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“Why take me and the girls in tonight? I’m sure it’s fine at home.”
“Because Wylde wishes it. He’s an asshole, but a lovable asshole.” She grinned. “He’s also an invaluable member of this club. If he wants you here, you’re here.”
“That’s why Clutch took apart my car. Isn’t it?”
“Likely.”
“Wylde’s idea? Is there really anything wrong with my car? Because I am pretty good about keeping up on the maintenance.”
“Now you’re beginning to see how sneaky these guys are.” Iris’s mirth spilled over to me, and I couldn’t help but grin. “Get your girls settled. Tomorrow they can ride to school with the kids here. Monica and Daisy will love to meet them. Only…” She trailed off, looking speculative. “Might want to keep a close eye on Daisy and Lemon. Daisy cleans under her nails with a big bowie knife in the common room while she stares at a prospect. If Lemon gets in on that, they’re all fucked.”
I couldn’t help myself. I burst out laughing and promptly started choking on the water I’d been sipping from. Iris offered me a tissue while rubbing my back gently. When I got myself under control, Iris squeezed my arm gently. “It’ll be all right. I promise.”
When she left, I sighed as I closed the door. What a day.
The girls were at the table working on Lemon’s project together. They often helped each other with homework. Apple looked up as I turned toward them.
“Everything OK?”
“Yes. Iris said one of the prospects will take you to school with the other kids in the compound tomorrow.”
Apple’s face lit up and she sat up straighter. “Deacon?”
I frowned. “Likely not. And you know why.” I hated seeing her duck her head in disappointment, but this had to be done. “You could get him in big trouble, Apple.”
“But I’m sixteen. That’s legal in Indiana!”
“You’re still a minor. Deacon’s not. It might be legal for him to be with you, but he’s part of a club, Apple. I don’t pretend to know what goes on here, but I’ve heard rumors. While I have no doubt they’re good people, what if the rules of his club say you both have to be eighteen before he can have anything to do with you? Wylde mentioned more than once they’d have to talk to Sting about that situation. What if you’ve gotten him in trouble because you lied to him?”
“I’m sorry. But Dani… I really like him.” God, I hated that lost longing in her eyes.
“I’m sure you do, honey. Seems he likes you too. But until you’re eighteen, you need to leave him alone. Promise me.”
She sighed, looking so crestfallen I felt bad, even though I knew it was for her own good. “I promise, Dani.”
“It’s only because I love you, Apple.” I brushed a finger down her cheek. “Even if I did give you a horrible name.”
Lemon snorted. “Not as horrible as mine.”
I raised an eyebrow at her, my lips twitching to keep from grinning. “Well, it fit. From the day you were born you were a bit… tart.”
She smirked. “Yep. Don’t expect that to change anytime soon. And Dani? Wylde better not hurt you.”
I gave her a quizzical look. “What do you mean?” My heart sped up and I felt my body dampen in sweat. There was no way Lemon could know I had a secret crush on the guy. That would be too humiliating.
“All this.” She waved her hand around the room. “He came when Apple called Deacon. He brought Raven to help you. He got Clutch to kidnap your car. He set us up here. That man wants you.”
“Lemon!” That girl was going to give me an ulcer. “Wylde is my friend. He comes to the coffee shop.”
“Why do you think he comes to the coffee shop? You haven’t seen his computer setup. Me and Apple have. Trust me when I say he doesn’t need to go to a stinking coffee shop for Internet access. He’s there for the company.”
“Maybe he likes the coffee.”
“Coffee? Danica. He can get coffee anywhere. He’s there for you.” Lemon didn’t back down an inch.
“I’m sure you’re mistaken. That man has women all over him.”
She waved her hand in the air, dismissing my comment. “Whatever. I’m just saying. I trust Deacon with Apple more than I trust Wylde with you. Why? Because Deacon has proven he likes Apple for more than a one-time fuck. Wylde hasn’t done the same with you.”
