Ineverexpected him to join my table tonight. Certainly not after loitering for a week in the near distance and all the months before that from over in the bar. In all that time, he’s never played a single game. Not to my knowledge, anyhow.
Of course,his unwanted presence threw me off kilter, and I mentioned his badge in mixed company. Looking back, I bet that slipup was quiet enough that nobody except Reed and Keith heard the flippant comment.
I hope.
If it ended there, I probably would have been fine.
Regrettably, it didnotend there. Because he’s Reed Hayes, which makes him unable to interact with me without causing harm.
While I can’t be entirely sure, I suspect two people who were playing when Reed joined the game are part of the ring. More than likely, Silas has other creeps eavesdropping on what happens at my table. I put nothing past that monster. By now, he knows a law enforcement officer was attempting to question me tonight. And if he figures out it’s Kenzie’s brother, it’ll be worse for us all.
Reed might not realize it, but he likely put a big red target on my forehead with his questioning.
Curse him and those stupid dimples.
Related... who in Hades has dimples while frowning? What sorcery is that? It’s unfair to look that good and bethathorrible.
Clearly, he was sent to punish me for my past. In that pressed dress shirt and dark blazer that do their best to disguise hisstrong shoulders. Pants that fit him impeccably. The way he loosens his tie and unbuttons just the top button. It’s barely enough to give me a glimpse of the ink I know covers parts of his chest and arms. I remember how the darkness contrasted with my ivory skin as I ran my hand over his taut flesh.
Reed Hayes is my penance. Looking like the most delicious snack when I’m on a permanent juice cleanse.
Metaphorically, of course. I don’t do juice cleanses anymore. It’s too hard to get off the casino floor for the frequent bathroom breaks required. I’d rather stay fat than need to wear diapers to get through a work shift, unlike certain elected officials.
I slam my locker door closed with a bit too much vigor. Despite causing the noise, I’m startled by the deafening sound.
Beside me, Kiona makes a show of jumping back. “Damn girl. What did that locker do to you?”
“Sorry.” I throw my bag over my shoulder and give her a tight smile. “I wasn’t paying attention to what I was doing.”
Her mouth turns down, and she places a hand on my forearm. “Are you okay? You’ve seemed off lately.”
“Just tired,” I fib. “I’ll feel better tomorrow.” Another fib.
There isnochance of me feeling better. This nightmare is never-ending.
She locks our elbows together. “Are you too tired to join me for a drink? My tips were fantastic tonight. It can be my treat.”
I shake my head. “Nah. I can’t. Thanks, though.” Attempting to throw her off, I fling an out-of-pocket distraction her way, one from my frequently used arsenal. “Do you think anyone really enjoys kombucha? I doubt it.”
Her face screws up comically. “Oh,hellno. That’s like drinking salad dressing.”
“Good point.However, now I’d like to amend my opinion. Because have you ever had Ken’s Steakhouse Italian? I could chug that goodness straight from the bottle.”
Once upon a time, salad was a dressing-delivery device for me and nothing more. When the lettuce was gone, I was known to put the bowl to my mouth and drink it straight like other people do with cereal milk.
Kiona kicks her head back with a melodic laugh. “I’ll take your word for it. I’m not a salad fan.”
As we stroll through the bowels of the casino, she relentlessly tries to get me to change my mind. I stand firm because there’s no way I’ll drag her into my drama. I bet Silas will be looking for me tonight. It’s better for her if she steers clear.
Chills run through me at that thought.
“Good night,” Kiona tells the guard as we clear the last security checkpoint.
We retrieve our purses from the bag check station and trounce away. She prattles about a guy she started seeing, but I lose focus on what she’s saying almost instantly. My earlier morose thought demands attention, pounding raucously inside my mind.
Icannotlet anything happen to Kiona. I need to protect her.
My vision freezes on the exit door—the final barrier between me and whatever Silas has planned. Panic surges through my nervous system, making my stomach plummet.
