Moving closer to her and wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I squeeze tightly enough to stop her shaking. It seems she needs the comfort more than she'd admit, as she sets her glass down and shifts closer to me, seeking as much support as she can.
"They hurt you two?" Breathing in, I'm hit with a mix of feelings. Rage for the bastards our club has had issues with since I became a part of this charter, fear for the unknown of what these two have gone through, and something more on the protective side of things.
I don't know why it's so strong this time around. Protecting people runs in our blood, but there's something about this case that strikes a chord.
She sniffs but shakes her head, those brown strands of hair tickling my nose. She smells distantly of citrus.
"He'd just threatened us. Said someone would always be watching, and if I didn't have the money by the time they came back, they'd take Leliah." Keeping her voice soft as a crackly whisper, I feel her hand grip my cut. "I tried to get the money, but my hands were tied. Offering them a little here and there helped, but I don't have anything left. Johnny took most of our savings with him. I didn't know what to do but run. Even if they were watching, I couldn't just hand her over once they realized the truth."
For once, I'm relieved of all those annoying slot machines and their tunes each time a round is played. The clanking and whirling sounds are just loud enough to cover up her soft sobs for anyone passing by, but I hear every single one of them.
For every tear this woman has shed, I'm going to return the favor. Whatever it takes, I'm going to bring her justice or die trying. My mind's been made up.
"We're going to need to get hold of Dante. He's going to want to know if those ass...jerksare going to be sniffing around our territory or not." Smoke takes the kid's—Leliah's—cup once it's empty and drops it off on another waitress' passing tray before pulling out his phone.
Nodding and thanking him, I stroke Penny's back until she's pulling back, composing herself before too much attention is drawn our way.
Plenty of people cry here; it's normal. If anyone's got a problem with her shedding a few tears, they can talk to me first.
"You're going to help me then? Even if they're dangerous?" Looking at me with those pink-tinged hazel eyes makes my heart tick up a notch.
We're even more dangerous.Even though it's the truth, I don't want to say the words out loud. Not if it risks making her more scared of us.
"We carry ourselves rather well, Pen. Don't you worry. I'll keep you and Leliah safe." Keeping my mouth curved, I don't miss the flush that suddenly spreads on her cheeks when she realizes just how close we are.
Pulling away, she plays with her hands nervously. "I don't have any money. There's nothing I can give you in return. So if what I'm asking is too much, just getting out of town could be enough."
Just having her near is plenty, I'm starting to realize. Sending her off somewhere to hide while looking over her shoulder is not something I can even manifest in my head.
"Don't worry about it. I've got you." Lifting my hand to stroke her cheek, I'm pushing her hair behind her ear before I catchmyself and force my hand away. "Let's get you out of here. Somewhere less..." I motion to all the bodies mingling inside.
She nods, thankful. Much to Smoke's dismay, she opens her arms to get her daughter back.
If the guy wants a kid so bad, then he'd be better off settling down. Can't blame him too much for considering it. The thoughts only suddenly popped into my head now, after all this time.
Forcing myself to pull away entirely, I'm tugging my phone from my pocket to shoot out a text. Going to need a ride. As much as I'd love Penny to sit behind me on my bike, I don't own a side cart. May have to invest in one.
"The only thing I ask is to find whatever trust you have left and put it in us." Once Leliah's in her arms, I hold out a hand with a smile. "Think you can do that for me, sweetheart?"
For a few seconds, time feels nonexistent as we look at each other. While I can see the hesitation behind her eyes and the fear of the unknown hiding there, too, she still lifts her hand to fill mine.
Helping her up, I enjoy the feel of her warmth one last time before she pulls away to hug her daughter as I lead her in the direction of the unknown.
The best privacy we can get is in the small alley behind the casino. Despite the raccoons digging around the dumpster and her soon-to-be transportation, no other life exists. The silence has an eeriness to it.
She eyes the van with hesitation. Looking at it while trying to see it through her eyes, I realize that the lack of windows might be a bit troublesome, and the casino having a random movers company's logo on the sides could seem suspicious. However, it's a smart move to keep attention away from us when we're handling more delicate cargo.
"We've already got you outside, Penny." I offer her a half smile. "If it's any more reassuring, if we wanted to kidnap you, we would've already shoved you inside."
Her brows pinch together, and I realize by how quickly she gets startled that I need to up my game in talking to pretty women.
I should probably stick to pick-up lines.
Giving a small shiver, she hugs her daughter closer and begrudgingly steps toward the van.
While she looks like she's headed toward the gallows, I'll make it my life mission to show her it's the best decision she's ever made in her life.
three
