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Brewer whipped his eyes to the left and noticed a short woman with strawberry blonde hair. “Yeah, that’s me.”
The woman sat. “He wants to meet Delphi.”
“Shovelhead?”
She nodded and lowered her voice. “He’s been at the Rusty Cantina a lot this week. I managed to get his phone number. He’ll want it to happen somewhere public.”
“Would the city picnic work?”
“It should.”
She looked over her shoulder, her features ragged like her clothes. It didn’t take much to deduce she was one of the Cutthroat dolls. The Greenback Cutthroats didn’t treat their women very well. It was one of the reasons he hated them so much. But the few times Macha tried to help, they never succeeded.
“Do you need help?” He had to ask. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he didn’t at least try.
He felt Delphi’s presence before he saw her. She stood with a plate full of madeleines, the concern on her face making his stomach clench.
She stood and laughed. “Honey, I don’t need anything but sleep.” She eyed Delphi and helped herself to the pastries.
He let her go without another word. Anything he said would fall on stubborn ears. The Cutthroats mistreated their club girls but somehow maintained their allegiance. He’d never understand it.
“Who was that?”
Brewer met Delphi’s skeptical eyes. “Dolly’s contact.”
“Really? What’d she say?” She planted herself in the same spot across from him, her brow raised.
“Shovelhead wants to meet you.”
Delphi caught her bottom lip between her teeth. “I guess that’s good, then.”
He caught sight of the club girl before she completely disappeared into the darkness. “I suggested the city picnic. Plenty of public space, but Rubble will ensure Macha is around every corner, waiting for him to show up.”
“Can’t say I love it, but it makes the most sense.” She stood up and grabbed the empty plate. “I’ll be back with more.”
“Don’t worry about it.” He caught her wrist and rubbed it gently. “I’m not very hungry at the moment.”
Delphi didn’t ask why, but her slight nod told him she understood. “After I lock up, do you want to go to the clubhouse?”
If Brewer thought she couldn’t surprise him, he was sorely mistaken. “Are you serious?”
“Yeah. I feel safe with you, and you feel safe at the clubhouse.”
She had him there. Macha’s clubhouse wasn’t as secure as their mountain cabin, but it had plenty of protective measures in place.
“All right, sure.” He grinned and tried not to get too excited. Just because Delphi suggested it didn’t mean she was all right with the club. It was the one sticking point that kept him from falling for her. He’d never give up Macha. Not even for her.
“Great. I’ll pack a bag.” She started walking away, then turned to say, “You know, so I can see your room for the first time. I bet it’s horribly messy.”
He shrugged. “Guess you won’t know until you get there.”
She laughed, the sound salving the worry in his heart. He had to protect her. If he didn’t, it might kill him. Delphi had a murky family history and he wanted to fix it for her. He wasn’t sure how, but meeting her biological father was a start.Somehow, some way, I will, Delphi. I’ll make it better for you.
* * *
“There’sthe man of the hour.” Hawk slung an arm over Brewer’s shoulders.
“Oh, yeah? For what?” Brewer watched Delphi walk toward the bathrooms. He didn’t like letting her out of his sight, but she was safe here.
