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“Sweetheart,” Mom spoke up. “I get why you were hiding this.” She brought up one hand to cup her cheek and run a gentle thumb over part of the bruise still discoloring most of her face.

“And came down to surprise me in order to find out what I was hiding.” Lauren shook her head. She was torn on this. It was so a violation of boundaries. Or it would be if she’d ever put those boundaries in place. Instead, she’d moved away and let the miles be the boundary. She’d never discouraged her parents from visiting. In fact, she’d invited them several times. It also warmed something inside her that they’d dropped everything to come check on her when they felt something was wrong. That went a long way toward helping her let go of her anger.

“Have you gotten a hotel yet?” she asked after several deep breaths.

“We have a reservation at a place not far away.”

“How long do you plan on staying?”

“We planned on a week, because we didn’t know what we would find when we arrived,” Dad said. “We wanted to have time if we needed it.” He lifted one shoulder and let it fall. “Are you still seeing clients like that?”

“No.” Lauren shook her head. “I see too many who’ve been victims of violence. I can’t show up like this. It would be devastating for some of them. I’ve referred them to a colleague that I cover for when she has something come up, until this is gone and I can see them again without traumatizing them. Except for Lacey. I still see her twice a week, but that’s less formal now.”

Lacey’s visits, along with Jenna and how often she saw Elizabeth, were a big part of how Lauren had kept from going stir crazy over the last couple of weeks. Because they’d had a sit down with Jenna, Lacey, and Roadkill where they talked about the dynamics, with Lauren living here, and so close, they’d decided to stop the formal therapy. Lauren was still helping the girl through what she’d experienced, but it was more as a friend now than as a doctor. That was the only reason she could say that much now without violating HIPAA laws.

“I can work with a week.” Lauren looked at Cypher. “You want to show Dad your command center?” She fought to keep a straight face. Many of the brothers called Cypher’s office in the clubhouse his command center, but it struck her as silly. She had to keep from laughing out loud every time she said it. He didn’t seem to notice.

“You going to be all right if we do?”

“I’m fine.” She turned, stretched up, and leaned against him as she placed a peck of a kiss on the end of his chin. “I’m going to talk to Mom for a bit, give her a tour, then take her over to see Charlie. She’s been after me for a grandbaby long enough, I thought I’d let her practice for a bit.”

“Sounds good. If you need me, reach out.” Cypher leaned down and kissed the end of her nose. “I’ll send Chase back to keep an eye on things outside while I’m gone.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“I’m sure you are too, but just in case, Chase. Do you really think Hex won’t put someone outside their place? I’m just getting one in place before you head over there.”

Lauren rolled her eyes.

“It’s across the street. Are you afraid I’m going to stub my toe? Or fall down the stairs and break a leg?”

“Neither, sweetheart,” he kissed the tip of her nose again, “but I didn’t think you’d get kidnapped from the parking lot of your office either. I’m not going to miss anything else.”

Lauren sighed. She didn’t like that he kept someone near her at all times, but at the same time, it warmed something in her to know he would do whatever it took to protect her. Well, her and this little one. She gripped the sides of Cypher’s shirt to keep from moving her hand over her belly. She’d found herself doing it more and more often, but she would need to be careful about that, at least until they told everyone. Leaning her head forward, she let her forehead rest against his shoulder for a moment. After a few breaths, she looked up and smiled at him, hoping he could see how she felt about him in her face.

“Go. Have fun. We’ll be fine. If we need anything, you’ll be my first call.”

“I better be.” Cypher gave her a squeeze, then released her. He took his cut off the hook beside the door and slipped it on. “Ready to go meet more of my club?” Cypher lifted one brow at Dad.

“Sure. I’d love to know more about you and the people my daughter calls family now.”

Lauren watched them go, wishing for an instant it was just her and Cypher again. It would be soon enough, but now, she had to gather her will and face her mother.

“How long have you known you love him?” Mom asked.

Lauren’s mouth hung open as she turned to stare at her mother.

“What?”

“You heard me.”

“How did you know?”

“Baby, I know you. I’ve been there for every major milestone in your life,” she turned and looked at the closed door, “or at least the ones I knew about.”

Lauren sputtered.

“What?” she said when she could finally speak again.