“No. I can learn,though. Although it’d be just for fun. I didn’t bring money to blow.”
“Oh,I wouldn’t worry about that. We take all sorts of payments here. Money, blood, whatever is agreed upon. Let me show you around.” Tully extended his arm,and suddenly it was behind her back, urging her forward. They started away from me, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded by the door.
“Leave your things. I’llhave someone take them to your room,” Tully said, not looking at me.
“Is Dante here?” Scout’s head turned to and fro, looking for Tully’s partner-in-crime.
“Yeah, you want to meet him?” Tully turned his head back to me. His eyes were blazing with excitement. It was like watching Satan himself work his magic on Eve. He grinned, his fangs shining in the light.
I swallowed. I had to tread carefully. The more I tried to get her to leave,the more she wanted to stay. I followed them, keeping a pace or two behind. Just close enough to protect her but far enough to let her think she had control of the situation.
She didn’t.
“Dante has his own table he likes to hold court at.” Tully glanced at the watch on his wrist. “He should be coming down any time now.”
“Do you play or just keep everything running?” Scout asked him. Tully’s hand remained firm on her lower back. Every time his hand twitched,so did my eye.
“A little of both. If I find the game interesting enough,I’ll sit down.” A cocktail waitress passed by carrying a tray with a big bowl on it. Tully plucked something from it and grinned. “Sometimes it’s fun just to watch. Would you like to try some candy?”I was just about to protest when Tully popped it into his own mouth and winked at me.
“Is this who I think it is?” A loud, familiar voice shouted from the far right of the room. All three of us turned to see a dark-haired vamp striding toward us with his arms wide open.
Dante.
“Speak of the devil.” Tully chuckled and bent low to whisper in Scout’s ear. “Meet Envy.”
I took a step forward,and instantly Tully stepped away and gave me a tight, knowing smile.
My momentary attention lapse allowed Dante to rush toward Scout and lift her up into a hug as if they were old friends. “You’re gorgeous! No wonder D blew his load over you!”
I groaned at the disgusting choice of words. He put Scout down and turned his attention to me. He grabbed me and lifted me just as he had her. “How’s it been,man? Good, by the looks of you!”
He dropped me hard,and I stumbled back. Regaining my feet,I straightened and looked at my old friend and fellow Sin.
Dante was just like Tully. They hadn’t changed. He was wearing a hockey jersey and ripped jeans. His dark hair was styled just the same as it had been the last time I had seen him. And he still kept the goatee. Facial hair on a vampire, especially a Bloodborn, was rare. He and Arsenio were the only ones I had ever met with it. Which I think Dante liked. It was kind of unsettling. Like he purposely wanted to stick out in the blood community but blend in with the humans. You couldn’t hide the red eyes,though.
Dante’s casual stance and genuine smile relaxed me enough to put my hand out and shake his, a real smile of my own spreading on my face.
“Good. I’m doing really good. You guys,too, apparently.”
He laughed. “Oh yeah. This, paired with my own stuff, has set us up real nice.”
I raised my eyebrows. “Your own stuff?”
His expression darkened for only a moment before returning to its friendly smile. “I’ll show you in a bit. It’s nothing you’d be interested in. You’re still playing with your cards?” His eyes flicked down to my pocket, which in fact, held my tarot deck. I nodded.
“Good. Keeps the work entertaining, I’m sure.”
Just then, my phone vibrated in my pocket. I glanced around the small circle we had formed and pulled it out. Corinne was calling. I knew if I didn’t take the call,she’d just harass me until I did. I put a finger up and excused myself for a second.
“Yeah?” I snapped when I answered. I lookedtowardthe trio. They were more than happy to entertain Scout while I was busy.
“I have a job. It’s urgent.” Corinne ignored my attitude.
“Apparently. What part of not working during my vacation didn’t you get?”
“I know. This isn’t for me. Ginata called it in.”
I frowned. “Gina? That’s not—” I paused. “Is she alright?”
