“Let me make a call,” Darian said.
Rylan squeezed the back of his neck. Jesus, the poor girl had no one, and it broke his heart. That was the type of person his father would have helped.
Rylan looked around. “Where’s Larkin?”
Darian stuck his phone in his pocket and scowled as they looked around. “She knows better than this,” he grumbled.
Rylan followed Darian as they walked down the sidewalk. He caught a flash of color out of the corner of his eyes and looked down the alley. “I see her.”
Both men headed that way to find Larkin and Faith sitting on a wooden crate, crying together and holding hands. Both girls’ faces were red from crying.
“Pet, don’t you ever walk off like that again,” Darian said.
“I’m sorry, Daddy. I saw her, and I had to talk to her.”
“I understand that, but next time, tell me.”
Larkin nodded.
Rylan squatted down by Faith. “I’m sorry you got fired.”
Faith sniff and nodded. “It’s okay. They’re assholes.”
Rylan bit back a chuckle. “Young ladies should not be cursing.”
She rolled her eyes. “Well, it’s good I’m not a lady then.”
Larkin snorted and pressed her hand against her mouth, but Rylan could still hear the giggles she tried to hide.
Darian pulled Larkin up and put his arm around her waist.
Rylan grinned. “What are you going to do now?”
Faith shrugged.
“I asked you a question, Faith.”
She sniffed again. “That doesn’t mean I have to answer it.”
“Oh, Daddy, she sounds like a brat. She’s going to get spanked,” Larkin whispered to Darian.
“Where are you going from here?” Rylan asked again.
“Home.”
She tried to stand, but Rylan reached out and put his hand on her arm to keep her in place.
“Not yet. Now tell me what your plans are.” He caught the flash of desperation in her eyes before she blocked it, and he knew she needed some kind of help.
She shrugged.
He sighed. “I’m asking because I can get you a job in my building if you need one.”
Her eyes widened. “Where is that?”
“It’s just eight blocks away.”
“How do I know I can trust you?”
“You can’t, really.”
“He’s a good guy,” Larkin said. “My daddy trusts him.”
Her brows puckered. “Daddy? But…”
“It’s a long story,” Larkin told her.
“I want you to come to my office.” Rylan handed her his card. “Tell them I sent you. I want you there tomorrow at eight sharp. Can you do that?”
“This is for real?”
“Yes, baby.”
She still looked suspicious. “What would I be doing?” Faith asked.
“I’m not sure yet. Do you know how to use a computer?”
“Yes.”