As the moody, depressive music from the club filled the air between them, he scrambled to put together the magic combination of words that would keep her from taking off on him.

Although not channeling his father was probably the first place to start, he thought.

She turned around and he felt the measure of her stare. “I’m going to go get changed and tell Trez I’m quitting. Will you wait for me?”

What…had he heard that right? “You’re quitting?”

She held up the paper towel. “I’ve known for a while I couldn’t keep doing this…I just didn’t know tonight was the end. And it is.”

Vin stepped forward and wrapped his arms around her, holding her carefully so she could pull back if she wanted to. She didn’t though. As their bodies met, she took a deep breath…and hugged him back.

“Yes…yes, I will wait for you,” he whispered. “Even if it takes hours.”

As if he knew precisely the right time to appear, Trez walked out of his office at the far end of the corridor and strode toward them.

He extended his hand to Vin. “So, you taking her out of here?”

Vin lifted his brows as they clapped palms. “If she’ll let me.”

Trez looked down at Marie-Terese, his brown eyes impossibly kind. “You should let him.”

Marie-Terese blushed the color of a Valentine’s Day card. “I…ah…listen, Trez I’m not going to come in anymore.”

“I know. And I’ll miss you, but I’m glad.” When the man held out his huge arms, the two of them hugged briefly. “I’ll tell the rest of the girls, and please don’t feel like you have to keep in touch—sometimes a clean break is the best. Just remember, if you need something, anything—money, place to stay, shoulder to lean on—I am always here for you.”

Okay, Vin liked this guy. A lot.

“I will.” She glanced at Vin. “I won’t be long.”

After she ducked into the locker room, Vin dropped his voice, even though it was arguably unnecessary, as no one was in the hall with them. “Listen, she told me about how tight you’re being with the police. I appreciate it, but if it costs you or her anything, you open right up, okay?”

The guy smiled a little, his self-confidence palpable. “You don’t worry about the cops. You just take care of your girl and everything’ll be cool.”

“She’s not my girl, really.” Although if he had half a chance…

“Can I give you a piece of advice?”

“Yeah, sure.”

As the guy stepped in close, it was unusual for Vin to have other men meet him square in the eyes given how tall he was, but Trez sure as shit didn’t have a problem with that.