Page 48 of Lucky's Trouble

“If he let her go, he could have me,” she says carefully.

“What do you mean, have you?”

“A lot of the girls he picks up didn’t have good home lives. They grew up on the streets or in trailer parks, while I grew up among wealthy, white men—God-fearing men, the same kind of men who are Neal’s clients for his other businesses. He knew I’d look good on his arm when he went to events to draw in more customers or meetings where he needed to impress people. But he also knew I wouldn’t do that shit willingly.”

“Do you know what those customers were buying?” I ask.

“I didn’t at first, but now I do. I know that makes me a shit person; I get that, but Myla’s not like me. She has a good heart and believes the best in people. I was the one who got us mixed up with Neal, so I had to be the one to get her out before Neal destroyed everything that makes Myla, Myla.”

“So you took shifts at the Thirst Trap and impressed assholes when he needed it. That was the trade?”

“Not just that.” Red tints her cheeks and neck. “I had to agree to do anything he asked. I was his property.”

Something inside me dies at that admission. It doesn’t change how I feel about her, but it sure does change how I look at her. She’s been out there suffering every day of her life just so her sister can be free to live however she wants, and she told no one.

I bend to wrap my arms around her middle and hug her tight, lifting her off the stool. “All that’s over now. Your life is your own. I’ll make sure of it.”

Her arms go around my neck, and I feel her subtle nod against my shoulder. “Thank you.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

LUCKY

Normally, my first stop when I start a shift is Myla’s room, but as I walk down the hallway of the residential suites, I wonder if this is a smart move. I don’t know when Tinleigh was going to reach out to her sister, but I’d like to steer clear until that’s over.

Or would that make me look like I was hiding something? I don’t fuckin’ know. This is why I never had friends who were girls before. If I stepped on one of my brothers’ toes, we’d have it out, throw a few punches, and be done. Girls are different.

I pick up speed as I reach Myla’s door, ultimately deciding to avoid her for now, but she steps out into the hall right as I attempt to pass unnoticed.

“You.” She points her finger at me. “Get your ass in here.”

I give her a salute, keeping things light as I walk through the doorway. “I’m taking it you talked to your sister?”

Her face falls. “What do you mean? Is Tinleigh okay?”

Shit. “If you didn’t talk to her, why are you ordering me in your room?”

“I just wanted to see if you talked to Rigger about this weekend.” She shakes her head. “That doesn’t matter. Do you know something I don’t about my sister?”

I didn’t ask Tinleigh if I could say something or if she wanted to be the one, but there’s no way out of this unless I give her at least part of the truth.

“When I dropped her off the day before last, I told her to give me a call if ever needed anything. She made that call yesterday, and by nightfall, I had her safe at the clubhouse.”

“What?” Her eyes bug out. “Why?”

“Neal knocked her around some. Guess it scared her into leaving.”

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“I think she needed a minute. She said she’d call today,” I offer up like a consolation prize.

Myla sinks to the bed. “Is she okay?”

“Yeah, she’s fine. I had Bones look at her, and he’s making her an appointment with Monroe.” I realize the mistake I made seconds after the words leave my lips, but Myla’s not as quick on the draw.

“With Monroe? Why?”

I see the moment it hits her why Tinleigh would need to immediately see the lady doctor, and it nearly breaks my heart in half. I didn’t mean to be the one to tell her that her sister was raped. But just like the apologies I keep throwing at Tinleigh, telling Myla I’m sorry doesn’t mean shit, so I keep it in.

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