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Rosey is outside the club when I arrive to collect Meli. “Business or pleasure?” she asks.
“Aren’t you supposed to be working?” I ask.
“Just about to go, boss,” she says, winking. “Look after her tonight,” she adds with a knowing smile.
Inside, I find Meli talking to Rylee. I inhale sharply. She looks stunning in a long red dress and matching heels. It’ll go perfectly with my gift. “Sorry I’m late,” I say, checking my watch that reads quarter past seven.
“It’s fine,” says Meli.
“Have a good time,” Rylee says as I lead her away.
“Everything okay?” she asks as I open the back door of the car. I slide in beside her, and the driver pulls out of the car park.
“Fine,” I say, forcing a smile.
“You’re tense,” she replies, and I wonder how she knows that just by looking at me. Maybe she’s been studying me longer than I realised.
“I got you a gift,” I say, ignoring her last remark. I hold out the box, and she takes it cautiously.
“You shouldn’t have,” she whispers.
“I appreciate you coming with me tonight,” I tell her, like it’s no big deal. “It’s just a small thank you.”
She gasps when she opens the box to see the diamond necklace. “Arthur,” she murmurs, “it’s beautiful.”
“It’ll go well with the dress,” I say, taking it from the box before she can refuse it and unclipping the clasp.
“I can’t keep this,” she says as I move to put it around her neck.
“It’s a gift.”
“It looks expensive.”
I fasten it in place, taking my time so I can inhale her scent. I gently brush her hair to one side, and she shivers. “Please, Amelia, for one night, just don’t battle me on anything.”
She turns back to me, frowning. “What’s wrong, Arthur?”
I shake my head, running my finger over her leg. I don’t want to offload onto her and ruin our night, so I stay quiet. But inside, there’s a storm brewing. I can’t get Ma’s face from my mind, and knowing those little fucking wannabes are out on my streets is putting me on edge. I should have cancelled. I should be out there breaking bones and spreading bullets.
We arrive at the gala a few minutes later, and our driver opens the door. “There’s important people here,” I tell Meli as we climb the steps to the council house. “Including the chief of police.”
“I know him,” says Meli. “Through Mav.”
“Then you’ll know how this goes. We smile, we agree, and we eat.”
She smiles, slipping her hand into mine. “Sounds boring.”
“It is,” I mutter as we enter the large room full of people.
CHAPTER TEN
MELI
Arthur seems on edge. He’s tense, and the usual flirty banter is completely gone. Instead, he’s short in his answers and silent the rest of the time. It’s clear this isn’t a date and he really did just need a plus one. And I shouldn’t feel disappointed by that—I asked him to give me space.
We’re seated at a large round table with eight places set, which soon fills up with people I don’t know. The last three seats are taken by Jolene Hall and two men. She rushes to sit beside Arthur, leaning over to let him kiss her on each cheek. She doesn’t bother looking in my direction, which is fine by me since I’ve seen far too much of her as it is.
“Couldn’t your brothers make it?” Arthur asks in a clipped tone. It’s obvious he doesn’t want her near him, which makes me smile.
