"I'm your neighbor." I stand up, offering her my hand. "And like I said, we don't tolerate bullies. You need help, you come to me. Or you come to the club. We'll handle it."
She stares at my hand for a long moment. I can see her weighing the decision, trying to figure out if she can trust me. I don't blame her. From what I've heard, every man in her life has let her down. Why should I be different?
But then she takes my hand, her palm small and cold against mine, and lets me pull her to her feet.
"Thank you," she whispers. "I don't know how to repay you."
"Don't worry about it." I release her hand, suddenly uncomfortable with how natural it felt. "Just doing what's right."
She looks like she wants to argue, but Liam whimpers and her attention immediately shifts to him. "I should get him inside. He needs a nap after all that excitement."
"Yeah. Good idea." I start backing toward the porch steps. "If you need anything—"
"I know where you live." A small smile tugs at her lips. "Right next door."
"Right." I'm halfway down the steps when I remember something. "Hey, do you have food? For you and the kid?"
Her smile fades. "We have enough."
That's not a yes. That's the answer someone gives when they're too proud to admit they're struggling.
"I made lunch," I say, jerking my thumb toward my house. "Way too much for one person. Was gonna throw half of it out anyway. You want it?"
"I can't take your food—"
"It's going in the trash otherwise." I'm already walking toward my place. "Give me five minutes."
I don't wait for her to argue. Inside my house, I quickly pack up the bacon, eggs, and toast I made. There's also some fruit in myfridge that's been sitting there for days, and a half-gallon of milk. I throw it all into a bag and head back outside.
Ruby is still standing on her porch, Liam asleep against her shoulder now. She looks exhausted, like she hasn't had a full night's sleep in months. Probably hasn't.
"Here." I climb the steps and hand her the bag. "It's not much, but—"
"It's too much." But she takes the bag anyway, her eyes getting shiny again. "You don't even know me."
"So? You're my neighbor. Neighbors help each other." I shove my hands in my pockets. "Plus, I know what it's like to feel alone. To have people who should have your back turn on you instead."
"I'm sorry." And she means it. I can hear it in her voice.
"Don't be. Made me stronger." I flash a grin that feels more natural than I expected. "Made me who I am."
"Chaos." She says my road name with a slight smile. "How'd you get that name?"
"I've got a temper. Used to get into fights constantly. Still do, sometimes." I shrug. "I cause chaos wherever I go. Or so King tells me."
"King?"
"President of the Savage Riders. He's a good man. So are the rest of the brothers." I pause. "You ever need backup again, you let me know. I'll bring the whole damn club if I have to."
Tears spill over her cheeks. "I’m sorry. I don’t get it. Why are you being so nice to me?"
The question catches me off guard. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"Because nobody else is." Her voice breaks. "My parents threw me away. My boyfriend abandoned me. Everyone I've evertrusted has hurt me. So why would you, a complete stranger, help me?"
I think about that for a moment. About the kid I used to be, burning with fever while his parents argued downstairs. About the teenager who had to fight his own father just to leave home. About all the times I wished someone would step in and help me when I couldn't help myself.
"Because someone should've helped you a long time ago," I say finally. "And since they didn't, I guess I'm doing it now."
