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“It’s well-known, especially among the people who really need it, that Lyric feeds anyone who needs a meal whether they can pay or not. In the winter, there’s more need because people have to choose between heating their place or buying groceries. They come to the back to see Lyric, though they’re always welcome in the bar. They just tell the waitress they’d like a Lyric Special, and they get a free meal.”

Viper had no idea and liked Lyric and her family even more for supporting their community and caring in that way. “That’s very generous.”

“It started with our grandmother. Lyric carries on the tradition.”

“Another reason we need to keep her safe. Add a camera to the back pointed at the door, so you can see who comes and goes. And one pointed up at her apartment door.”

Jax readily nodded, then went quiet for a moment. “Do you think this guy is dangerous enough that he’d try to take her?”

“I’m not sure. But I’m not going to make it easy for him to do it if it comes to that. If you can conceal the cameras, that would be best, but otherwise, at least you can see anyone visiting her or trying to get into her place.”

“I was already worried. Now you’re freaking me out.”

He understood Jax’s feelings so well. “If I’m overly cautious, it’s because I couldn’t stand for something to happen to her if I could prevent it.”

“I’m with you on that. Okay. Two more cameras and a better lock on her door. What else?”

“Any chance you can get her to stay at the ranch instead of here alone?”

“Lyric likes her place here for a lot of reasons. She spends a lot of hours working. What little time she has to herself, she writes and records her songs. Adding the long drive to and from the ranch, especially that late at night and on slippery wet roads...”

Dangerous. He didn’t want to trade one worry for another. He didn’t want to take something away from her that she couldn’t live without. “She loves her music. I’d hate to take that time away from her.”

“Right now, this guy is a nuisance. If things escalate . . . I’ll do the big-brother thing and warn him away from her. Of course, if he saw you with her, he might think twice about whatever it is he thinks he can have with her.”

“If I make it clear tohim, then it will make it clear toeveryoneshe’s important to me. Then I have a bigger problem.”

“Do you really think someone would go after her and risk you going after them?” Jax seemed to respect his strength and no-bullshit attitude.

“Desperate people do stupid things. I’d never forgive myself if someone went after her because of me.”

“What if this guy goes for her because you didn’t make it clear she’s yours? If that’s what this thing is between you two.”

He thought about how she wanted to call him M.Mine.It still felt amazing and so unbelievable.

“I’ll monitor the situation and do what needs to be done.” It was the best he could do when trying to protect Lyric from Rick, himself, and the shit in his life.

Jax raised a brow. “You sound like my cop cousin, Hunt.”

He ignored that. “How long until you can have the cameras up?”

“The guy who installed them is a friend. I’ll get him out here tomorrow at the latest.”

He’d have to accept that and hope Rick didn’t lose his fucking mind and do something stupid. “Until then, keep a close eye on her.”

“Where are you going to be?”

“Somewhere else tonight.” He hated it, but he had a job to do. “If I could be here, I would,” he assured Jax.

“Normally I’d ask a guy interested in one of mysisters if it’s real and not some hookup they’re looking for. But with you, I’ve known from the moment you started showing up here that she was it for you, despite how you never did anything about it.”

“Let’s hope, for her sake and mine, you’re the only one who sees it right now.”

“Just make sure she feels it and knows it. Because if you’re always pushing her away, she’ll eventually leave.”

“We have an understanding. This situation isn’t forever, it’s just what it needs to be right now, until I can change it.” That was as much of an explanation as he could give.

Jax held his gaze. “Lyric is the one who takes care of everyone. Be the person who takes care of her.”