Helpless (Steel Demons MC #5) - Crystal Ash Page 0,96
shame he couldn’t be here tonight, he’s quite the life of the party.”
The next course came out, a light and delicate carrot-ginger soup that made me want to drink from my bowl. I resisted, keeping my table manners ladylike as I decided to shift the conversation.
“How is the hospital faring, governor?”
“Oh, it’s always short-staffed with so few people medically qualified these days. But Dr. Brooks does the best he can. On top of being the only one trained as a surgeon, he’s also running a teaching program in hopes of having more doctors available.”
My heart soared at the same time Jandro squeezed my knee under the table. “I don’t have a certificate to prove it, but I was trained as a labor and delivery nurse. Plus, learning things on the fly for the past three years. I’d be happy to help in any way that I can.”
The governor nodded enthusiastically. “That would be brilliant! Forgive me for not suggesting it sooner. I’m afraid we’ve grown accustomed to women not taking initiative to such roles in recent years.”
“That’s all right,” I smiled politely. “Maybe it can serve as a reminder to the women of Four Corners that we’re capable of more.”
“Indeed, indeed.”
But I noticed the governor’s reservation in that answer, and so did the men sitting around me.
Dyno wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Kyrie sure is born into a fortunate situation. There must be plenty of opportunities for a governor’s daughter that not everyone can afford.”
Vance swallowed a mouthful of soup, taking the time to choose his words carefully. “She has never wanted for material possessions, not has she had to worry about her education or safety—at least I thought so until recently.” He set his spoon down in his empty bowl. “But the unfortunate reality is that there aren’t many opportunities for women of any stature, no matter how well educated or financed they are. Unless, and forgive me, I don’t like it, but this is the truth,” he took a deep breath, “she marries another governor or his son to forge an alliance between the two territories.”
“So we have come full-circle,” T-Bone scoffed. “Back to the dark ages.”
“Of course it’s barbaric, but it is…the current reality,” Vance sighed. “I’ve never pushed her to marry anyone. Frankly, I’d be happiest if she spent the rest of her days here, safe, unwed, and far away from the eyes of any men.” He chuckled, elbowing Reaper. “Once you’re a father, you’ll understand.”
“I do in a way, but my…upbringing is somewhat different from yours, governor.” Reaper’s fingertips trailed the inside of my thigh. “A girl deserves multiple fathers to protect her, dote on her, and show her examples of what a man really is. When she’s a woman, she’ll know what kind of treatment to accept, and will choose the best men to please and protect her as an adult.”
Vance chuckled politely. “Different worlds indeed, president. But I respect it. And if I may say, Mari, you certainly look satisfied with your ah, arrangement.”
“I am, governor,” I smiled. “Very satisfied.”
Jandro started to laugh, then coughed, choking on his soup until Gunner whacked him on the back. Across the table, Dyno and T-Bone still wore surly expressions.
“I’m just curious, sir,” T-Bone stroked his beard. “What if Kyrie wanted to marry someone completely below her status? Say, a bricklayer. Or some other tradesman. Would you support the relationship if she loved the guy?”
Vance took a long time to answer. The soup bowls were taken away and the next course replaced it, but none of us were looking at the food.
“My daughter’s wellbeing and happiness is what’s most important to me,” he said finally. “If such a man can give her everything she needs, and provide a good life for her, who am I to tell her no?”
Seemingly placated by that answer, the Sons dug into their meal.
The rest of the dinner conversation was lighthearted. Drinks poured freely and the whole table was soon abuzz with laughter and lively conversation. Plates were cleared and replaced swiftly. I lost track of how many courses the meal was, but was completely stuffed by the time dessert was placed in front of me.
“Help me with this,” I begged Jandro, sliding the brownie topped with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge toward him. “I can’t eat another bite.”
He sliced his fork through and took a heaping mouthful, looking at me like I was crazy for not having any room left.
Dessert was barely finished before the men started putting their