Chapter 17
The plate slipped fromLydia's grasp.Ceramic shattered, sending gravy in all directions as if it tried to escape the scene of the crime.
"Damn it," Lydia whispered, dropping to her knees to gather the pieces before anyone slipped or hurt themselves.
Her hands shook.She hated that they shook.
She'd barely slept.She'd barely eaten.And Baddy hadn't checked in once.Every hour that passed made her chest tighter, her thoughts darker.
He promised to let her know what was going on.His absence had to mean he went to meet Sonny.
She didn't trust anyone from Cusclan Motorcycle Club.If she had to guess, Sonny was probably trying to blackmail Baddy into giving him more money.He was always broke.
She groaned.And now she was going to owe Patty money for a broken plate.
"Lydia!"Patty's voice cut through the clatter of the diner."Take ten."
Lydia shook her head quickly, scooping up the last of the broken plate."I'm fine.I'm sorry, I'll keep working."
"Take.Ten."Patty barked through the window.
"I'm okay, really—"
The kitchen door swung open so hard it hit the wall.
Patty stuck her head out, eyes blazing."Break.Ten minutes.Or you're fired."
Lydia froze.Patty never threatened her job.And the look on her face said she meant it.
She swallowed hard and set the broken pieces in the bin.There wasn't anything she could do except obey.Her legs wobbled beneath her as she walked to the back, pushing open the break room door.
The second it shut behind her, the noise of the diner faded, leaving her alone with the pounding of her heartbeat.She gripped the edge of the small table and closed her eyes.
Breathe.
Just breathe.
But her chest wouldn't loosen.Her lungs wouldn't fill with air.Her thoughts circled the same terrifying loop.Baddy hadn't checked in.Not once.
He'd said he'd talk to her later.Said he'd find her.Said he'd keep her safe.
And now...nothing.
What if something happened to him?
