Page 37 of Throne of Sin

She has such a tight grip on my heart that mine squeezes as if it were hers.

I don’t have to ask who the bookie is. There was only one back then, and he won’t be alive much longer if he hasn’t already gotten himself killed.

“Tell me about what you’re doing here?”

She lifts her head from my chest. “The feeling of being a poor girl in a poverty-stricken town is something I remember and I want to help. I give the girls prenatal vitamins because they can’t afford them. A while back, I worked with a midwife for a number of years. I try to give advice to the girls when I can. These girls have no health care and are scared. I just hope to make the transition a little easier on them.”

Now I feel like an ass for thinking the worst of her.

“You’re the kindest person I know.”Literally.“I think this is a great thing.”

She lays her head back down on my chest, hugging me back.

“Can I take you for a cup of coffee?” I ask seriously.

She laughs into my chest, the vibrations going straight to my heart, and I sigh. It just feels right to have her in my arms, and right now, it’s like no time has passed. We’re still two teenagers sitting on a roof talking about life.

Chapter 19

Demi

“You’regettingcutearlytonight, Demi,” Sienna calls from behind the bar.

“Really?” I go to check the time, but there isn’t a clock around to remind anyone of time commitments. “What time is it?” It doesn’t feel late.

“Late enough.” I’ve worked slower nights and never gotten off early. All of us girls all leave at the same time.

“Okay…” I draw out the word, confused. “Did I do something wrong?”

Sienna rolls her eyes. “This is a gift, just take it.”

I nod, still not understanding, but go to the dressing room to change into my street clothes. I don’t even have a cell phone or watch to check the time. Oh well, it will give me more time downtown.

“Where are you headed?” Robin asks when she sees me walking out in street clothes.

“I was told they don’t need me on the floor for tonight.”

Robin glances over at Sienna and replies under her breath, “She’s probably just angry you’re killing it in tips.”

As I walk out of Throne of Sin, I’m forced to protect my eyes from the light glaring into them. The sun is low on the horizon, its angle hitting me perfectly, stunning me with a beautiful pink and orange sunset. I turn to head toward the bus station and find Dante leaning against his car.

“Need a ride?” he asks with a cocky smile.

Giddiness swarms through me. “I’m not headed home,” I reply.

“I know. Remember, I said I’d go with you next time.”He remembered. The gesture is small but makes my heart constrict.

He walks around his car and opens the door for me as he waits. Hesitantly, I walk toward him.

“Thank you, sir,” I say, sliding up to him.

He stares at me, and my hand fiddles with my hair unsure what he’s looking at. “Fuck, I forgot how beautiful your smile was.”

A slow blush creeps up my neck as I slip into his passenger seat and he closes the door behind me. He moves around to his side and leaves me with my heart pounding in my chest.

Dante stands a foot behind like a wall of steel, ready to stop anything that may cause me harm. It’s adorable, but is also scaring everyone away.

I turn to him and place a kiss on his smooth jaw, then freeze, realizing my action. It’s just been so comfortable around Dante, like we’re back to who we used to be with each other. My cheeks flush and I say, “You need to sit, or lean against a wall. Do something to make yourself look less intimidating. None of these women will come around with you looking all sniper like.”

---