Page 74 of Provoking Camden

The officer moves toward the door to let us out.

Blade is still sitting with June in the hallway. I’m not surprised. He would never leave a woman unattended, especially one in distress.

Colton is leaning against the wall across from us. He shoves off it when we exit.

June looks at Simone. “Was it hard?”

Colton holds out a hand. “You two should talk another time. We don’t want June to be influenced by anything Simone says.”

June nods. “Right. Of course.”

Simone smiles at June. “I’m so sorry you got hurt. Feel free to get in touch with me if you need to talk.” She looks at me. “Can you give her my number?”

Blade stands and helps June to her feet. “I’ll make sure she has it. I’m going to stay with June and make sure she gets home safely.”

I nod. Again, not surprised. There’s no way for me to judge Blade’s intentions. He could be feeling something tender and Daddy-like for June. Or it’s also possible he’s just being kind.

Colton turns to me. “I’ve got an officer waiting to drive you home and drop me off. He’s meeting us out front.”

“Thank you.” I take Simone’s hand in mine and follow Colton toward the front of the station.

She leans into me. She’s probably exhausted.

She tips her head back. “Do you think she’ll be okay?”

“June? Blade will make sure of it.”

“It’s weird that you know her.”

“She was in a few of my classes. It’s been several years.”

“I wonder why she’s alone. That makes me sad.”

“You would have been if Jameson hadn’t called me to come get you.” This doesn’t make it better.

Simone sighs as we stop at the front door. “I’m glad Blade can help her. That’s very kind of him.”

“He’s a good guy.”

Simone wraps her arm around mine and holds on tightly. “She has a broken arm…”

I turn toward her and tip her chin back. “Blade will help her, Little one. I promise. He’s not going to drop her off somewhere unsafe. I’m sure he has already asked her enough questions to figure out why no one is here with her.”

“Okay.” She licks her lips. “Maybe we could wait for them?”

I kiss her gently. My girl has a heart of gold. I hate that she’s having to worry about another woman while dealing with her own recovery, but I’m not surprised she’s concerned. That’s how Simone is. “Okay, baby. We’ll wait.”

Colton turns to us, smiling. “My Little girl would do the same thing.”

We step outside. We can wait, but it’s loud in the precinct.

Simone looks at Colton. “What’s your Little girl’s name?”

“Evelyn. Her friends call her Eve.”

“Oh, Eve. I know her. I’ve met her at Surrender.” Simone cocks her head to the side and squints her eyes before snapping her finger. “I’ve seen you there, too, now that I think of it.”

Colton chuckles. “I’m sure you have. I bet if you were in pigtails, I’d be able to say the same about you.”