Page 127 of Steel

“That’s it, my heart song. Let it out,” I croon, rocking us back and forth.

Lyric releases all the pain and anger that’s been consuming her for what I’m assuming is a long time now. She’s held so much of it in that I don’t know how her shoulders haven’t collapsed. No child should ever have that much agony inside them. I want to be mad at Steel, I truly do, but I’ve seen him with her and know he’s doing the best he can. He’s told me he wants to give her the one thing she’s never really had—a mother who loves her. But surely, he sees that it’s only hurting her so much more by forcing Heather’s presence in her life.

Lyric’s screams finally peter out, leaving sniffles behind. Her torment was so heavy, and while there’s still sadness that remains inside, I can feel a little peace mixed with it.

Never let it be said that screaming doesn’t do any good.

I place a kiss on the top of her head. “All better?”

“A little.” She’s quiet but picks at the hem of my sweats. “Bee, Mom’s really bad sick, huh? That’s why she took that medicine in front of me?”

It’s there in her tone, the knowledge that she’s not talking about physical sickness.

God, I want to strangle Heather for the damage she’s doing to this poor girl.

“Lyric, I don’t know your mom well enough to speak on anything. I wish I could give you an answer because I know your heart needs it right now, but I won’t because I can’t. I will tell you to talk to your dad, baby, because he’s never going to lie to you about anything. Just remember, he’s your parent, so there might be things he wants to protect you from too. Try not to hold it against him if he does, though, okay?”

“He won’t. Daddy’s always been honest with me because he knows Mom isn’t.” Lyric turns in my arms so she can look me in the eyes. “Mom took medicine tonight. It was bad, Bee, and I was scared. Really, really scared.”

Bringing my hands to her face, I wipe away her tears with my thumbs. “Why didn’t you call your daddy, little bit?”

“Because I knew he’d be mad at Mom.”

“Next time, make sure to call your dad, okay? We don’t want anything happening to you, and if she’s not able to protect you because she’s taking medicine, then something could. That’d hurt your daddy really bad, little bit. It’d hurt me too.”

“I’m sorry,” she whispers.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, so don’t feel you need to apologize.” I feather my fingers under her chin, causing her to giggle as they tickle her skin. “Do you feel better now? You want to go in and paint your nails? Then you can bathe, and I’ll braid your hair before you go to bed.”

“I feel better,” she says, climbing from my lap.

She sits on her knees and stares at me with heartbroken eyes. “I love you, Bee. You always make it better for me.”

I pinch the side of my thigh, using the pain to keep myself from crying like I want to. My girl needs me to be strong for her right now, and I can’t do that if I’m focused on my emotions. I have time to deal with those later.

Once I’m under control, I cup her cheeks between my palms and bring her face to mine so I can gently kiss her forehead.“Love you too, my heart song. You make my life better, and I’m so thankful your daddy chose to share you with me.”

Lyric’s body starts to shiver, so I climb to my feet and pull her to hers, keeping her hand wrapped in mine as I lead us back inside.

Margot and Burke are sitting back at the table, but from the warm expressions on their faces, they’d witnessed everything that just happened outside. I’m not embarrassed. Not even close. I enjoy them knowing I love their granddaughter as much as I do. As if she was mine.

I sit Lyric in the chair next to her grandmother so I can go in search of her polish. The warmth of a gentle touch against my hand stops me, and I turn my eyes toward Margot. She smiles at me, this one not hesitating or slightly unsure anymore, and squeezes my hand. Her eyes are glossy and soft, filled with a glow of gratitude. I only respond with a soft hand squeeze and a gentle smile, letting her know she was welcome.

They don’t understand that this was the least I would do for this little girl.

For the next hour, I spend time with my girl and Steel’s parents. His dad is pretty funny, always telling goofy dad jokes that make Lyric laugh. His mom is quiet and watchful but no less loving toward Lyric. It’s easy to figure out that’s where Steel gets that part of him at.

Lyric’s mom may do a shit job at showing this girl love, but between her father and her grandparents, they don’t make her feel any less loved. I would imagine it’s the same with the members of the Dirty Mavericks. She’s a club princess, so it’s guaranteed that she gets spoiled rotten whenever she’s around.

Margot helps me get her bath ready, keeping up the mundane chatter and asking an endless amount of questions. She doesn’t do it in an intrusive way that puts me on edge, more of a ‘getting to know you’ kind of thing, which is the only reason I let her getaway with it. That, and the fact that I actually want them to get to know me because I’m hoping their son keeps me in their lives.

After making sure Lyric is good to go in the tub, which she happily informed me that I didn’t need to do because she’s old enough to do it on her own now, I make my way back to where Margot and Burke are waiting in the kitchen.

She’s standing in front of him, and he has his fingers anchored at her waist. They’re talking quietly, and I almost turn around because I don’t want to intrude on a moment that’s theirs. Before I can step away, however, Burke glances over at me and gives me a smile that is pure Steel as he waves me into the room.

Margot’s eyes are half-closed, and her body conforms to Burke’s as she rests in his hold.

“Hey,” I say quietly, stepping in and over to them. “Why don’t you all head home? You look beat. I’ve got it from here. Our girl and I will be good until Jericho gets home.”

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