“You want me.”

“Yes, I do.” He needed to get through to Blaze. Not everyone wanted to use him. “I’d rather you didn’t dance for me.”

“Christ.” Blaze left Delaney’s lap. “I knew it. You’re trying to get me to quit.”

Shit. Yes, he wanted Blaze out of the business, but it wasn’t because he wanted to save all of the strippers.

“I’m not quitting. I make good money here, and I can keep on the down low. No taxes. Yeah, fuck you.” Blaze growled. “I can’t get my paperwork. I’m not allowed because I can’t document where I came from.”

“Why?” Every shifter had been given the right to gain a driver’s license, a job and a passport. Where Blaze had come from wasn’t an issue.

“No. I’m not doing it. I can’t. Look, tell management, but I can’t do this. I’ll take the hit.” Blaze shook his head again. “I can’t.”

Delaney took money from his pocket. He’d tucked a note between the bills, wanting Blaze to see it later. He pushed the cash into Blaze’s hand. “You’re a good man.”

He should say more but didn’t know what to do. He left his chair and ducked out of the private room. Embarrassment washed over him as he walked out of the club. Being there was dangerous. If someone recognized the head of the mayor’s campaign at a strip club, Delaney would lose his job. He made his way through the private exit and disappeared through the tunnel to the parking garage.

His panther craved Blaze. The big cat sensed Blaze’s confusion. Yes, the cash was good, but something about Blaze screamed that the shifter wanted to be a decent man. Delaney sighed and climbed behind the wheel of his car. Hopefully, Blaze would read the note and take him seriously. Maybe, there was a chance they could find common ground or even a friendship. A relationship was probably out of the question. Too bad, the cat didn’t care. Delaney wished his panther would settle down. There wouldn’t be any claiming tonight, and the panther would have to wait.