Page 66 of Paladin's Hell

Paladin steps between them, his back toward Tulia. “Get back inside. I’ve already told you I’m not interested,” he tosses his instruction over his shoulder. “Jay, it’s so good to see you.” He holds out his hand. I inwardly give an exasperated sigh as Jayden reaches out to take it. She trusts him. I wish she wouldn’t.

“Scat,” Hellfire steps to my side, slipping the keys to the SUV into his pocket, and scowling at the club girl.

“Whores are going to be at the barbeque?” I question him. They never were allowed in the past, not when the kids were around. But then, my children haven’t been kids for a long time.

“Under sufferance,” Hell replies. “Brothers asked for them.”

“They can’t keep their hands to themselves for one afternoon?”

“They’ve been told to behave.” He nods pointedly at Jayden who’s walking hand in hand with Paladin, the latter talking animatedly. I wonder whether he’s explaining Tulia’s presence, and, whether Jayden believes him.

The sun is shining. It’s a pleasant spring day. I follow my own man around to the back where the grills, set up in the remains of the old furnace, are already emitting aromas which, despite my reluctance to be here, are making my mouth water. Eyeing the picnic tables, the preponderance of males, the smattering of scantily clad females, I uneasily wonder what the afternoon will bring.

Two people I don’t see are Jayden and Paladin. I frown. Damn it. Where have they gone? I should have warned her to stick by my side. Only been here a minute, and I’ve already failed as a chaperone.

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