Page 63 of Lost Lyrebird

Maverick Gunn is a few feet over and is a vision in nothing but gray sweats and a silver chain necklace that holds the club’s winged-skull pendant at the end.He’s not as massive as Dozer or Taz, but he still stands close to six feet.His hair’s shaved short, jet-black against his darker skin, and a thick layer of scruff shadows his sharp jaw.Across his back, a huge HOC tattoo stretches from shoulder to shoulder.One of his arms is covered in colorful tattoos, while the other has an angel and a cross.

He drops one gloved hand at our approach and hits me with his intense amber stare, barely acknowledging me when Dozer introduces us.I get a simple “Hey,” before he raises his hand and returns to pummeling the heavy bag in front of him with powerful jabs, one right after the other, as if he’s trying to knock out some unseen enemy.

I don’t say it lightly, because I’ve seen my fair share, but Mav is by far one of the sexiest bikers I’ve come across.The girls at the club overlook his attitude and fall all over him.They also refer to him as “Ricky Boy,” where most of the guys refer to him as “Rick the Dick.”And he is that.From what I’ve witnessed, he’s as broody as the day is long, and not someone you can easily approach.He’s less outspoken, has a standoffish air about him, and often wears a dismissive scowl.

I know from his file—and what Deed’s has relayed—that he’s the club’s SAA, and Cap’s right hand.He supposedly took over the role of the sergeant-at-arms when Edge, Dozer’s cousin, got locked away a few years back.

Mav’s file also told me he has a degree from Cornell, healthy financials, and various business dealings.He’s successful, educated, and has a heavy religious background.

Then there’s Bodie.His workout, if I’m not mistaken, includes either watching the ceiling or it’s quite possible he’s sleeping.He’s shirtless, wearing ripped jeans and nothing else, lying on his back in the middle of the boxing ring.

Above all the others, he’s the most unpredictable guy out of all the HOCs.Not necessarily dangerous, because he’s kind of a sweetheart and charmer.But you never quite know what will fly out of his mouth or what he’ll do next.Like right now.He’s barefoot and lying starfished in the ring.

In a way, he reminds me of myself.He struts to his own beat, colors outside the lines of normality, and goes full out on life.He’s not everyone’s cup of tea, yet he doesn’t let criticism dull his shine.His loud and crazy nature drives some of the other guys bat-shit crazy, Finn especially, but I kind of think Finn needs that.Maybe they all do, so they don’t take life too seriously.

Bodie stirs as Dozer calls out to him, groaning loudly and miserably before lifting his head to look at Dozer, who hangs his arms on the ropes.“Did it help?”

Bodie lays his head back on the mat with a thud.“While I was getting my ass beat, sure, but now.Not so much.What the fuck am I going to do?Three days!”

I’m a little lost about what they’re discussing until Dozer fills me in.He peers down at me and explains.“His wife is taking off to her mom’s place for a few days and leaving him with the kids.”

“How old are the kids?”I ask.

Bodie leans up on his elbows.Both of his eyebrows pop up.“Well, look who it is.My favorite flower.You wouldn’t by chance know anything about wee ones, would you?Like, say, feedin’ them bottles and shit?Changin’ diapers?”

I laugh outright.Surely he’s not serious.Dozer chuckles, and they both stare at me.“No, sorry.I’m definitely not your girl for that.Clothes, fashion, music, and women, I can give advice on.Kids… that’s a no.”

“Beth still not answering?”Dozer asks him.

“Nah, man.And Kendra’s visiting her family in Mexico.”

“You could call my mom.”

Bodie shakes his head, and his blond locks, which rest in waves around his face, bounce.His dimples wrinkle as he frowns.“No offense, man, but I’d rather get a swift kick in the balls than have your mom invading my space.”

Dozer doesn’t look offended.“Bet she’d take them off your hands until Blaire’s back in town.”

Bodie rolls over and peels himself off the floor.He strides over and sits by us, threads his arms over the rope.“But that’s the test, right?Blaire will be even more pissed off at me if Locks throws this shit in her face, which will happen if I pass them off to someone else.And she’ll use this shit against me forever.The point is that I’m supposed to manage and show her I’m capable of takin’ care of my own damn kids, man.”

“Did you try Raven?”I ask.

He scowls.“That girl stopped answerin’ my calls ages ago.”

Dozer bursts into a laugh that he fails to cover with a cough.“Probably because you all but stalked her and called her non-stop for like a year straight.”

“To be fair, she never told me to lose her number.”Bodie moans and rubs his forehead in frustration.“Anyone else you can think of?”

“I can send Taffy over after school, if that will help,” Dozer offers.

“Anything, man.I’m desperate here.”

Dozer pulls out his phone from his pocket and starts typing a text.When finished, he crosses his arms over his chest and levels a downright scary expression at Bodie.“This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway.”

“I know… I know.”Bodie holds up one hand.

Dozer talks over him.“Touch her in any way, and I’ll rearrange your fucking insides.You got me?”

“I know, man.”