Page 174 of Lost Lyrebird

Bodie grumbles, “Fuck.I didn’t realize this was a funeral.”

“Oh my God!”Lily laughs, covering her mouth with her hand.

Raven gasps and screeches, “Bodie!”

Flashing his dimples, Bodie asks, “What, too soon?”

Dozer yanks him into a headlock—not a serious one, but just enough to shut him up.Bodie manages to get free and gives him the finger as he curses and moves to the other side of the room.He digs through the to-go bags.He comes back and passes me over what looks to be a breakfast burrito from my favorite fast-food joint.I open the wrapping to see the burrito covered in green chili, just how I like it.

Once finished, and while the others are occupied in conversation, I motion Mateo forward.

He comes to my side, and I ask, “You okay?”

There’s a shadow in his gaze.He plays it off, trying to show he’s unaffected.

“I’m sorry,” I tell him.“It won’t happen again.”

With a grim nod, he says, “Yeah, okay.”

“You were supposed to see any of that.It’s not right, what I put you through.”When he doesn’t say anything, I sigh and say, “I’ll get right, get clean, and I be there for you.I know this isn’t what you need—you needed someone stable to depend on, and I’m sorry, I’ve fucked this up.”

“You don’t have to apologize to me.I’m not your problem.”

“No, you’re not, but it doesn’t mean I don’t want you to be.I like having you at my place.I like being there for you when you need someone, and I want to continue to be if you’ll let me.”

He wraps his arms around his stomach and nods.Emotionally, he’s shut down, and I know it’ll take time.But I can only move forward and make this up to him, prove to him and everyone here what I’m made of.If I have to go away for a bit to sort myself out, then it’s what I need to do.

But before I do, I’ll make sure he’s solid, watched out for.He may not be my son, but I care for him like he’s my own flesh and blood.Right now, my head can’t wrap around the details, but I know Raven and Bodie will help.Lily and the club will too.

Glancing around the room, I take in the faces of the people who’ve stood by me, who haven’t given up on me, and I know I’ve got no other choice but to turn this around.I’ve got to get some help and keep fighting through the pain.

As Lily and I lock eyes one more time, my heart gives a heavy, hopeful thud.

It’s a promise I mean to keep.

I gave up heaven for this girl.There is nothing on earth I wouldn’t do for her.

CHAPTER 50

We all need a partner in crime who will help us murder, maim, and bury a body.

The thrum of soulful music and low murmur of voices is a balm to my nerves as I pull open the clubhouse door.My Chanel boots thud against the concrete floor as I stride confidently across the room.A few men and women are huddled in small groups.My gaze sweeps over them until it lands abruptly on the couple in the corner and the man with a throaty, sexy laugh.

Bodie is lounging in one of the worn leather chairs with a girl draped across his lap.He’s wearing only jeans and a black ball cap that’s somewhat shielding his eyes.The girl’s arms are wrapped around his neck.Her head is tilted, and the two are currently liplocked.She’s moaning as she rocks her hips over him, her hands running over his ripped, sparsely tattooed chest.

Thankfully, she’s fully clothed.

The moment he hears my footsteps, Bodie breaks from the kiss and turns his head.His expression falls when he sees me.In one smooth motion, he nudges the girl off his lap.“Go on,” he mutters, voice low and clipped.She huffs, rolling her eyes dramatically as she struts away.

He grabs his shirt from the arm of the chair, throws it on, then adjusts his cap back over his blond waves.When he’s close enough, his voice cuts through the air, low and tight.“Lily, what the hell are you doing here?You shouldn’t be here without Goose.”

I wave him off.“Relax.I’m not here to cause trouble or hang out.I’m here for you.I need a favor.”

His mouth kicks up on one side.He crosses his arms over his broad chest, stretching the ash-white T-shirt over his large biceps.“A favor, huh?”His tone is skeptical.“What kind of favor would that be?”He waggles his eyebrows at me in jest.“Want a shopping buddy?Need to try on some lingerie, and I’ll be your thumbs up or thumbs down guy?”

I step closer, lowering my voice so only he can hear.“No, not that kind of help, you dope.The kind where I need someone I can trust to do some shady shit with me.”

“How shady?”