Page 11 of Torrent’s Treasure

“I think the cover story could work then. Get a move on and get that minister set,” Dragon ordered, banging a gavel on the table.

Cecilia waited until the men stood and Torrent held out his hand to her. She waited a second then placed her hand in his. If he was willing to marry her to keep her safe and give the protection of the club, then she’d do what was needed.

She couldn’t imagine, with the club girls they had available, that Torrent would want her. Heck, Cauldron had said he’d had three blowjobs last night. She hoped it was more than one club girl because she couldn’t imagine how sore one woman’s mouth might be. He was a big guy—as tall as Torrent and a little heavier around the gut. She guessed he could be one of those big guys who had a micro penis. As a nurse, she’d seen all sizes and she could definitely say some men got shortchanged in the girth and length department. A couple she’d seen during her job, she’d wondered how they could even break a hymen with those little Vienna sausage-size appendages.

Calliope was sitting at a table across from Sally along the wall near the kitchen. Calliope had her butterfly with her and was eating a snack. Harley was sitting there with them.

“We need to tell her,” Torrent said softly.

She nodded. She needed to explain this in a way that Calliope could understand but also to protect Calliope from knowing all the details. For some reason, as they walked, she realized Maverick and Dragon were coming along. Were they making sure she told Calliope or that she didn’t run screaming from the clubhouse?

“Hey, Calliope, Torrent and I want to talk to you,” Cecilia coaxed gently.

“What about? Do we have to leave?” Calliope chirped, her voice tinged with worry.

Cecilia sat in the empty chair by Calliope. Torrent grabbed a chair and sat on the end, so he was facing Calliope but beside Cecilia. She appreciated the feeling of safety he exuded beside her.

“No, we don’t have to leave, but I think I was a little in shock when I called Torrent. I didn’t explain that it wasn’t the first time I’d met or spent time with Torrent,” Cecilia reassured her, pausing to give Calliope time to absorb it.

“Are you boyfriend and girlfriend?” she gasped, her eyes lighting up as big as her smile.

Cecilia grinned, turning to pat Torrent’s arm he’d rested on the table.

“We met in St. Louis and have spent time together, but I knew I lived in St. Louis so I’d kind of held my heart back, fighting against myself,” Cecilia said.

Calliope’s eyes popped wide. “Does that mean it’s changed now?”

“It has. When I had to fight to keep us safe, everything just became clear. I knew my feelings were there,” Cecilia explained.

She was hoping that by giving Calliope bits and pieces, she would fill in the rest.

“Why didn’t he hug you when he got to the cabin then?” she prodded.

“Well, he knew I’d gone through something traumatic. We’ve talked about my job some in our visits. He knew that hugging someone immediately after they’ve been hurt could make them upset. He was watching out for me,” Cecilia softened.

Calliope grinned at Cecilia and Torrent. “So what’s the news?” Calliope asked, leaning toward Cecilia.

“Torrent has asked me to marry him and I said yes. He’s going to keep us safe, and he said he wants to make me happy for the rest of my life. It’s like a dream come true,” Cecilia said.

Calliope had loved the movies where the prince rescued a princess. Cecilia hoped that by using it, Calliope would focus on the romance and not any inconsistencies that might come up. Calliope frowned as she looked at Torrent. Cecilia wondered what could possibly be upsetting her.

“Are you going to be my new dad?” Calliope wondered.

“No,” Torrent stated.

“Torrent, of course—” Mav said before Torrent held up the palm of his hand to Maverick’s face.

“Your dad was a very special man, helping everyone and taking care of you, your mom, and Cecilia. I could never hope to take his place, but I will be the best big brother you could ever ask for. I’ll even keep those stinky fifth-grade boys away if they’re bothering you,” Torrent said, reaching to hold Calliope’s hand.

She nodded, a smile replacing the frown. “I think I’d like a big brother. They buy gifts for their little sisters, right? Like more Squishmallows?”

Torrent’s mouth quirked up at the side. Not quite a smile but Cecilia could tell he was amused by Calliope.

“They do,” he confirmed. “Are there some special ones you want?”

“Let me make a list. Do I get to be a flower girl?” she asked.

Cecilia wasn’t sure how to answer that. A minister was coming, but that’s all she knew.