in danger. You’re awfully important to us, Justine.”
The sentiment came too late. Justine was too angry to appreciate it, her resentment bubbling over to clog her throat. She merely pointed at the door.
Her sisters left, both looking worried, and Justine headed to the bath. Now that she was wide-awake she might as well soak for a while. Then it occurred to her: she hadn’t asked them about the contents of Daddy’s telegram.
She considered following them to inquire but decided against it. At the moment, the less she saw of her sisters, the better.
Whistling, Jack signaled to Cooper, who lifted his chin in acknowledgment and started across the main room of the club. Once Cooper arrived at his side, Jack explained, “You and Rye are with me. We’re going to see a man at the brothel inside the World.”
Cooper’s brows lifted but he said nothing, merely nodded. They left the club and found Rye waiting at the curb with the carriage. The ride was a short one with the streets mostly clear, now that dark had fallen. Jack hopped out and waited for Rye to secure the horses. Cooper descended as well and stared at the World Poolroom, the inside of which was already rowdy. “Anything I should know?” Cooper asked.
“There’s a fellow upstairs. Sees one of the girls here on the regular. He’s run out on his wife. We’re going to convince him to return to her.”
“Got it.”
Rye joined them and Jack took a step toward the World—then froze in his tracks.
Justine stood a few feet away, her face and hair obscured by a thick black cloak. “You weren’t going in without me, were you?”
“What are you doing here?” he growled. His gaze swept the street, looking for trouble. “Have you lost your mind?”
“I told you I was coming.” She walked toward them and smiled at the man on Jack’s left. “Hello, Rye.”
Rye grinned and tipped his derby. “Miss.” The older man had taken a shine to Justine after the bowling. Annoyingly, he’d been singing her praises for almost two full days.
“I’m Cooper,” the younger man said, and Jack had to suppress the urge to smack both of his men.
“Hello, Mr. Cooper. I am Justine.”
“Excuse us, fellows.” Jack grabbed Justine’s hand and pulled her out of earshot. “Chérie, this is a dangerous spot after dark. I don’t like the idea of you waiting here by yourself.”
“I wasn’t by myself. I stayed in a carriage across the street until I saw you arrive.”
He sighed. She wasn’t getting it. “You need to let Rye take you home. Or to my home. Anywhere but here.”
“Jack,” she said in a low, soft voice, one that spoke of intimacy and affection, and the sound was like a caress to his balls. “I’ve had enough of lectures this week. I’m perfectly safe with you. So let’s go take care of Mr. von Briesen. Then perhaps we might find some privacy and take care of other, more delicate things.”
Christ almighty. His mouth went dry. He didn’t even care if she was managing him. Find some privacy. Fuck, he liked the sound of that. Blood began pulsing in his groin and he would’ve done just about anything she asked at that point.
Stepping closer, he bent and put his lips near her ear. “We’ll finish this as quickly as I can manage. Then you’d best be wet and ready to take care of those delicate things because they are aching for you.”
He heard her tiny gasp and smiled. He so enjoyed corrupting his little do-gooder.
Sweeping out his arm, he said, “Stay close. I’ll kill any man who even looks at you funny.”
“No, you won’t. Besides, no one will hurt me when I am at your side.”
True, but this crowd was unpredictable. “Do not drink anything while we’re inside. And do not turn your back or wander off.”
“I won’t. I promise.” She bit her lip, her eyes gleaming with what he supposed was triumph.
Resigned, he brought her to where Rye and Cooper waited, his twin shadows not even bothering to look away or pretend they weren’t watching closely. “Do not let her out of your sight,” he told his men. “Not for a single second.”
Their group started for the door. Rye sidled up to Jack and muttered, “See she’s got you dancin’ to her tune. Now I like her even more.”
“Fuck off.” He shoved Rye out of the way and hurried to open the door. “I’ll go through first,” he told Justine. “Stay together.”