“You’re after my coins?”
Before I can figure out what to do, Ace stumbles into the scene, a pint glass of beer in hand. He trips forward, spilling the entire drink onto Blackwood’s lap, my dress, and the table.
“Shit! I’m so sorry, man!” Ace slurs, his movements clumsy and exaggerated, like he’s had one too many.
Blackwood’s attention snaps to him as he lets go of my wrist. “Fucking idiot!” he roars, pushing back from the table. He grabs Ace by the forearm. “Do you have any idea how much this suit cost?”
Ace’s jaw tightens almost imperceptibly, but he doesn’t drop the act. “Ah, jeez, I’m really sorry,” he slurs again, swaying slightly. “Let me, uh… let me clean that up for you.”
I don’t waste the opportunity he’s given me and snatch the phone. I glance over my shoulder to look for Sylus and see he’s already approaching from the bar. He’s a shadow, passing close enough to me that I barely have to move to slip the phone into his hand. He’s gone in a flash, disappearing into the crowd as if he was never there.
My attention snaps back to Ace, who’s still holding up the drunk tourist act, even as Blackwood’s grip visibly tightens on him. I can see it now, the faint tremor in Ace’s other hand, the way his shoulders are braced…
This must be hell for him, but he doesn’t let it show.
Not yet, at least.
Fuck, we have to move faster. I look around for Sylus.
Quick, quick, quick.
Finally, he reappears, brushing past me again, and the phone is suddenly back in my hand. I pivot smoothly, planting it back on the table exactly where it was, as though it had never moved.
“You drunk asshole!” Stepping between them, I push Ace back with a scowl, forcing Blackwood to let go of him with the move. “You ruined my dress! And the whole evening.”
Ace blinks at me, then adopts a sheepish grin. “I didn’t mean to.”
“Ugh, just leave,” I order, rolling my eyes for Blackwood’s benefit.
“Riccardo!” Sylus strides up again at that moment. “I’m sorry, guys. My friend had one too many tonight. Come on, buddy.” Sylus grips Ace by the arm, but I notice he holds onto the fabric of his shirt rather than him. “Let’s get you out of here before you cause more trouble.” He turns to Blackwood with anapologetic smile. “Sorry for the mess. I’ll order a drink for you guys on our way out.”
Blackwood mutters something under his breath, waving them off as a server rushes over and starts cleaning the table.
“Oh my God.” Annabelle slides her hand across Blackwood’s arm. “You okay? That was insane.”
He nods, his irritation visibly easing under her attention. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a damn mess.”
I have to get out of here before he remembers what started that mess in the first place. My eyes find Annabelle’s, and she acts immediately, standing and coming to my side.
“Come on, babe. Let’s fix your dress. We’re not letting that guy ruin our night.”
I nod, smoothing out my expression as I follow her lead. “Yeah, good idea. I need to clean this up.”
Annabelle throws Blackwood a dazzling smile, one last flourish of charm to tie it all together. “We’ll be right back.”
As we walk away, weaving through the casino floor, I allow myself a deep breath. My heart is still pounding, the adrenaline still coursing through me, but a triumphant smile pulls at my lips.
Holy shit, we did it.
Annabelle leans closer. “Did it work out?”
I glance at her, my grin spreading wider. “Yeah, it did.”
Her responding smile is wide as we slip into a quieter corridor.
We pulled it off.
Annabelle was perfect, effortless, and charming. Sylus did his job even faster than I could have imagined. And Ace… God, Ace. He proved, once again, that when things go sideways, there’s no one better to have on your side.
