It’s not her I see differently. It’s the whole sick, fucking world. It’s that smug creep I did some research on this morning who’s laughing and smiling through his trial like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Who knows how many other women he’s hurt while the government’s been trying to take him down for bribes and kickbacks?

Yeah, I know. For a biker, I have a real simple view of the world. Or maybe I expect too much from people. Certain concepts aren’t hard to grasp. Don’t hurt women. Don’t hurt children. Protect the people you’re responsible for. Seems simple to me.

Maybe I’ve seen too much abuse and savagery over the years. I’ve never looked the other way. Not with strangers and certainly not with someone I care about.

Chapter Fourteen

Z

“I need to go home,” Lilly whispers.

My stomach clenches. She just got down here and she already wants to go back to her place?

Before I can question her, try to change her mind, Murphy and Chance return. Lilly’s whole demeanor changes when she sees Chance. Calm seems to wash over her. She shines a bright smile down at Chance. “Look at your shirt, all orange and sticky.”

“I did my best.” Murphy shrugs. “Washed his hands and face, but I think the shirt’s a goner.”

“It’s fine.” Lilly straightens up and captures Chance’s hand. “I need to get home. I want to get our stuff unpacked anyway. Guess I’ll start with his clothes.” A thin laugh follows her excuses and Murphy cocks his head.

Relief that she meant our home blows through me.

“Will you be late?” Lilly asks me.

“I’ll try not to be.” I’d planned for her to spend the afternoon here, but I can see how badly she needs some space. As long as she’s not running away again to get it, I can give her that.

“I don’t wanna go,” Chance whines and pulls out of Lilly’s grasp.

I’m torn. Part of me wants her to leave him here with me. But I also know later tonight the clubhouse will be busier and I sure as fuck don’t know any of the girls who hang around here well enough to trust them with my son.

I squat down, so we’re eye-level. “I need you to go home and help Mommy unpack all your stuff, okay?”

“But—”

“I bet you can’t have all your stuff unpacked and put away before I get home?” Hey, challenging me not to do something has always been the best way to get me to do the opposite. Why would Chance be any different?

“Can too,” he counters.

I wiggle my hand back and forth. “I don’t know. You brought a lot of stuff.”

He backs up and grabs Lilly’s hand.