Page 4 of Ravaged and Ruined
“What’s up?” I ask as she steps into my space blocking my view of her best friend Lacey. Which I don’t hate because I need a minute to breathe.
“I wanted to talk to you about something,” she says.
I nod. “Go ahead.”
She hesitates, then exhales sharply. “With the insurance money from the strip club, I’ve been thinking about opening that women’s shelter I told you about.”
I tilt my head. “Yeah, I remember. Are you serious about it?”
“Dead serious.” Determination flickers in her eyes. “I just need some help getting started. Finding a location, getting it off the ground. I know the club’s busy with the casino, but…”
“Done.” I don’t let her finish.
Her lips part slightly, surprise flickering in her eyes. “Just like that?”
“Just like that,” I confirm. “We’ll make it happen. I’ll set up a meeting with you and the boys to figure out what you need.”
Emery’s shoulders relax. She’s as tough as they come, but this means something to her.
“Thanks, Aero,” she says, her voice softer than usual. “I appreciate it.”
I shake my head. “No thanks needed. This club takes care of its own.”
Before she can respond, I nod toward the bar where Quinn is talking with some of my guys. “Come with me.”
She nods, falling in step beside me. “Where?”
“I think I know someone who can help.”
I lead her through the crowd, stopping just beside Quinn, who turns to face me with a raised brow.
“Aero.” She eyes Emery, then looks back at me. “Something I can do for you?”
“This is Emery, Surge’s Ol’ Lady,” I say, gesturing between them. “She’s working on starting a women’s shelter. I figured since that’s part of what your club does, you two should talk.”
Quinn’s expression shifts into curiosity. She turns fully to Emery, looking her up and down like she’s assessing her. Emery meets Quinn’s gaze without hesitation, her back straight, shoulders squared. She’s not the kind to be intimidated, even by someone like Quinn, whose reputation speaks for itself.
“A women’s shelter?” Quinn asks.
Emery nods. “Yeah. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but now I have the funds to actually make it happen. What I don’t have is the connections or the experience to get it off the ground the right way.”
Quinn tilts her head, considering the possibilities. “You running this solo, or you got backing?”
Emery glances at me. “Aero just offered the club’s support.”
Quinn smirks. “Is that so?” She looks back at me. “Didn’t peg you as the charity type.”
I shrug. “It’s not charity. It’s business. The right kind.”
Her smirk widens. “Fair enough.” She turns back to Emery. “If you’re serious, I can put you in touch with the right people, help you avoid the usual pitfalls.”
Emery stays tough, but for a split second, I catch a flicker of relief in her eyes. “That would be… yeah. That would help a lot.”
Quinn studies her for another beat, then nods. “Good. Let’s grab a drink and talk.”
Emery looks at me, and I nod. “You’re in good hands with Quinn.”
She hesitates, like she wants to say something, but instead just gives me a small, appreciative nod before following Quinn toward the bar.
