to the fridge and pull one out, not sure if he wants one, but I’m suddenly parched.

  “I’ll take a beer, brother.” Well, he’s not acting like he plans on rearranging my face and knocking out a few teeth. “Go ahead and have a seat and I’ll bring it to you.” I take a deep breath before turning my back on the one man who has the power to bring my life crashing down around me. “Bottle or can?” I ask, trying to prolonging the upcoming conversation.

  “Either works,” he dryly responds. He knows what I’m doing, and I’m grateful he’s giving me this play. I need time to wrap my head around the fact that Axe is here, surely to confront me. I know that the entire MC is aware of mine and Lily’s relationship status, but since it’s nothing more than a friends with benefits sort of thing, I never asked Axe for permission to romp around in the sack with his daughter. As far as he needs to know, we’re just friends… he doesn’t need to know how good of friends we actually are.

  “So, what can I do for you, Axe?” I ask as I hand him his beer.

  “I’m gonna get right to the point. What’s up with you and my girl?” I take a swallow of my beer to chase the god-awful taste away. This isn’t something I ever wanted to sit and converse with him on.

  “We’re friends, Axe. Nothing more, nothing less.” I emphasize the word nothing each time it leaves my mouth. “Why?” I wanna know where his thoughts are taking him.

  “We both know for her, it’s more than friendship, Maxum.” He sighs while running his fingers through his long beard.

  “It’s not,” I implore. I don’t feel like eating my teeth, I like my smile the way it is.

  “Maxum. Don’t play coy with me, boy. I may be old, but I wasn’t born yesterday.” I can tell by his tone that he’s getting a bit perturbed with my innocent act.

  “Axe, I don’t know what you think it is, but we’re simply friends,” I insist again.

  “Maxum, I know my daughter. I also know that she sees the pot at the end of the rainbow with you. She’s thinking of y’alls future, so if you can’t give that to her, you need to step back.” Fuck, now he’s using his president voice. I hate when he does that because I feel like a little kid again, getting scolded for doing something wrong.

  “We have an understanding, Axe. We’re good together, but I’m not ready for anything permanent.” I don’t share my feelings well; this is the best he’s gonna get out of me.

  “I’m gonna ask you to stop seeing her. Not as your president, but as her father. She deserv
es so much more than you’re willing to offer her. Think of her, not your hormones, Maxum. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and the second I held her in my arms, I vowed to protect her from anything and anyone who could harm her in any way.”

  Fucking hell. He’s serious and I’m not sure that I can give her up. “Axe, you’re overstepping here. We’re both consenting adults, not teenagers.” I may be taking my life in my hands, but what Lily and I have or don’t have is none of anyone’s fucking business. I’m tired of their bullshit and this is the last straw.

  “Maxum, I won’t allow you to break my daughter’s heart and this is where it’s headed. Do us all a favor and don’t string her along. A friends with benefits relationship is unfair to her, I won’t stand by and allow it to continue.”

  Now I’m getting pissed. “Axe, no disrespect, but again, we’re both adults.”

  “I’ll send her away,” he threatens.

  “What the fuck is going on here?” Lily asks as she walks into the room. I was so intent on what Axe was saying, I never heard her come through the front door. She glares at her father and says, “Dad, I love you, but you had no right to come here and demand anything.” I hang my head when it dawns on me that she heard a helluva lot more than I anticipated.

  3

  Lily

  I stare at the two most important men in my life like they have both lost their ever-loving minds. I’m a grown ass adult and can sleep with whoever I want to sleep with, for fuck’s sake! Granted, Maxum has been the only one, and is the only one I want, but my dad has no right to come over here and insist he stop seeing me!