Page 117 of Steel

She gives me a smile, but it’s wobbly and doesn’t reach her eyes.

I squat next to the couch so I’m closer to them. As surreptitiously as I can, I reach behind Lyric for Heather’s neck so I can try to find a pulse.

As much as I want to fucking slit her throat for what she just did in front of Lyric, a ball of relief hits me when her pulse flutters erratically under my fingertips.

“Hey, Lyra, why don’t you walk outside with Dad?”

“But I’m watching TV.”

I grind my teeth because I know I’m going to have to be real with my girl so she understands the seriousness of what’s going on right now.

Grasping her chin in my hand, I turn her to face me. “Lyric Skye, I need you to listen to me. Got to get your mom some help. Do you hear me? And while I do that, I need you out of here.”

She stares at me for a few seconds before tears fill her eyes and she nods. “‘Kay, Daddy.”

Brushing a kiss against her forehead, I help her stand and take her outside. Not wanting her far from me, I lead her as far as the steps and sit her on them as I pull my phone from my pocket.

I pull up the number I’ve had to use too many times when it comes to Heather. This is going to be the last time. This was her last chance.

“Steel? Everything okay?” Kiwi asks in greeting.

“Need you at Heather’s.”

Kiwi curses. “Fucking again?”

“Lyric was right in front of her this time,” I admit.

“That stupid fucking cunt,” she snarls. “You warned her.” Then she sighs. “Let me grab my bag and I’ll be there. Lyric okay?”

I drop my eyes to my girl and observe the way she’s picking at her jeans as she stares out into the world. “Physically, yeah.”

“Poor baby. You know who to call to make sure she’s good mentally?”

“Yeah.”

“Good. I’m walking out the door now.”

“Thanks, Kiwi. Goin’ to call Mom to come get Lyric.”

We say our goodbyes, and I pull up my mom’s contact. Other than Bailee and the Old Ladies at the club, my mom is the only other positive female role model my girl has in her life.

My parents are great despite the life I live. They definitely didn’t envision this one for their only kid. Surprised the shit out of me when they were just as supportive of me in this one as they would be if I’d gone on to be a pilot like my dad.

That’s never been the life I wanted. It killed me to watch the disappointment fill my dad’s eyes when I told him I didn’t wantto follow in his footsteps. But it only lasted for a few seconds before acceptance replaced it. None of us has ever looked back either. They don’t push me for something they know will never happen instead choosing to meet me where I’m at in life.

I’ve always kept them as clueless as possible about things that aren’t exactly above board. They’re not stupid, so I’m sure they know and just choose to stay oblivious to it.

It’s safer for them that way.

They’ve adopted my club brothers and the Old Ladies as their own, never judging them or looking down on them for who they are and what they do. They’ve only met one or two of the club whores by accident, and even then, they were treated the same. Honestly, the only time I’ve ever noticed themnotbeing their normal, accepting, and loving selves was when Heather was around. Theyreallydidn’t like her. They did their best not to show it, but sometimes it came through.

Not that I blame them.

Heather makes itreallyfucking hard for anyone to like her.

“Eric?” Mom asks, using the shortened version of my given name when she answers.

“Ma, need you and Dad.”

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