Hovering in front of a set of cement steps, I take in the flashy building. Lingering there, I feel it. Basking in the heat radiating off the entrance, I feel safer.
"Almost there..." Saying the words out loud to reassure both of us, my feet pulse with pain from each step I have to climb toward the multi-spinning doors.
Entering, for a brief moment, I'm distracted.
For twenty seconds, I don't feel like I'm being tracked down by danger. Instead, I'm surrounded by the sounds of laughter and slot machines whirling tunes. Smiles are passed around, while cheers are shared with each ring ofWINNERshooting through the air.
Women in outfits that reveal more skin than not drift around with drinks on a platter, smiles etched on their faces as they work. If one of them drifts close enough, I could grab their attention so I can find who I'm searching for.
Apparently, this is one of Steelwood's main attractions. It's where they generate most of their income, operating within the law, or so I've heard. I'd prefer not to dwell on what they might do illegally.
Looking around for anyone who gives off the biker aesthetic, I don't make it far before I'm approached by a man in a suit. Looks like a guard of some sort. A person who prevents trouble before it arises.
"Sorry, lady, but no kids are allowed inside."
Hugging Leliah closer to my chest, I shush her tired whine as she hugs my neck tighter. "Please, I'm not looking to play. I just need to talk to someone."
Exhaustion prickles at the corners of my eyes, and if the entire trip ends up being useless, tears will be what replaces my weariness. Being turned away now after everything makes me want to do something reckless.
What's the chance of me darting around this guy with Leliah against my hips like this?
Before the guy can call more security, I reach out with a hand to stop him. "I need to talk to someone from Steelwood, please. I'll wait at the entrance if that's what you want, but please, I'm begging you. I need—"
The guard grimaces, not enjoying the pityfest I'm holding here. He must see the glossiness forming in my eyes. He lifts his hand and stops me mid-sentence before looking around. Lifting his other hand to his ear, his words are so soft amongst the surrounding sounds that I can't tell what he's saying.
"Are they expecting you?" He lifts a brow, taking me in head to toe.
Do people normally make appointments with bikers? Unsure, I shake my head, hoping that won't hurt my chance of getting help.
More mumbling has him looking me over before glancing at Leliah. I hug her closer out of instinct. Lifting a brow, he turns to look at a dark-haired woman with a tray who is looking our way. One subtle nod and she's off, too.
"Stay right here and don't cause any trouble." He nods at me before looking away. "They're in the middle of a game. Wait long enough, and they'll come find you."
Motioning over with his finger, I notice a few benches resting against the walls. With how my legs are currently feeling, they're more than enough.
"Thank you." Knowing words can't possibly be enough to reveal just how thankful I really am, he urges me over while keeping a watchful eye on me.
Carefully setting her down, I shrug off the small backpack she'd normally wear around. Inside, there are a few of her crayons, her coloring book, today's tube of applesauce she didn't want to eat for lunch, and a pack of tissues. Pulling out the applesauce, I'm relieved when she busies herself with it.
Outside of the usual frustrated tantrums, Leliah's more on the quiet side. She'd rather blink the sleep from her eyes so she can drink in all the flashing lights, too.
Fixing her hair and trying to smooth it down, I don't pay any mind to the eyes that coast in our direction. Ignoring them all, I give her a soft smile.
"Everything is going to work out, alright? No matter what, I promise I'll find a way."
Even if it means putting my trust in the very same kind of men who broke into my home and left a message about paying back a debt that was left on my shoulders, then I'll do it.
two
Ace
The soft clicking of the roulette wheels in this section of the casino is like music to my ears. Further than that, there's the constant shuffling of cards and chips being placed as bets are made.
This is our playground. Our oasis. Whatever we want to call it, it's our escape from the real world. Under the guise of working, we're having a hell of a time giving the other people here a run for their money.
Normally, we'd hang around one of the normal tables, but today, I've been feeling on edge. Wanting to play things more riskily than usual.
Cheating at games is easy. With Smoke, I can easily trick whatever poor bastards end up at the same table as us. But the roulette tables? It feels like I'm taking a real risk here. Sometimes, it's nice to play a game where I don't know the outcome. Where I can feel a spike of adrenaline fill me because Iwon't know if I've lost everything, or won more, until the wheel stops spinning.
