Wraith gripped his hips, sharing a look with Cypher and then Ghost. But it was Cue who stepped up.
“She’s been through a lot tonight, Ace.”
“I fucking agree, Cue. Do you want to be the one to explain to Inez why Cleo isn’t there?”
Cue’s jaw squared and he stepped back, pacing in a circle.
Wraith wasn’t concerned about Cleo’s safety. Inez would never hurt her but the same couldn’t be said for the mystery girl. Inez didn’t like strangers, especially those who brought chaos to their world.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Cleo’s eyelids grew heavy. It was strange she’d even be able to fall asleep considering the night she’d had. But the rocking of the van and the silence had her slowly giving in to her exhaustion. She closed her eyes and began to drift.
Usually, she’d ride with Wraith. That’s where he wanted her, and if she was being completely honest herself, it was where she felt safest. But it wasn’t an option now. His and her needs and wants didn’t compare to the girl’s. She still hadn’t said much, and surprisingly the members didn’t push her. Cleo almost wondered if they knew something she didn’t.
She’d spent the last few hours in the back of the van with her while Joker drove. For as tired as her body was, she couldn’t quite stop her mind from racing. When the van jerked to a sharp stop, she opened her eyes. The girl was sitting so close, her thigh was pressed against Cleo’s. The back windows were completely blacked out, so she leaned forward to look out the front windshield.
They were parked in the rear of the high-rise. She’d never gone through this entrance. Joker got out of the van, and seconds later the side door opened. Cleo got out first with the girl on her heels. She stumbled slightly, and when Joker reached for her, she jerked away and stood behind Cleo. It was strange that she wasseeking protection from Cleo. She grasped her hand and gave a squeeze.
“You’re fine. He was just trying to help.” She smiled at Joker, but his eyes were locked on the girl.
Cleo walked up to the back door. She was a few feet away when it swung open, and Wraith stood holding it. She passed through, noticing the girl took a wide berth around him. No one said a word as they rode up in the elevator. When the doors opened, Ace, Cypher, and Cross were at the end of the hallway in front of Inez’s door.
“She wants you and the girl inside.” Ace glanced up at Wraith. “And our asses out here.”
Cleo led the girl into the apartment, and Inez was waiting. She was stationed in her usual spot behind the breakfast bar, smoking a cigarette.
“Hi.” Cleo gave a short wave but Inez ignored her. Her suspicious gaze was trained on the girl.
“This is Inez,” Cleo said, forcing a smile. She looked even more terrified than she had earlier.
Inez pointed to the stools. “Sit down.”
They followed her direct order. Cleo wasn’t expecting any pleasantries from Inez, but she thought the woman would segue into getting information. Putting the girl at ease would’ve been how Cleo would’ve handled it. But Inez had a very different way of dealing with people.
“Outside of what happened tonight, you got anyone looking for you?”
The girl shrugged, and the lines between Inez’s brows deepened.
“I don’t do body gestures. Use your fucking words.”
She cleared her throat. “Maybe.”
“And Idon’t dofucking maybes, girl. You either do or you don’t.”
She shifted her eyes to Cleo who mustered up a smile in hopes it would put her at ease.
“I don’t know if he’d come looking for me.”
“Who?”
She cowered slightly. Without thinking, Cleo gently placed her hand on her back. She didn’t shy away. If anything, she moved closer.
“My dad,” she whispered.
Inez shifted her gaze between them and slowly lifted her cigarette to her lips. Just watching.
“You wanna be found?”
