Page 491 of Lodestar

“Hell, while we’re at it, why don’t we make it a whole Old Ladies’ project?” I queried. “It’s not like Giulia, Indy, and Stone don’t have something to bring to the party.”

Rex hitched a shoulder. “Sounds smart to me.”

Rachel pursed her lips. “You can deal with Giulia.”

I grinned. “You afwaid of a wittle Old Lady, Rachel?”

Her eyes promised me hell which was creepy considering she was stroking Sommer’s head lovingly. “No, but you’re the same level of annoying so you two can pair off.”

Rex laughed. “She’s not wrong.”

Though I huffed, I couldn’t argue. Amara nodded. “Is good idea. Your brains not just in your balls, Rex.”

“Why, thank you, Amara,” he said pleasantly. “Always nice to get a compliment from you.” In an undertone, he muttered, “Instead of another fucking dog.” As if their new pup heard his species being taken in vain, Alfonso started barking in the backyard.

“Or kittens,” I added.

“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 theywereback 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?”

---