One Step Forward

Chapter 16. My Everything

Mya's POV

"Linc, don't go," I begged, holding Lilly protectively.

"You talk like I have a choice," he scoffed as he pulled on his leather. 

Bryant, Jake, and Jarrod stood behind Linc in the kitchen. Teigen, David, Eric, Anthony, and Daryl were outside on their bikes in the drive waiting. 

"You don't understand how smart and dangerous he is."

"And I'm an idiot?"

My eyes rolled. "You know damn well that's not what I meant."

"Relax, Mya. He won't get hurt with the rest of us backing him up," Bryant said. There was a confidence in Bryant that had me almost convinced.

"What if he is trying to lure you away to get to me or Lilly?" I questioned.

"Jake and Jarrod are staying here," he said.

"Which means you have less backup. Mitch just got out of the hospital yesterday. Bryant should be with him, not dealing with my bullshit." 

"You know my dad cares more about you being safe, Mya," Bryant broke in.

I sighed. I wasn't going to win the argument, and I knew it. "Maybe I could take everyone to my dad's house instead," I suggested.

Linc thought about it. "Okay, fine. I'll tell Bobby, Charles, and Rob to join you."

I rolled my eyes. "Fine. As long as Jarrod and Jake are going with you." I wanted to make sure Linc had as much backup as he needed. 

Linc helped me get the kids ready, and then he walked us down the street to my dad's house. By the time we got there, I heard the sound of motorcycles in the distance. Linc called the others before we left the house. I ushered the kids inside. I stayed on the porch, closed the door, and turned to face Linc. 

For a long time, we stared at each other, much longer than necessary. Neither of us knew what to say. I knew he didn't blame me for what happened to his truck, but I blamed myself, and he knew it. 

He took a ragged breath and grabbed my face between his hands. His warm touch sent a shiver down my spine. His lips locked with mine for one brief, sweet kiss. He rested his forehead against mine and took a couple of deep breaths before opening his eyes. "Stop blaming yourself."

I didn't have to say my thoughts out loud; he knew what I was thinking. "Linc," I sighed.

"Stop. Blaming. Yourself. You did nothing wrong. You had no idea he was going to turn out to be a psycho," he said.

"I should've taken more time to get to know him instead of rushing into a marriage," I muttered.

"That doesn't guarantee anything. They say some people are a snake in the grass for a reason; you don't see them coming," he said. "I have to go."

"Call me or text me or something," I said firmly.

"I will," he promised. He gave me one more peck on the lips and jumped off my parents' front porch. 

Mom sat in the living room, entertaining the kids.

Dad stood in the kitchen, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest as if he was waiting for me. "Mya."