Page 238 of Filthy Truth


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“I have new ones,” Amara offered, tone eager. “If you want more. A rabbit too.”

“No! Two are enough. And where the fuck did you get a rabbit from?”

After that, the incendiary meeting defused some with the presence of Rex and Sommer. Once we agreed that bringing in the Old Ladies was a great idea, I ceded to the fact that a gala would bring international attention to our foundation which was what we needed.

As well as cash.

Lots and lots of cash.

What with safe houses and the legal costs of helping victims gain citizenship if they wanted to stay here in the States. Never mind chartering jets to get them back to their home countries if they preferred that option, plus the funds to help the women once they were back home, not just with shelter and food, but therapy too because fuck if they didn’t need that—it all cost a fortune.

As we headed out, Rex caught me before I could leave. I tipped my chin at Alessa who I’d brought over to Rachel’s house and was returning to Lily’s home.

“Wait for me in the car,” I told her, passing her the keys.

As she disappeared with a sullen glare, I arched a brow at Rex. “If this is about me giving Rachel shit—”

“Nah, you drive her crazy but she likes it. Says it keeps her sharp.”

“Huh.”

His lips twisted. “You remember when we brought Donavan Lancaster over to the States?”

“Ya mean after he fled to Asia and we hauled his ass back from Cambodia?”

“Yup. A guy helped us—”

Watching Amara walk back to the clubhouse, I angled my chin up and gave him the side-eye. “I remember, Rex. I never forget a favor.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed. “His sister…”

My mouth tightened. “Was a Sparrows’ victim.”

“Was?”

“Yeah. Was.”

“Dammit to hell. Did you tell the—”

“Of course, I informed the family. What do you take me for?”

“Steel wanted to know, so I’ll fill him in.” He cupped my shoulder. “Not sure how you get as much done as you do, but fuck if I’m not grateful for it.” A sigh escaped him. “We live in a cruel world, Lodestar.”

There was no arguing with that. “And it’s getting crueler.”

“I hoped that… after he helped us…”

“I think we need to face facts that we’re not always going to be able to deliver happy endings.” God, that was hard to get out. My throat felt raw, as if salt had grazed the lining of my voice box and was scratching it with every word I uttered. “I’d better get out of here.”

Nodding, Rex did the weirdest thing—he drew me into him and squeezed me in a hug. “I shouldn’t have judged you in there. I’m sorry, Star.”

I relented just enough to hug him in return. “Don’t worry about it.” When he patted me on the back again, I told him, “Can tell you’ve picked up daughters along the way. You’re turning sentimental in your old age.”

He winked at me. “You think that’s an insult, but I know otherwise. Drive safely back to the city, ya hear me?”

“I hear you.”

With a final hug, we parted, and from the dead silence in the car when I jumped behind the wheel, I knew I was in for a frosty ride over to Lily’s place.

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