Page 38 of Throne of Sin

His one eyebrow rises above his shades and he grunts, but he takes off his sunglasses, placing them in the open collar of his dress shirt.

“Maybe take the suit jacket off?” I suggest.

He shrugs off the jacket but, in doing so, reveals the four guns strapped around his waist and chest. It’s impossible to fight my smile.

“Put the jacket back on.” I shake my head, loving the ease of our conversation. “You don’t even have enough hands for the number of guns you’re carrying. Why four?”

“When the first two run out of ammo, I’ll have backups.”

“Listen, I love that you are here, but you have to go.” His brows shoot up into his hairline. “I mean this in the nicest possible way. These women are scared of men like you.” I run a hand through my hair. “Any man being here is just too much. Would you mind staying in your car, far far away? Please.”

I wait for the explosion that’s bound to happen. My muscles tighten in anticipation.

“I can’t protect you from my car,” he says matter of factly.

“Who are you protecting me from? Think about it. You saw the line up last time. It’s a bunch of pregnant ladies worried they don’t have what it takes to make it in this world as a mom. Trust me, I can handle myself.”

“My car, huh?” he repeats. I grab hold of his hand and lead him into the street toward his car. “You’re serious?”

“I’ve been doing this on my own for years. Maybe not this city, but in other places. Want to know a fun fact?”

We stop in front of his car.

“I know what I’m doing, and can hold my own. I’ve delivered fifteen babies, out on the streets, and not once have I had security.”

He looks to be thinking about what I said. “With the midwife you worked with?”

“No.” I shake my head. “Myself. The first baby I delivered was on a sidewalk just like this. It gave me the greatest feeling. My adrenaline was high and I felt like I was doing something worthwhile with my life. I loved that feeling. That’s why I started to help with teen pregnancies in poverty-stricken areas. Soon, word got around and it was no longer just teens searching me out. I don’t have a piece of paper saying I’m a midwife, but I read all of their textbooks and have the experience of working with one. For a lot of these women, the only options they have are to either go it alone or come to me.”

“That’s impressive.” Dante keeps glancing at the two women loitering by a lamppost. “Recognize those two?”

“Yeah, they’ll come over the moment you disappear. Trust me on this.”

“Fuck. For the record I hate this. But, I won’t ruin it for you. You know where I am when you finish.”

“Thank you,” I give him a peck on the cheek. “I don’t mind if you drive further down the street or maybe down the block.”

Dante

“I don’t mind if you drive further down the street or maybe down the block.” Demi smiles, batting her long thick lashes. I take a look around the area. I hate that I’m caving, but it’s obvious she’s made it this far without me.

“You won’t even know I’m here. I promise.”

I slip into my car, and turn on the engine. The moment my wheels begin to roll, the two women on the sidewalk move to stroll up to her.

It takes no time to find an inconspicuous place to park and pull out my binoculars.

I watch in awe as Demi takes the time to help each lady who appears in the parking lot. Her full attention always remains on the woman in front of her. She gives advice, takes measurements, and hands out prenatal vitamins. She’s obviously at a disadvantage because she has no medical equipment or private room, but that doesn’t seem to bother anyone.

This is the first time I have truly seen Demi happy, without worry, and it’s a sight to behold. Could she have been telling the truth about not doing drugs? But then, who the hell had she been sneaking off to call? I take out my phone and send Max a message asking him to find out.

It’s not even five minutes later I get a notification from my brother. I look up at Demi, watching her do her thing and avoiding the report I need to read. She must be able to feel my eyes on her, because she looks up her emerald eyes searching for my whereabouts. My heart constricts, and I lean back in my seat, resting the binoculars on the passenger side.

I immediately recognize the name to whom the number belongs. Her mother. As I continue reading, I realize it’s her who’s addicted to prescription drugs. I didn’t realize she was close enough to her mother to lie about something like that. She used to tell me everything.

My phone buzzes with a message from Max.She’s clouding your judgment, brother. This call wasn’t all that long ago.

Me:Stop being a drama queen.

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