“What on earth was that about?” Loyal’s husky voice scratches deep in my brain and causes my cock to jump in my jeans.
“That’s Chewy’s grandpa. He’s certifiably nuts but an all round good man. He’s dubbed himself the Love Prez and likes to play matchmaker.”
Loyal snorts, then uses her hand to cover her grin. “How’s he doing so far?”
“Well, he takes credit for two of the couples, so two for two isn’t bad I guess.” I grin at her. I don’t need Pops’ and Mad Dog’s help. I just need to wait. To watch Loyal chase her dreams and be there for her every step of the way.
I meant what I said. Me and Loyal have been years in the making. I can wait a little longer.
“I didn’t think people could be in love like this in real life,” she says quietly, watching the couples move around the room.
Tav has his arm thrown over Blanche’s shoulders. Tess, their daughter, is in Blanche’s ever present front pack and I really think Tav needs to cut those ties. Tess is walking now but my sister still loves having her close. Jules is with his woman Vi, who I will make a point of introducing Loyal to later. The shit that woman went through to protect their daughter Juno and other kids who had been trafficked is something that I feel the two women would be able to bond over. Loyal needs to know that the burden she feels she carries, doesn’t need to be carried alone. Sure it won’t help with some of the shit that she went through in her marriage, but it’s a start.
“Oh hello, I’m just coming to steal your lady,” Mira grins, taking Loyal by the hand. “Oh, oh and that one there! Let’s go get her, too!”
The tall blonde strides off with Loyal in tow, heading for poor Nell who’s watching on in horror. I chuckle to myself as I move across the room, taking a seat next to Sniper.
“Brother.”
He nods, eyes darting between Nell with the women, and Greer who, for better or worse, is with the Big Littles who are trying to organize the littler kids into some sort of dance troupe.
“Do you know their background?” Sniper’s low voice asks.
“Yeah. It’s part of the screening process. To keep ourselves and our contacts safe we have to be sure of who we’re helping.” I side eye him, leaving the ball in his court.
He inhales, before letting it out slowly. “Better or worse than Eden’s Keep?”
I close my eyes, trying not to remember what I read in Nell and Greer’s file. Clearing my throat, I turn to look at Sniper, who for the first time since we got here, is starting to look like he’s taking care of himself. He looks like he’s slept, the haunted looknot so haunted. I guess I can thank Greer for that. For all that little girl went through, she’s a ray of light in a dark world.
“Worse, brother. Much worse.”
His fists clench, the scars on his knuckles turning bright white against his tanned skin. His jaw clenches and I ready myself to hold him back from punching something, but instead, his whole body relaxes, eyes going soft as Greer calls his name and races toward us on her chubby legs.
“Sniper! Come watch the dance, come on!” Her curls bounce around her face in excitement and I watch as Sniper’s heart cracks open in real time.
I slap his shoulder, giving him a squeeze, “Go on, now, you got a little girl you gotta keep happy.”
His lips curl up slightly as he rises to meet Greer, the pocket rocket pulling him along behind her.
“Well, shit. Never thought I’d see that,” Marx tips his head in Sniper’s direction, looking like the weight of the world just left his shoulders.
“Looks like this place is finally being used for good, rather than evil.”
“True that, brother.” Marx takes a seat, eyes on Sniper. “We’re gonna call Church, cover what needs to happen.”
I nod. “Loyal and Justice would like to know what we’re dealing with so they can hand pick the team we use.”
Marx runs a hand down his beard. “Aside from logistics, has Loyal ever transported anyone?”
I glance at him, take a breath and slowly let it out. “Since we got rid of the Elders she’s been helping more with the transport side of things.”
“Good. Call her into Church. I need to run something by her.” He takes a long look at me. “And you.”
I nod, moving to find Loyal, sitting with the Girl Gang, eyes wide like saucers. “Ladies, do you mind if I borrow Loyal for a moment?”
Nat eyes me for a moment. “Only if you promise to give her back.”
I stare at the women, one by one, before running my finger over my heart in a cross sign. “Promise.” I hold my hand out for Loyal who takes it, her eyes darting away as a blush starts to rise up her pale cheeks.
