“Err . . . sure. I’m working tomorrow and the next day.” It was disconcerting how fast everything was moving.
Two days ago, life had been normal. Yesterday, Robin had burst back into my world, I’d learned that the orphanage was in trouble,andI’d discovered the truth about my parents’ deaths. Today, I’d scouted a casino, intending to rob it. Shit was changing—and quick.
Robin cracked an understanding smile. “It’s just that we want to get this done while Sherwood and Jehanne are at that retreat in the Diamond casino. The fewer vampires around, especially really ancient and powerful ones, the better.”
“I get it. And speaking of work, I should probably get going.” I stood and wobbled slightly before steadying myself. Catching up with old friends meant I’d indulged in too much celebratory drink. Well, that and the fact that being near Robin unnerved me. “I need to get some sleep so I can be on my mole-extraordinaire game tomorrow.”
Robin’s lips lifted in an amused grin.
Mole game? Ugh.I rolled my eyes. I was trying too hard to fit in.
“Let me see if someone can drive you,” Robin said. “We can pick you up in the morning, so you can get your car too.”
I shook my head. “I’ll walk home. It’s not that far, and it’s a nice night. I’ll call a ride-share to get me here in the morning. If that’s okay with you.” I added the last bit as an afterthought. Maybe a band of criminals wouldn’t want a ride-share rolling up to their hideout.
“Then I’ll walk with you.” Robin’s eyes widened for a split second. “I mean—if you want me to.”
The thought of him walking me home had my body warring with itself. My heart said yes. It wanted Robin still, no matter how insistent my mind was that being around him was a terrible idea. Silence descended over us, before Robin cleared his throat awkwardly.
“You should leave your car keys and address. Will can drop it off tomorrow. He’s an early bird. No pun intended.”
My gaze followed the long drive that led up to the ranch and then the dark gravel road beyond. Since we were so far out of the main suburb, the gravel road had no lights. While I’d always felt safe in my suburb of Vegas, since I’d become implicit in criminal activities, my sense of insecurity had blossomed. But was it a stupid choice to allow Robin to walk me home?
Chapter Seven
Gravel crunchedunder our shoes as we walked. Robin’s gait was steady, calm. I, on the other hand, was still tipsy from the beers, so I had to keep a keen eye out for the potholes dotting the road. It was better than the alternative though, which was being all too aware of Robin. Somewhere in the distance, coyotes yipped a nighttime song.
I was glad I’d taken Robin up on his offer to walk me home. Even though I was a shifter, one little fox wouldn’t stand up to a pack of wild dogs. Two probably wouldn’t either, but Robin had planned ahead and grabbed his bow and arrow—his favorite weapon. Judging by the bulge on his right hip, he’d also packed a gun before we left the ranch.
I suspected that he was worried about vampires learning about our plan. A totally reasonable concern in a vampire-run city. If they discovered our heist, every vampire in Vegas would hunt us down. We’d be toast.
“Are those silver-tipped arrows?” I gestured to the bow as I skirted one of the potholes.
“You know it,” Robin shot me a grin. “One can never be too careful with the ancients around. And I prefer arrows to stakes or head-chopping swords.”
I snorted at the idea that someone would carry a sword around Vegas. Unless a cosplay convention was in town, even in Vegas, that would stand out. “Wouldn’t silver bullets be easier?”
“Sure. I have those too.” He patted where I’d predicted his gun was stashed. “But you know how it is. There’s nothing like the feel of a bow and arrow in your hands.”
I understood. Like Robin, I too loved archery. My parents had been archers, and one of my earliest memories was watching them shoot in the desert. As I grew older, I found I’d much rather be shooting with a bow and arrows than playing with dolls. Robin and my mutual interest in the sport had first bonded us as kids.
Robin pulled an arrow from his quiver, aimed at something in the distance, and let it fly.
In the dark, I heard the arrow hit something that sounded like wood.
“Mostly I brought it because I thought it would be fun for practice. Now that I roam from city to city most of the time, I don’t get chances to shoot too often.” He cut me a glance and extended the bow. “You want a go?”
My fingers itched to loose an arrow. I nodded, and he passed the bow. In the transfer, our fingers touched. My breath hitched at the connection, the sensation that his touch could create inside me. It was as strong and electrifying as ever. Dangerous, so dangerous.
With greater care, I took an arrow from him and nocked it. As I pulled, the muscles in my back engaged in a way they hadn’t needed to in years. I inhaled and then exhaled, slow and controlled, like Mom had taught me. My fingers released, and the arrow soared into the desert. Atingsounded a moment later, making my heart leap.
“Bet you got a can,” Robin said.
I passed the bow back, feeling proud even though I hadn’t been aiming at anything in particular. It felt good to do something I loved again. “Thanks. How do you know it’s a can?”
“The gang and I set up targets along this road instead of on the ranch property. Mostly, it’s junk propped up on more junk. That way humans or supes driving by don’t think it’s too weird.”
“Why not use the ranch land?” The rental property had seemed large enough to practice archery on.
