"She's resting."Baddy unclenched his hands."She had a rough night."
Baker nodded, guilt flickering across his face.But Baddy wasn't done.
He stepped closer, close enough that only a few inches separated them."Listen to me, brother."
Baker straightened, sensing the shift.
"I don't care that you're her father," Baddy spoke slowly, making sure his point was taken."I don't care that you're Royalla.I don't care what history you and Lydia's mom have."
Baker's jaw tightened without saying a word.
"If you ever hurt her," Baddy continued, "brother or not, you'll pay for every tear that falls.I won't let anyone put her through more pain.I've already killed one person who thought they would hurt Lydia, I'm not afraid of killing someone else."
Silence settled between them, thick and heavy.Baddy wasn't fucking around.He'd claimed Lydia.He was going to make damn sure he made her happy.
Then Baker nodded once.Slow.Respectful."I'd expect nothing less."
The tension between them eased a fraction.Enough for Baddy to breathe again.
Before either of them could say more, footsteps sounded behind them.Baddy looked over his shoulder.
Maureen stepped into the kitchen, stopping short when she saw him.She gazed through red-rimmed eyes and twisted her hands nervously in front of her.
She whispered, "Sorry, I didn't know you were here."
Baddy didn't soften.His loyalty was to Lydia."How are you holding up?"
She swallowed."I...I'm trying."Her gaze darted toward the doorway, as if she expected Lydia to appear."How is she?Is she...is she okay?"
"She's shaken.Hurt.Mad.Confused."Baddy exhaled deeply."But she's safe."
Maureen nodded quickly, tears threatening again."Can you tell her I want to talk to her?Please?I need to explain everything.She deserves to know why I—"
"It's up to Lydia when or if she wants to talk to anyone," Baddy cut in gently but firmly."Not me.Not you.Not Baker."
Maureen's face crumpled."I just want her to understand."
"She needs time," Baddy said."Time to breathe and wrap her head around all of this.When she's ready, she'll come to you."
Maureen wiped her eyes, accepting the order to wait even though it clearly hurt.He knew nothing about Lydia's mom, only that she was involved with Cusclan Motorcycle Club.That alone made him suspicious of her.
Baker stepped toward her, placing a steadying hand on her back.She leaned into him instinctively.
Baddy watched them for a moment—two people with a past, a past that involved Lydia.He had a strange mix of protectiveness and anger twist inside him.
He didn't know how everything would play out in the end.
But he knew one thing with absolute certainty.
Lydia wasn't facing any of it alone.
Not anymore.
He turned and walked out of the kitchen, already planning how to get through his day, so he could get back to her.
The air compressor shut off as he stepped into the garage.He inhaled deeply.The motor oil, metal, and the faint bite of paint thinner eased the tension in him.Before Lydia entered his life, this was where he spent most of his days.
Hunter looked up from the bike he was tuning, spotted Baddy, and jerked his chin toward the far corner.He followed the cue and found Kodiak standing beside the lift, arms crossed, watching a couple of prospects struggle getting the front panel off the vehicle.
