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“It’d be nice to know he’s around in case... you know.”

“He felt terrible for not being there last night. But the man took a helicopter to get to me, so...”

Mom stood up straighter, her eyes wide. “He did?”

She liked surprising her mom and seeing the approval that M had made a huge effort for Lyric when she needed him. “His cousin flies them and picked him up wherever he was and dropped him right at the hospital.”

“Wow. He really went all out to get to you.”

She stared at her mom. “I couldn’t ask for more.”

“Except maybe that things were simpler between you two?”

“Yes. But it’s not forever, it’s just for right now.” His words to her.

Her mom leaned on her forearms on the counter again. “Right now is when you need him most.”

“And he showed up.”

Her mom frowned. “And then he left.”

“Mom. Please. Don’t make it harder for me to deal.”

“That’s just it, honey. I want you to be happy.”

She held her mother’s gaze. “I am when I’m with him. More than I’ve ever felt. And that makes the in-between worth bearing. It hasn’t been that long. And he’s working on ending whatever he’s doing. I need to give him a chance to do that.”

“And in the meantime, someone, most likely Rick, is trying to kill you.”

She shoved her plate away, her appetite gone. “It’s not M’s job to keep me safe. I’m perfectly capable of doing that myself.” She needed to believe she could stand on her own, that the violation of her home and sense of security hadn’t made her so scared she’d stop living her life the way she had always done.

“You were nearly killed last night.”

Not M’s fault, even though she knew he felt guilty as hell for not being there to stop it. “Even if M was there, he couldn’t have stopped that car.”

Her mom ran her fingers over Lyric’s arm. “I just want you safe.”

She softened. “He wants the same thing. He knows I’ll take every precaution. He can track my phone if something happens.”

Her mom’s eyes went wide. “He can?”

“Yes. He thought it would make me feel better to know that he can find me.”

Her mom planted her hands on the counter and narrowed her gaze. “Tell me the truth, Lyric. Are you afraid Rick is coming back for you?”

“I’d be stupid not to think he is,” she hedged. “Now I see how obsession makes people act crazy. He doesn’t see reason where I’m concerned. He wants me to do what he wants and be what he wants. There is no consideration for my feelings.” She slumped in her seat. “I tried to be kind to him, but then I had to stand up for myself.”

“Of course you did. Don’t blame yourself for what he’s done.”

“I don’t. Not really. It’s just... sad. And all I want to do is live my life without worrying about someone attacking me at work.”

“Please tell me you’re not thinking of going there tonight.”

She felt the guilt even now, letting down her siblings and the others who’d have to cover for her. “It’s Saturday. Our busiest night.”

Her mom shook her head. “I’ll take your shift. I don’t mind. I want you to rest.”

“Maybe. I’ll see how I feel later.” She didn’t want to give in to the fear, and her body had had enough and needed rest. Her dad and Jax were already at the bar doing the prep work for tonight, including barbecuing and smoking the meat that took hours. They could handle things.