“I wanted to give you these,” I say, handing some flowers over the counter to Shania.

I’ve wanted to come in here for a few weeks now, but with everything happening, I haven’t had the chance. Now I’m safe, and can move around as I please, it is time I came and thanked the lovely waitress who helped me that day.

I owe it to her.

If it wasn’t for her kindness, and not calling the police on my crazy ass, then I probably wouldn’t be here.

“What for?” she smiles, taking them.

“For helping me out that day. You could have kicked me out. Called the police. Anything. But you didn’t. You took care of me, and I know I looked completely crazy.”

She laughs. “I don’t mind. We’ve all been in that position before, you know? I don’t blame you for reacting the way you did.”

“Still,” I say. “You didn’t have to, and I appreciate that you were so kind.”

She beams, and her cheeks get rosy. “This means a lot to me, thank you. Maybe you’d like to catch up sometime? I could always use some new friends.”

“Of course, I’d love that!”

We exchange numbers, and I tell her, “If there is anything I can do, to make up for your kindness, please let me know.”

“Actually,” she says, but then quickly hesitates.

“What is it?” I ask.

“This...this might sound forward, but...those men you were with...the bikers...”

I smile at her, to encourage her to go on.

“Did they help get you out of that mess? Did they get him away from you?”

I nod. “They did. They’re pretty good at that.”

“Do you think...do you think they’d help me?”

I stare at her, a little confused. “Help you?”

She exhales, and looks down, “Look, sorry. Never mind.”

“No, please, Shania. Tell me.”

She looks back up. “It’s a long story, but...I’m in a bad situation, too. I’m scared. And I’ve lost something very important to me. The police won’t help me any further. And I need someone...something...to help.”

I nod. “Of course. Of course we’ll help you. The club members, they’re incredible with what they do. I’m sure if I spoke to them, they’d happily help out.”

“Do you think?”

I nod. “Yeah, I think so.”

I’m not sure if that’s the truth or not.

But, if they wouldn’t help, I’m certain Slater and his family would.

This girl, I owe her a lot. Not to mention, she’s scared. I can see it in her. I know how that feels, better than anyone. There isn’t a single person in the world I’d like to feel that way, especially not the good ones.

I had help, to get my life in order.

Why shouldn’t she be deserving of the same?

“You ready to go?”

I turn around and see Lincoln walking in. He drove me in here because Slater was out on a ride, and still isn’t completely happy with me being out on my own, but he’s getting better. Lincoln and I don’t fully see eye to eye, but we’re coming around. He’s got his own demons, and his own regrets, I can’t blame him for everything.

I think he’s lived with enough, too.

“Oh, yeah, of course,” I say, and then I look back to Shania. “Shania, this is Lincoln. Lincoln, this is Shania.”

Lincoln looks to her, and nods, “Yeah, we’ve met.”

They’ve met?

Oh right. He came back and checked all the footage after Paul was in here.

“Oh, right, sorry. Actually, now you’re here...Shania needs help.”

Lincoln looks to her, and her cheeks go rosy. “Not from him, I don’t,” Shania mutters, crossing her arms.

Oh boy.

What did I miss?

“Wasn’t offerin’, sweetheart,” Lincoln snaps back.

“Whoa,” I say, putting my hands up. “I’ve obviously missed something.”

“It’s okay, Ellie,” Shania says. “I don’t need help from him.”

Lincoln stares at her.

She glares at him.

“You still got your panties in a fuckin’ twist because of what happened?” Lincoln growls.

“Panties in a twist! Don’t you talk to me about panties, dude. You fucked me, and then when I woke up, you were gone. And you took my damned panties, like a creep. Those were my favorite! Then you put the wrong number in my phone. Who does that? You’re twisted!”

Oh boy.

This is not what I expected.

“Left them in my truck,” Lincoln mutters.

“I did not leave them in your truck!”

“Did.”

“Did not!”

“Okay,” I say, shaking my head, still confused. “This...this is just...too much. Lincoln, I’ll meet you at the car.”

“What do you need help for?” he asks her, completely ignoring me.

“Nothing I’m telling you. I’ll get help from someone else.”

“Not likely. Now, what do you need?”

“Eat me, Lincoln!” she snaps.

“Did that, was fuckin’ lovely. Now, you goin’ to tell me, or do I have to find out myself? Because I will.”

Shania’s cheeks go red, and she throws her hands on her hips. “Over my dead body.”

Lincoln shrugs. “Have it your way. I’ll find out. And when I do, I’ll be back.”

With that, he turns and walks out.

I stare at her, blinking. “Well, I didn’t expect that.”

She huffs. “Stupid, infuriating man!”

“That he certainly is.”

“Argh!”

With that, she spins and storms off behind the counter.

I can’t help it.

I smile.

I think Lincoln Knight just met his match.

Oh boy.