Lydia stopped outsidethe clubhouse door.She inhaled deeply.Her emotions were all over the place.
Maybe it was too soon.
Conversations leaked outside the building.The Royalla members were inside.The last thing she wanted was an audience.She needed privacy.
Baddy's hand wrapped around hers as he opened the door and guided her inside.She didn't get more than three steps before Baker looked up from the bar and spotted her.
The moment his gaze landed on her, everything in him shifted.He straightened, taking a half step toward her like he wasn't sure if he was allowed.His mouth parted, like her name was right there on his tongue.
Lydia's stomach gnawed.She pressed against Baddy's side.She couldn't handle a conversation with Baker yet.
She tore her gaze away, squeezing Baddy's hand hard enough that he glanced down at her.
"Come on," he murmured, reading her perfectly.
He led her down the hallway toward the back rooms, away from the noise, away from Baker's hopeful stare.Her pulse thudded in her ears, each step heavier than the last.
Baddy stopped at the door at the end of the hallway.He'd warned her that her mom was staying with Baker.
He turned her gently to face him."You sure?"
She nodded, even though she wasn't sure of anything.All she knew was that something had to give.She couldn't keep living each day in fear, not knowing who she was or why her parents made the wrong choices for her.
He cupped her cheek and kissed her."I'll be in the clubhouse.If you need me, you come get me."
She swallowed hard."Wait."
Before he could step back, she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.His arms came around her instantly, holding her like he knew she'd unravel without him.
She breathed him in.He was safe.Solid.Hers.
Her voice shook."I don't even know who I am anymore."
His hand slid up her back, fingers threading into her hair."You're Lydia, sweetheart.It doesn't matter what you hear from anyone else.What your mom says doesn't change who you are."
She held on for another long moment, letting his strength seep into her bones.Letting herself believe she could do this.
Finally, she pulled away, her hands lingering on his chest before she let them fall.Baddy was the best thing she'd ever had in her life.She had no idea what she'd do if he wasn't in her life.
He gave her one last kiss on her forehead for support and stepped back.
Lydia turned toward the door.Her heart hammered.She lifted her hand and knocked.A few seconds passed.Then the door cracked open.
Her mom stood there, with her hair pulled back in a messy knot, like she hadn't slept in days."Lydia..."
She swallowed, her voice barely a whisper."We need to talk."
The room seemed too small the moment she stepped inside.Too warm.Too full of lies, she didn't want to face.Lydia stayed standing near the door, arms crossed tight over her chest like she could hold herself together by sheer force.
Her mom sat on the edge of the couch, arms wrapped around her middle, shoulders hunched.She looked smaller and more fragile than Lydia remembered.But Lydia couldn't let that soften her.Not now.
"Why did you tell me my father was dead?"Lydia asked, her voice was sharper than she intended.
Her mom rubbed the base of her throat, eyes darting away."It was easier."
Lydia let out a bitter laugh and turned away, pacing a few steps before spinning back around."Easier for you?Do you have any idea what it's like to grow up thinking my dad is dead?To wonder what he was like?To imagine a whole life that would never exist for me?"
Her mom flinched."It was different with Baker back then.I told him I was pregnant, and he was afraid that life with Royalla Motorcycle Club was too dangerous for us."
