Chapter 11
Baddy stayed away fromthe diner for a full week.
He told himself it was the right thing to do.Lydia needed space to settle in and get used to the job.She didn't need him hovering over her like some kind of guard dog.She needed room to breathe.Room to figure out her own footing.
But every day that passed, he caught himself wondering how she was doing.If she was eating.If she was sleeping.If she was still looking over her shoulder for Sonny.
There were times he wondered if she'd sneak back to Cusclan.Maybe he read the situation wrong, and she wanted to belong to them.But then he reminded himself that Patty would contact him if she ended up missing.
He believed that Lydia was more afraid of Cusclan than him.She had a right to be concerned.Cusclan Motorcycle Club was dangerous.That's why he kept a close eye on who traveled the street in front of the clubhouse and who was parked in front of the diner during open hours.He expected blowback from buying Sonny's property.
Duke wandered into the clubhouse, helmet in hand, and approached him."You wanna grab dinner at Patty's?"
"Yeah," he said, grabbing his keys."Let's go."
Maybe Duke gave him an excuse to see Lydia.
Duke grinned."Didn't think you'd be hungry."
"I'm not."
Duke gave him a look but didn't push.
They rode the short stretch down the street, engines rumbling in sync.The diner's neon sign flickered in the dusk, casting a warm glow across the parking lot.The place closed at seven o'clock.Baddy parked beside Duke and killed the engine, the sudden quiet ringing in his ears.
He wasn't there for food.
He was here to see Lydia.
Inside, the diner bustled with the usual Friday-dinner crowd.Families sat in booths while the truckers sat at the counter.Patty barked orders like a drill sergeant, making sure things continued moving so she could lock the door at seven.The smell of fried onions and fresh coffee hit him hard.
He scanned the room before he even looked for a place to sit.
And there she was.
Lydia moved between tables with a tray balanced on one hand, hair pulled back, apron tied tight around her waist, covering her skimpy shorts.She shifted, giving her back to him.His gut tightened, expecting a punch.And there it was, her tight ass, framed beautifully in a pair of cutoffs with diamond-shaped hearts on each pocket.
He dragged his gaze down her legs and back up in time for her to turn again.The wrinkled brow was gone.The scowl was missing.
She smiled at a customer, and the pressure in Baddy's chest eased.That was a genuine expression.She was happy.
Duke elbowed him."You gonna sit or stare at the new girl all night?"
Baddy motioned for him to find them a place.Duke walked to an empty booth at the back window, near the kitchen, and slid into the seat.Baddy followed, sitting where he had a clear view of the diner.He didn't call out to her.Didn't wave.Didn't want to distract her.
He just watched.
