Page 68 of Sinners Reunion

I chose to dress down like Rosie. I’m in a baby-blue romper with ringlet curls in my hair and comfy sandals on my feet. Jim’s little shopping spree paid off, as I feel like a million bucks every time I change clothes. My usual wardrobe could never.

Gary pulls the limo into a place called Alligator Avenue, and I give King a sideways glare. He knows how I feel about little roadside animal attractions. I fucking hate them, and for good reason. My family’s dealings in the dregs of the exotic-animal trade and roadside sideshows taught me the truth of what it’s like for these animals.

“I’m not eating here,” I whisper to King.

He smiles at me. “Suit yourself. One less mouth to feed means more money in my pocket.”

When he goes to climb over me, meaning to leave me in the limo, I snatch him down again, then motion for Grim and Rose to go on without us.

“We’ll be there shortly,” I say.

“I suggest you do not take long.” Grim looks at his watch, then straightens his tie. “I wish to complete this meal and return to my solitude for Zwei.”

Rose scowls at him and takes his hand in hers, scratching symbols onto his palm.

He rolls his eyes. “My apologies. Please, take all the time you need.”

With that, he exits the limo. Rose gives me a sweet little grin and follows him.

The door shuts, and I turn to King. “You know how I feel about exploiting animals,” I say, keeping my voice low. “Why would you bring me to a place like this? It’s upsetting. You know how I grew up.”

“Are you quite finished?”

I fold my arms over my chest and look away.

His fingertips find my chin, and he guides my face toward his, forcing me to look at him. Damn his blue eyes. “I would never do something to cause you intentional distress. Though I may joke and tease, my goal is never to give you any true heartache. Alligator Avenue isn’t what you believe it to be. If you’ll just give the place a chance, you’ll realize why I’ve brought you here.”

I glance at the building again. It doesn’t look like anything good. The parking lot is in disrepair, and the siding could use a good cleaning. If they don’t take care of the grounds, I dread to think how the animals must be housed. Even alligators deserve kindness.

King smirks and holds out his hand to me. “Come on, my beauty. Let me prove to you that I’m a good man.”

But as I slide my fingertips against his warm palm, that’s exactly what I’m afraid he’ll do.

Chapter Twenty-One

Josie

Pristine marble floors gleam white beneath my sandals. I stand in front of a large information board with my hands on my hips, taking in the truth of this place. King wasn’t wrong. These people aren’t exploiting animals. They’re saving them.

Powerful hands land on my shoulders, and King’s warmth presses in behind me. He dips lower, placing his lips beside my ear. “Jim purchased this place a few months ago,” he whispers. “This is where he wants to bring your sloth. Just thought you might like to see what he has to offer.”

A few staffers appear behind the information desk, and one of them raises her hand to shield her eyes as she looks at the four of us browsing the foyer displays. “Are you Madigan’s people?”

“I am my own person,” Grim grumbles.

“Yes, that would be us,” King says before the woman can take offense. I don’t know how Rose tolerates Grim’s cold demeanor. “Is the gator experience ready for us?”

“I thought you said they don’t exploit the animals.” I pin King with a glare.

The woman offers me a warm look. “We definitely don’t exploit them, but we do allow the public to witness some of their natural behaviors while they’re in our care. Feedings, enclosure cleanings, rehabilitation—we want our benefactors as involved as possible. The money we receive for the entertainment and education we provide helps us fund our mission, but never at an animal’s expense.”

“Aren’t there government programs for that?”

The staffers smile a little bigger and start to laugh.

King presses his hand against the small of my back, guiding me toward a hallway. “This facility is one of our special projects. Part animal sanctuary, part . . . You’ll just have to see it.”

Automatic doors swing open as we approach, and the four of us enter a large aquarium. The building’s interior is nothing like its exterior. I feel like I’m walking through a state-of-the-art facility.