Page 51 of Property of Zombie

Wanting to talk about anything other than the threat to me, I force a smile. “So, how’d you and Lyric hook up?”

That does the trick. Mellie launches into the story of how they met when they were teenagers, how they fell in love and got engaged. She tells me about the accident that stole her memory and future father-in-law, and my heart breaks as I listen to her talk about the darkest time of her life.

“It all worked out, though,” she finally says. “Lyric and I are married, and I can’t imagine a life without him or the club. He’s my world, and the brothers are my family.”

“That sounds nice.”

“What about you? Do you have any family around?”

I huff out a hollow laugh. “My parents are still alive, if that’s what you mean. We’re not close, though. I honestly can’t even remember the last time I talked to them. A few months ago, maybe. They travel a lot, and growing up, I wasn’t exactly on their radar.”

“That’s sad.”

Shrugging, I say, “I guess. Can’t exactly mourn something you never had, ya know?”

“Makes sense.”

We’re both quiet for a minute, and my mind begins to race again. “Do you think Zombie’ll be back soon?”

Mellie reaches across the table and squeezes my hand. “Yeah. I’m sure church won’t last much longer.”

“I hate that the guys are discussing my life, and I can’t even be a part of it.”

“It sucks, but you get used to it. Trust me when I say, you don’t want to be a fly on that wall. The less you know, the better.”

“Zombie told me the same thing.”

“It’s infuriating at times, but once you accept that we’re kept out of the loop for our own good, it’s an easier pill to swallow.”

“Yeah. I don’t care that Zombie can’t tell me everything. I get it, I really do. It’s just…”

“It’s hard to give up control,” she says when my words trail off.

“Yes, exactly.”

Mellie grins. “But who better to give control to than a sexy biker who’ll give his life for you, no questions asked?”

Her words have the desired effect, and I laugh. “Who indeed?”

We talk for a few more minutes, and then the door opens, and Zombie strides in.

“Hey, babydoll,” he greets before looking at Mellie. “Your man wants you.”

Mellie rolls her eyes but stands. “Yeah, yeah.”

Once we’re alone, Zombie sits in the chair Mellie was using. “I’ll be gone tonight, and maybe for a few days.”

“Okay.”

“I need you to call off work until I get back.”

“No.”

Zombie tenses, and his jaw tics. “Lucy, please, don’t argue with me about this.”

“I’m not calling off work,” I snap, rising to my feet and pacing. “There’s no reason to. I’ve got an entire security team there that’ll keep an eye on me. Besides, it’s not like a killer’s gonna walk in and shoot me when there’s a crowd.”

“You’re not gonna budge on this, are you?”