“Absolutely. Can I go with you to be there for her? For both of you?”

“Christ, baby. You’d do that?”

Red’s words came back to her, and she said, “You’re my person, Quincy. I’d do anything for you.”

He tugged her into another embrace. “I’d do anything for you, too, but as much as I appreciate the offer, I don’t want you around any of this. Her ex is a drug dealer, and he has eyes on the shelter. I don’t want him seeing you there.”

“Are you in danger?” she asked as they went downstairs.

“No. But I need to make sure she’s not.” He strode into the living room, still holding her hand, shoulders back, chest out, looking even taller than normal, and said, “Diesel, Tru,” in a deep, commanding voice Roni didn’t recognize.

She had a feeling he didn’t realize he was still holding her hand as Diesel and Tru closed the distance between them, and every other man in the room followed as if they had been summoned, too. Quincy quickly explained the situation.

“That motherfucker’s done,” Diesel seethed, hands fisting.

“Before you go that route, Diesel,” Quincy said sharply. “Think you can reach that female cop you’re friends with in Parkvale?”

Diesel nodded.

“We might need her tonight. I’m going to try to convince Simone to file a complaint and get a restraining order. I think she’d be more comfortable with a woman,” Quincy explained. “Can you get extra eyes on the shelter and at Simone’s work for a while?”

“Consider it done. She’ll be escorted to and from work, and I’ll set up shifts so she’s never alone.” Diesel put his phone to his ear and stepped to the side.

“Does she need a doctor?” Bones asked.

“No, but thanks,” Quincy said. “I’m heading over to make sure she stays clean.”

“We’re coming with you to patrol the area to make sure there’s no more trouble,” Bullet said, nodding to Bones, Bear, and Jed.

“Scott and I will make sure our girls get home safe,” Biggs said gruffly.

Holy cow. They worked together like an expertly choreographed dance team.

“I don’t think we need everyone, but I know better than to argue.” Quincy looked at Truman and said, “Would you mind giving Roni a ride back to her place?”

“No problem, bro,” Truman said.

As if he’d dismissed them, the guys went to their significant others. Quincy pulled Roni into the dining room and said, “You sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, but the way they sprang into action makes me wonder if this is really dangerous.” She squeezed his hand and said, “Don’t lie to me, Quincy. I can take it.”

“I will never lie to you. They’re just making sure that asshole and his guys aren’t hanging around. It’s what they do, babe. The Dark Knights are here to protect people. I’ll be fine. I promise.”

“Okay, but please be extra careful, and come to my place after you’re done.”

“I don’t know how long this will take. It could be two or three in the morning.”