She expected to go back to the bar and scanned the area forReyna but didn’t see her. The poker house had gotten much busier as the night progressed.
Dante led her to a door in the corner of the room. He punched in a code on the keypad, opened it, and gestured for her to pass. Cleo peeked inside and hesitated. It was fairly dark with soft lights lining the staircase leading to a second floor.What the…Something didn’t feel right. Dante had been nothing but kind to her, but the reality was something she’d been warned about several times. He was a stranger, and Cleo didn’t know him. A slow panic rose, and she immediately backed up..
“I should probably wait for my friend at the bar.”
“Reyna left.”
What?
“And your guests that were meeting you will no longer be able to make it.”
A coolness ran through her veins. How did he know? And why did Reyna just leave her? There were so many red flags in this situation. Her heartrate spiked and blood rushed through her veins.
“I should get going.”
“Cleo?” Dante gestured his hand to the open door.
She’d been in scary positions before, and she was getting an eerie vibe from Dante. It wasn’t anything he specifically said, and up until this moment, she’d been fairly comfortable around him. But safety 101 was telling her it wasn’t the safest choice to go into a locked, dark room with a stranger. Unfortunately, Dante was in a position of power. He could make her go upstairs. Even if she showed resistance, the poker house had topline security. She’d never get past them.
Cleo didn’t have much in her corner, but she had a Hail Mary.
“I’m with Killcreek.”
In all the years she’d been with the club, she’d never uttered those words.I never felt like I had to.
Dante slowly cocked his head with a small smile playing on his lips. “I’m well aware.”
Really?
“Okay,” she whispered. “So then…I’m just going to head home. ToKillcreek.”
Dante pointed to the door. “I will make sure you get safely home toKillcreek. But right now, you need to come upstairs.”
This was quite the predicament. What were the chances he was a man of his word, and she’d get home in one piece and still breathing? And was there any chance he’d keep her little adventure a secret from Killcreek? Cleo was quickly realizing her initial question of the night had just been answered.This was a mistake.
“Cleo, I have known Ace, Cross, and Wraith for decades. I also knew your brother personally, and I’m well acquainted with Inez. That should put your mind at ease. You’re not in any danger.” Dante sighed. “But you don’t have a choice. Now, if you don’t mind, we’re gaining a little too much attention for my liking.” He widened the door and lifted his chin.
What other choice did she have?None!
Cleo walked into the vestibule and followed Dante up the stairs, holding tightly to the railing. Her stomach twisted and her heartrate accelerated to the point of apprehension. She wasn’t necessarily a prime candidate for a heart attack, but considering her current dilemma and the nature of the situation, it could happen.
Dante opened the door wide and ushered her inside. Cleo glanced around, slowly entering. When she’d been here last time, she’d only had access to the downstairs main area. The balcony was obviously meant for VIPs. The room was half the size of the floor below and rectangular shaped. The large mirror was actually, a two-way, giving a view of all the tables. Cleo made a beeline for the glass wall, staring down at all the people.This is so cool.She was so engrossed with looking down she hadn’t even bothered checking out any of the room.
Rookie mistake.
“This must be fun watching everyone,” Cleo said to Dante.
But he wasn’t the man who answered.
“It’s about to get a lot more fucking fun.”
Her back straightened, and a chill raced through her veins.I know that voice.She’d only heard him speak a few times, but it was memorable. She slowly turned and widened her eyes. As predicted, the two men across the room were familiar. She’d heard a lot about them, seen them a handful of times and even spoken to them on a few occasions. Cleo didn’t know a lot about them, but then again no one knew much about the Underground.
She lifted her hand, giving a small, shaky wave. “Hi.”
Trey arched his brow. “Hello, Cleo.”
Rogue didn’t say a word and continued to glare with a deep scowl.
