He looked down at me and then nodded, letting us in. The door was shut behind us,and I squinted to see through the thick cigar smoke circling the room.
It was a private poker game, Dante, a group of unfamiliar vampires,and a pair of humans sat around a green velvet-lined table. The air was warm,and the smell of fresh bloodlingered.
What were they playing for?
“Hey! I didn’t think you guys would be back after last night.” Tully’s voice came from behind us. I turned to see him come in and walk to the empty seat next to Dante. He sat down and motioned for us to join the table. When we didn’t move right away, he shared a look with Dante. They grinned. “Oh, come on, bygones and all that. Look, our bruises are all healed and everything. Come sit and play with us.”
“She’s not playing,” I snarled.
Dante snapped his fingers and sighed. He looked almost bored. Suddenly two Bloodsheds stood up from the table and, leaving their cards and chips behind, left the room,and Dante motioned for us to sit. I was still hesitant, but finally, I did, and Scout joined me.
She reached for the cards left on the table,but I snatched them up before she could. I gave her a pointed look. It wasn’t meant to be malicious, but it was firm.
You don’t get to play.
Her eyes went to the floor.
Trust me, Nerd.
I sighed and slipped another piece of candy into my mouth. My stomach was going crazy with nerves, and the familiar taste helped relax me.
I tossed both sets of cards at the dealer, who quickly scooped everything up and began shuffling them again.
I reached for Scout’s hand under the table, and she took it. I looked down at her, and she gave me a small smile. Her eyes were weary, and I could almost hear her thoughts.
I didn’t want to fight anymore, either. This isn’t us.
A woman came in with a tray of tall glasses and small bowls of candy.
I took two glasses, and she set a bowl in front of me. I offered Scout a drink,and she took it eagerly.I slid the bowl towards her, and she grimaced, pushing it away. I cocked an eyebrow but said nothing. I opted for one in my pocket and popped it into my mouth.
“No candy tonight?” Tully asked Scout. She jerked at his voice and shook her head.
What was that?
I glared at Tully. His eyes flicked to me,and he rolled his eyes.
I watched him as the cards were dealt to everyone but Scout. He was staring hard at my girlfriend, and she was squirming uncomfortably. Did I miss something last night?
The stress of watching those two stare at each other made me reach into my pocket for more candy. It was helping me keep my mouth shut.
Scout finished one glass of blood and requested another. She didn’t speak once and let us play while she drank and sat beside me quietly.
Each game, I got more confident, and my shoulders relaxed. I began to laugh and joke with my Seven Sins brothers. Last night's fiasco was beginning to seem ridiculous and just a blip in our immortal timeline.
Who cared?
A few jokes were made at her expense, but I laughed right along with them. I knew I was being a jackass, but it really didn’t seem like a big deal. She seemed to be just fine now.
“Desi?” Scout’s voice called to me through the fog. I blinked and looked over at her.
“What’s up, Nerd?” I smirked.
“Are you okay? Are you eating their—”
“Why don’t you let her play just one game?” Tully interrupted her. My brain was too sluggish to really focus on multiple people. So I turned to my Seven Sin brother.
Lust.
