When I open them again, Adam is watching me. There’s more clarity in his gaze now. And something harder. He drops his eyes to the ground, eyes flickering as if he’s working through options in his mind and coming up empty. “Either way, I’m not going to live past tonight, right?”
A small shrug. Red looks coy. “I don’t believe in giving the game away, I’m afraid. Pick, and you’ll find out the answer.”
If he picks Buck. He’d be a damn fool not to.
“Pick me,” Buck mutters. “I’m ready to get out of here.”
“Shut up.” My voice is harsh. “Don’t be a fool.”
Adam hesitates, then.
I step forward, not even sure what I’m asking for. “He doesn’t mean it. He’s drunk.”
“He’s always drunk.” Red rolls her eyes. “Really, it would be a mercy.”
Adam glances between us both. I stare at him, silently pleading.
Please.
I wonder what he sees.
His lips press together, the blood draining from his face. “I’ll take it.”
Everyone stills. I almost stumble.
Red snaps. “What?”
He nods at me. “I’ll take it. I’m not a fool. I’ll die anyway.”
“And if I kill him?” Red sounds infuriated.
Buck sinks his face into his hands. I’m not sure if it’s relief or devastation.
Adam lifts his chin. There’s no fear in his eyes when he looks at Red. “Either way, it won’t change what happens to me. But my conscience will be clear.”
“Hatter.” Red’s voice is filled with tightly controlled fury. “Do it.”
I stop. “What?”
She nods. “You heard me. You wanted it. Give him to Knave when you’re done for disposal.”
Red stands. Her gold gown flows out from behind her as she reaches forward, gripping Adam by the chin. She twists his head from side to side. “Pretty. A shame, really.”
That’s all the time she gives him before she sweeps out.
I can feel the eyes of her men on me. Waiting.
Slowly, I move over to the tray. He doesn’t say anything, but I can feel him watching me. “What is this place?”
“Hell,” Buck mutters.
I nod. “That covers it. How did you get in?”
His face pales further as I flick the lighter. I’ve never done this before. Seen it plenty of times, here, but never been so close.
It smells… sweet. Sickly. Almost vinegary.
“I…well. Ironic, really.” He laughs, the sound harsh and dark and full of self-loathing. “Through my dealer. He told me he had a ticket, gave it to me. I should’ve realized it was a set-up.”
