"For being who you are."Her voice wavered."Not everyone would've cared enough to buy me from Cusclan and not ask anything in return.Or stand by me when they retaliated against me, and Royalla for taking me."
He grunted with his version of accepting gratitude, and one large hand stroked slowly up and down her back.The motion hypnotized her.
After a long moment, he murmured, "It's almost time to go if you're working your shift at the diner."
She blinked, surprised."Already?"
"Sun's gonna be up soon."His hand kept moving on her."You can take the day off if you want."
She hesitated.The idea of facing customers, noise, and normal life seemed impossible.But the idea of sitting here alone while he worked at the compound was even worse.
"What are you going to do?"she asked quietly.
"I'm riding out with a few of the guys," he said."I'm going to meet with Cusclan's president.Gonna talk about getting your mom back."
Her stomach twisted."You're going there?"
"Yeah."
Wide awake, she blinked."How are you going to do that?"
"Don't know, yet."
"Are you going to buy her?"She got off his lap."I still have the money I saved from my last job.You can use that."
"Not using your money."He stood and kissed her."Don't worry.I'll handle everything and get your mom back to you."
She couldn't go with him.She knew she'd only be in the way.But the thought of him riding into Cusclan territory without her made her chest ache.
She swallowed hard."Then I'll work."
He paused, just for a second, like he understood exactly what she wasn't saying.
"It'll keep my mind off everything," she added softly.
Plus, she already owed him money.Who knew what it would cost to buy her mom from Sonny?
His arms tightened around her, pulling her closer, his bearded chin brushing the top of her head.
"Yeah," he murmured."I know."
And for the first time since seeing her mom sitting in the car in the alley and fear had wrapped itself around her ribs like barbed wire, she could breathe a little easier knowing Baddy was going to help her.
